Posts by: Francesca Sterlacci

Francesca Sterlacci

Francesca Sterlacci is the CEO of University of Fashion (UoF) which she founded in 2008 as the first on-demand online fashion video library bringing the art and craft of fashion design and business to schools, libraries, organizations and the general public. As owner of her eponymous label for ten years, her collection sold in fine stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Barneys and Nordstrom. As a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology for 11 years, she became Chair of the Fashion Design Department where she initiated the complete revision of their AAS and BFA degree programs, as well as wrote three certificate programs: Leather Fashion Design, Outerwear and Haute Couture. Francesca has also taught graduate level fashion design at the Academy of Art University San Francisco for six years, both on site and online. Her publishing accomplishments include: Leather Apparel Design, the Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry (First and Second Editions), the A-Z of the Fashion Industry, Leather Fashion Design and a 3-volume beginner series on Draping, Pattern Making and Sewing designed to complement the UoF lessons. She has also made literary contributions to both the Encyclopedia of Clothing & Fashion and You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Women. Francesca holds an AAS, BA and an MSEd (master’s degree in higher education).

Celebrating World Teacher’s Day – October 5th

Francesca Sterlacci - October 3, 2026 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Art, Fashion Business, Fashion Design education, Fashion Education, Fashion Events, First & Largest Online Fashion Education Library, Instructor Spotlight, Pattern Making, Retail Marketing, Retail Math, retail merchandising, Sewing, The Making: University Of Fashion, Visual Merchandising

Did you know that October 5 is World Teachers’ Day?

Today, we celebrate the remarkable educators who have chosen one of the world’s most meaningful professions—especially the exceptional instructors of University of Fashion.

Becoming a fashion educator, in any specialty, requires far more than formal education. It takes years—often decades—of hands-on industry experience, continued learning, creative problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to sharing knowledge. Our roster of fashion professionals reflects that dedication, bringing real-world expertise, hard-won insights, and invaluable tips and tricks directly to our students.

From sewing beautifully tailored handmade buttonholes and draping on the bias to illustrating camouflage prints, mastering color theory, and exploring retail through visual merchandising, University of Fashion instructors teach the skills that bring fashion ideas to life. They are true sharers: generous with their knowledge, passionate about their fields, and committed to helping the next generation succeed.

Many of our instructors teach at leading fashion colleges around the world. Others have spent more than a decade in the industry—some more than 40 years—and many balance both professional practice and academic teaching.

On World Teachers’ Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all 72 University of Fashion instructors. Thank you for your lasting contributions to the fashion industry and for inspiring our global community of subscribers over the past 18 years.

As the first and largest online fashion education library, University of Fashion is proud to celebrate the teachers who make learning possible.

Introducing our Team

image of new lesson West African Textile - Vlisco - Cote d"Ivorie

Announcing Our Newest Lesson: West African Textiles: Vlisco — Cote D’Ivoire

Francesca Sterlacci - September 26, 2026 - Costume Exhibitions, Fashion Education, Fashion Events, Fashion Exhibitions, Fashion History, Fashion Lectures, New Lessons, New University of Fashion Lessons, Textiles

University of Fashion’s lesson on West African textiles of Cote d’Ivoire – specifically the Vlisco Group. (Image credit (University of Fashion)

This new lesson examines the Vlisco Group and its powerful role in the textile industry of Côte d’Ivoire, as well as throughout much of West Africa. As a leading supplier of commercially produced, nontraditional African wax-print textiles, Vlisco has had a far-reaching influence on the visual culture, fashion economy, and consumer textile market of the region.

Although Vlisco’s fabrics have become closely associated with West African dress and identity, the company’s relationship to African textiles is also complex and controversial. Its Dutch-produced wax prints draw upon techniques and aesthetics shaped by global trade, colonial history, Indonesian batik, and generations of African consumers, merchants, designers, and dressmakers who have given these textiles their distinctive cultural meanings.

In this lesson, you will explore Vlisco’s significant financial and creative impact on the African textile industry, with particular attention to Côte d’Ivoire. You will also consider how commercial wax prints have evolved into an important medium for personal expression, fashion, status, and cultural communication across West Africa.

