FAQs

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design

Undergraduate: BFA

What do graduates of Apparel Design go on to do?
Apparel students graduate with a broad range of skills that prepare them for many career paths. Many alumni go on to work as designers at everything from small design studios to large companies. Graduates create for a wide range of markets: women’s wear, men’s wear, children’s wear, knitwear, bridal, evening wear, etc. Some launch their own labels.

Our graduates also often go on to pursue careers as curators, fine artists, textiles designers, fashion public relations specialists, stylists, fashion reporters and fashion forecasters, among many other avenues.
What do you look for in an applicant/application portfolio?
We look for an applicant who has abilities in both two and three-dimensional art forms, as well as good drawing skills. Creativity, imagination, problem solving and critical thinking skills are also important components of a good applicant, as well as the willingness to take risks.
What makes RISD's Apparel Design program unique?
We focus on developing each student’s individual identity as a designer while providing intense conceptual and technical training. A curriculum of sequential courses and projects introduces students to designing in woven fabrics, machine knitwear, tailoring and the creation of collections. Emphasis is also placed on fashion drawing and portfolio building. Courses are frequently team-taught to ensure integration of course content.

An intense internship program for seniors in Apparel Design also ensures that students get a real feel for the industry prior to graduation, along with an opportunity work at a wide range of design houses and studios in both US and abroad.