UoF’s West African Textile Series

Mina Dia-Stevens and her other lessons in the series on the textile traditions of Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and, coming soon…Ghana.

Origin of “African Prints”

African fashion on display at the Perelman Building 2016. (Image credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Did you know that the textiles commonly called “African prints” today are industrial wax-print fabrics with roots in the much older batik tradition? Batik—created through hand-drawn or hand-blocked wax-resist dyeing—has early precedents in China and India as far back as the eighth century. By the thirteenth century, artisans on the Indonesian island of Java had refined the technique into the highly sophisticated visual and technical tradition now most closely associated with Africa.

During the nineteenth century, Dutch textile entrepreneurs adapted and industrialized Javanese batik methods. Although these textiles were initially intended for markets in Indonesia, they found an especially enthusiastic audience in West and Central Africa. Over time, African consumers, traders, and dressmakers made the fabrics their own, assigning distinctive names, meanings, and social significance to individual patterns. The result is the vibrant wax-print tradition recognized around the world today.

Haarlem Cotton Company

One of the earliest Dutch firms credited with imitating Javanese batik—the technical and visual precursor to the textiles later known as African wax prints—was the company founded by Jean Baptiste Théodore Prévinaire. Prévinaire established a textile enterprise in Haarlem, the Netherlands in 1835 and developed La Javanaise, a mechanized process for reproducing Javanese-style wax-resist cloth. His firm later became the Haarlemsche Katoen Maatschappij (HKM), or Haarlem Cotton Company.

The factory ceased production in 1917 as a casualty of World War I. The following year, its facilities were auctioned. Van Vlissingen, later known as Vlisco, purchased several of HKM’s printing machines and engraved copper rollers. These historic tools continued to be used in the production of designs that remain among the classic patterns associated with the wax-print technique.

Zoba-Zoba: “Children Are Better Than Money”

Early Haarlem Cotton Company cotton wax block pattern designed as a zoba zoba, (associated with fertility). (Image credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art)

This textile is designed as a zoba-zoba, a patchwork-style composition combining several distinct patterns. At its center is an early Haarlem Cotton Company motif associated with fertility. The design is named after the proverb l’enfant vaut mieux que l’argent — “children are better than money”— and reflects the central importance of children and family within many African communities.

Vlisco

Vlisco was founded in 1846 in Helmond, the Netherlands, by Dutch entrepreneur Pieter Fentener van Vlissingen. Originally established as P. F. van Vlissingen & Co., the company later became known as Vlisco. Vlisco found a market in West Africa around 1867. Since then, their prints have caught on and been made popular by African vendors who assign meaning and value to the prints. In fact, when printed cloth is sent to Africa from Vlisco, it leaves only with a stock number. Once it arrives, African vendors name the fabric based on proverbs, current events, politics, religion and material culture. One design can have many interpretations depending on where it is used. It is through naming that the prints acquire social meaning, status, and value and become culturally assimilated into African society.

Cotton wax print named Love, Bomb and Dynamite designed by Cor van den Boogaard for Vlisco 2002. (Image credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art)

This pattern is known by many names, among them Love, Bomb and Dynamite. In Togo, it is referred to as Wounded Heart, reflecting the broken heart of a woman who knowns her husband is cheating on her. Japanese fashion designer Junye Watanabbe used this textile for his 2009 spring/summer collection.

Creative Africa @ Philadelphia Museum of Art 2016

In 2016, African prints and fashion designs were the subject of an exhibition entitled Creative Africa at the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Perelman Building. On display were the rich textile prints and examples of designers who were inspired by these prints. Enjoy!

Inspirational Vlisco Textile Patterns

Assorted Vlisco textile patterns. (Image credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Vlisco-inspired Fashion Designs

Assorted Vlisco textile patterns for fashion design. (Image credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Image showing Fashion's Tool Depot and special yearly off of $55 off a yearly subscription. Was $220, now $165. Offer ends 10.1.2026

The Teacher’s Toolkit, the Student’s Lifeline, the Industry’s Edge

Francesca Sterlacci - September 20, 2026 - Back to School, Current Topics in Fashion, First & Largest Online Fashion Education Library

University of Fashion: The World’s Premier Online Fashion Education Tool Kit —Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students, and Upskilling the Industry

The Story

In an industry that moves as fast as the trends it creates, staying ahead requires more than talent—it demands access to the best education, right when you need it. That’s where the University of Fashion (UoF) stands apart as the world’s most comprehensive and trusted source for online fashion education. Used by teachers and students across the globe, UoF has become the go-to platform for anyone serious about mastering the art and business of fashion.

Empowering Educators to Lead

For fashion instructors, UoF is more than a library of tutorials—it’s a catalyst for innovation. The platform equips teachers with cutting-edge curriculum resources, enabling them to design dynamic, industry-relevant lessons that keep students engaged and inspired. From draping, pattern making & sewing, to fashion illustration, 3D and AI design, UoF’s step-by-step video lessons provide the foundation educators need to build exciting, modern courses.

A Lifeline for Students

For students, UoF is like having a private tutor available 24/7. Whether they’re struggling with a school project, seeking inspiration for a collection, or looking to refine their technical skills, UoF offers on-demand support that fits seamlessly into their schedules. Its affordable, easy-to-follow tutorials make complex techniques accessible, helping learners at every level—from high school to college—achieve their academic and creative goals.

Launching Aspiring Designers

For those dreaming of a career in fashion, UoF is the launchpad. The platform doesn’t just teach skills—it builds confidence. By offering real-world insights and portfolio-building guidance, UoF motivates aspiring designers to take their first steps into the industry with clarity and purpose. Its mission is simple: to ensure every student, no matter where they are in the world, has the tools they need to succeed.

Upskilling the Industry

Beyond classrooms, UoF plays a vital role within fashion companies themselves. As trends evolve and new technologies emerge, brands rely on UoF to upskill their teams quickly and effectively. From seasonal trend forecasting to sustainable design practices, UoF’s corporate training modules help employees stay competitive, innovative, and aligned with the latest industry standards.

Special back-to-school offer

We typically run this promotion only once a year (during the holidays), but to help teachers and students get a head start, we’re offering $55 off our annual subscription:

Regular price: $220
Now: $165 with code TUTOR
Offer expires: October 1, 2026

Ready to elevate your fashion education? Scan the code that applies and use code TUTOR at checkout to start learning today.

Are you back at school and looking for a tutor?

Francesca Sterlacci - September 13, 2026 - Back to School, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Business, Fashion Design education, Fashion Education

University of Fashion’s Back-to-School Sale is like having a fashion-design fairy godparent—except instead of a wand, we’ve got 550+ on-demand videos, and instead of midnight curfew, we’re open 24/7.

What you get (without the all-nighter panic)

Access to professional fashion education whenever inspiration strikes—or when your professor says, “It’s due tomorrow.”
Lessons taught by experienced fashion-industry pros across 13 design and business disciplines (because yes, fashion school involves both sketching and spreadsheets).
Expert guidance for mastering technical skills, building business smarts, or simply regaining the confidence to face that blank mood board.

How students actually use us

Untangling tricky design assignments (darts, draping, and “why won’t this sleeve behave?” moments).
Powering through business assignments without Googling “what is a line sheet?” at 2 a.m.
Finding last-minute inspiration when the paper is due, the coffee’s gone, and your muslin looks suspiciously like a potato sack.

With 550+ tutorials across 13 fashion disciplines, University of Fashion is basically your always-on studio mentor—minus the judgmental side-eye when you pin backwards.

Draping: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Pattern Making: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Sewing: machine & hand stitching, seam and hem finishes, zippers, couture techniques, tailoring, embroidery, leatherwork, and more
Fashion Drawing: figure drawing for men, women, and children; fabric rendering; design details; watercolor, pastels, and more
Knits: knitting, crocheting, and cut-and-sew knits
Menswear: measuring the male body and drafting bespoke patterns from measurements
CAD Art: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design, AI fashion design, textile design
CAD Pattern Making: Tukatech pattern drafting and marker-making software
Accessories: handbags, small leather goods, shoe design
Product Development: starting a brand, adaptive fashion, tech design, flats, specs, tech packs, 3D design, AI fashion design
Childrenswear: global sizing and free kids’ pattern slopers for boys’ and girls’ wear
Fashion Business: start-up, retail, branding, fashion law, licensing, visual merchandising, and more
Lecture Series: adaptive design, costume history, sustainable design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, and more

Special back-to-school offer

We typically run this promotion only once a year (during the holidays), but to help teachers and students get a head start, we’re offering $55 off our annual subscription:

Regular price: $220
Now: $165 with code TUTOR
Offer expires: October 1, 2026

Ready to elevate your fashion education? Use code TUTOR at checkout and start learning today.

If you are a school or group, we offer a free trial so that you can sample our content before taking advantage of our reduced rates for schools & groups.

Hurry, our offers expire October 1, 2026. Please note that the student discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their own personal use and not for use in the classroom. For our group subscription rates (5+ people) and to learn more about our free trials, scan the Group QR code above.

Title of LACMA's new exhibition, Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity

Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity @ LACMA

Francesca Sterlacci - September 6, 2026 - Costume Exhibitions, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Events, Fashion Exhibitions, Fashion History, Fashion Lectures

Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s exhibition, Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity, through October 12, 2026.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting LACMA’s newest exhibition, Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity. The exhibition examines a pivotal period in Chinese history, beginning with the final decades of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)—whose fall brought an end to nearly 300 years of Manchu rule and more than two millennia of imperial governance—and continuing through the profound social and political transformations of the early twentieth century.

Fashioning Chinese Women: Empire to Modernity traces the evolution of women’s dress from the late Qing era through the mid-twentieth century, revealing how fashion both reflected and shaped changing ideas about identity, modernity, and everyday life in China.

3D Printed Bespoke MannequinsFashion designer Jason Wu’s 3D printed mannequins representing various decades. (Image credit: Los Angeles County Museum of Art).

I was especially captivated by the extraordinary embroideries and the more than seventy made-to-measure garments on view. Equally impressive were the custom 3D-printed mannequins created by fashion designer Jason Wu. Thoughtfully designed to evoke the periods in which the clothing was originally worn, the mannequins enhance the presentation of the garments and visually transport visitors from the 1900s through the 1960s.

Qing Dynasty — Final Decades

Lotus slippers were worn by Chinese women whose feet were bound beginning at age three. (Image credit: Pinterest)

In the early twentieth century, China experienced sweeping social and political transformations that reshaped everyday life. The collapse of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911) brought an end to nearly three centuries of Manchu rule and more than two millennia of imperial government. In 1912, the newly established Republic of China inaugurated a new Republican era.

Before this period, foot binding was widely regarded as an important marker of a woman’s desirability and suitability for marriage. After marriage, a woman’s social standing could also be expressed through dress, including finely pleated skirts worn over trousers. Although the Republic of China officially banned foot binding in 1912, enforcement varied greatly by region. The practice therefore persisted for decades in some rural and geographically isolated communities.

Han-style jacket (Ao) and pleated skirt (Qun) with Lotus slipper footwear circa 1900. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

Silk robe and vest (Jinsen) with silk & gold thread tapestry embroidery (Kesi) circa 1890-1910 worn with Lotus slipper footwear. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

In the final decades of the Qing dynasty, informal Manchu-style robes and Han-style jackets were frequently embellished with elaborate ribbon and appliqué borders and paired with lotus slippers.

Han-style Jacket (Ao) and skirt (Qun) circa 1900. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

The Republican Period

In 1912, the Republic of China emerged as a modern nation-state, though its early decades were marked by political instability and conflict. Civil war, which began in 1927, ultimately led to the establishment of the Communist government on the mainland in 1949 and the Republic of China’s retreat to Taiwan.

Long vest (Majia). Silk jacquard, stencil printed, rayon & cotton ribbon, silk satin binding and knotted buttons (pankou) circa 1925. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

Amid this tumultuous era, women assumed new social and professional roles as their participation in public life expanded. Fashion became a powerful visual expression of these changing identities, reflecting evolving ideals of modern womanhood. Drawn primarily from the recently acquired Lai Mah Collection, the garments presented in this exhibition represent China, Hong Kong, and the global Chinese diaspora.

Bridal DressEmbroidered wedding jackets (gua) were worn in the 1950s after a wedding and for special occasions. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

Bridal dress in the first half of the twentieth century used embroidered motifs to express long-standing ideals of marital harmony even as changing silhouettes reflected new influences. Pink, white and black replaced the auspicious red of traditional after wedding jackets. Fitted shapes with darts and curved sleeves reflected Western tailoring techniques. Wedding Ensemble Jacket and Skirt (Qun Gua) Silk satin and metal-wrapped silk thread embroidery 1965. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

The Cheongsam

Silk & rayon mechanical lace cheongsam and circa 1930 .(Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

The cheongsam (also called the qipao) has roots in the long, loose robes worn by Manchu women during China’s Qing dynasty. But the fitted, high-collared dress most people recognize today emerged in Shanghai during the 1910s and especially the 1920s. Its popularity steadily increased as China became increasingly connected to the wider world and Western textile advances began to influence Chinese fashion.

The Leavers loom, invented in Europe around1813, made intricate laces faster and cheaper to produce. The process expanded into China with dozens of factories opening in Shanghai by the 1930s.

Variations on the cheongsam 1930-1950. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

New materials and manufacturing methods broadened both the appearance and accessibility of fashionable dress. Synthetic dyes introduced brighter, more colorfast hues, while rayon and other manufactured fibers made silk-like fabrics more affordable and widely available. Mechanized jacquard weaving enabled intricate patterns informed by international design trends. Machine-made lace and dévoré, or burnout, velvet expanded access to decorative textiles, producing dramatic effects of texture, opacity, and transparency that were especially suited to the era’s increasingly fitted silhouettes.

Chinese dress circa 1960s. (Image credit: Los Angeles Museum of Art)

By the mid-twentieth century, Chinese fashion had evolved into a distinctive visual language, blending international innovation with enduring local traditions as China engaged more closely with a globalized world. During the 1960s, cheongsam tailoring responded to the decade’s popular shift-dress silhouette through simplified, knee-length styles that showcased bold, graphic textiles. Today, the cheongsam remains a recurring presence in contemporary designers’ collections and an enduring source of creative inspiration.

Want to learn how to make a Handmade Frog & Ball Button Closure? Subscribe to UoF. Click the link to view a preview https://www.universityoffashion.com/lessons/handmade-frog-ball-button/

Back to school sale image $55 off a yearly subscription

UoF’s Back to School Sale: Get Your Own Private Tutor

Think of us as every student’s best-kept secret: your own private fashion tutor, available on demand.

Our mission is your success. Whether you’re a student or teacher at a high school or college—anywhere in the world—and you need support with curriculum development, class projects, or building your portfolio, we’re here for YOU.

Our 13 Different Lesson Disciplines: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced

Access 550+ on-demand video tutorials across 13 fashion disciplines, all taught by experienced fashion professors and industry professionals:

Draping: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Pattern Making: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Sewing: machine & hand stitching, seam and hem finishes, zippers, couture techniques, tailoring, embroidery, leatherwork, and more
Fashion Drawing: figure drawing for men, women, and children; fabric rendering; design details; watercolor, pastels, and more
Knits: knitting, crocheting, and cut-and-sew knits
Menswear: measuring the male body and drafting bespoke patterns from measurements
CAD Art: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design, AI fashion design, textile design
CAD Pattern Making: Tukatech pattern drafting and marker-making software
Accessories: handbags, small leather goods, shoe design
Product Development: starting a brand, adaptive fashion, tech design, flats, specs, tech packs, 3D design, AI fashion design
Childrenswear: global sizing and free kids’ pattern slopers for boys’ and girls’ wear
Fashion Business: start-up, retail, branding, fashion law, licensing, visual merchandising, and more
Lecture Series: adaptive design, costume history, sustainable design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, and more

Special back-to-school offer

We typically run this promotion only once a year (during the holidays), but to help teachers and students get a head start, we’re offering $55 off our annual subscription:

Regular price: $220
Now: $165 with code TUTOR
Offer expires: October 1, 2026

Ready to elevate your fashion education? Use code TUTOR at checkout and start learning today.

If you are a school or group, we offer a free trial so that you can sample our content before taking advantage of our reduced rates for schools & groups.

And just because we love every single fashionista out there, you don’t need to be a student or teacher to take advantage of our back to school promo, our sale is open to everyone!

new lesson image: Drafting an Asymmetric knit top

Announcing Our Newest Lesson: Drafting an Asymmetric Neckline for Knits

Francesca Sterlacci - August 22, 2026 - cut & sew knits, How It's Made, Knits, New University of Fashion Lessons, Pattern Making

UoF’s newest lesson: Drafting an Asymmetric Neckline for Knits—Part of our cut & sew knit-drafting series. (Image credit: University of Fashion).

Get ready to bring a little drama to your knits—because this lesson is all about drafting an asymmetric neckline that says, “I woke up fabulous.” You’ll learn how to create that glamorous one-shoulder moment that’s been stealing the spotlight on every runway (and possibly your next Zoom meeting).

Reading the Sketch

Reading the sketch and planning the top’s proportions. (Image credit: University of Fashion).

We’ll decode the fashion sketch like true design detectives—figuring out shoulder width, that tricky neckline drop, and how far your drama (ahem, your neckline) should go.

Using ¼” clear flat elastic cut ½” smaller than the neckline to stabilize the neckline. (Image credit: University of Fashion).

Oh, and because nobody likes a droopy neckline, we’ll share a pro tip to keep yours from stretching out while sewing. Think of it as a little elasticity therapy for your top.

But There’s More

University of Fashion’s 3-part knit sewing series. (Image credit: University of Fashion).

Become a knit whisperer with our lessons on picking the perfect seam allowances, plus hem and neckline finishes that make your stretchy designs behave like they actually want to be sewn.

Be sure to check out our other cut & sew knit drafting lessons:

Drafting a Women’s Fitted Stable Knit T-Shirt from Measurements

Drafting A Knit Camisole

Drafting an Off-Shoulder Knit Top

Drafting An Off-Shoulder Knit Top with Cuff – 2 Variations

Drafting a Built-up Neckline for Knits

Drafting a Cowl Neckline for Knits

Drafting a Knit Halter Tank with a Racerback

Drafting a Boat Neckline for Knits

Drafting a Collared Neckline for Knits

Drafting a Hoodie Knit Top

University of Fashion Promo code - TUTOR. $55 off a yearly subscription Was $220 now $165. Off expires 10.1.2026

School’s back in session—and so are we!

Think of us as every student’s best-kept secret: your own private fashion tutor, available on demand.

What you get

Access 550+ on-demand video tutorials across 13 fashion disciplines, all taught by experienced fashion professors and industry professionals:

Draping: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Pattern Making: daywear, athleisure, evening & bridal, swimwear, intimate apparel
Sewing: machine & hand stitching, seam and hem finishes, zippers, couture techniques, tailoring, embroidery, leatherwork, and more
Fashion Drawing: figure drawing for men, women, and children; fabric rendering; design details; watercolor, pastels, and more
Knits: knitting, crocheting, and cut-and-sew knits
Menswear: measuring the male body and drafting bespoke patterns from measurements
CAD Art: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design, AI fashion design, textile design
CAD Pattern Making: Tukatech pattern drafting and marker-making software
Accessories: handbags, small leather goods, shoe design
Product Development: starting a brand, adaptive fashion, tech design, flats, specs, tech packs, 3D design, AI fashion design
Childrenswear: global sizing and free kids’ pattern slopers for boys’ and girls’ wear
Fashion Business: start-up, retail, branding, fashion law, licensing, visual merchandising, and more
Lecture Series: adaptive design, costume history, sustainable design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, and more

Special back-to-school offer

We typically run this promotion only once a year (during the holidays), but to help teachers and students get a head start, we’re offering $55 off our annual subscription:

Regular price: $220
Now: $165 with code TUTOR
Offer expires: October 1, 2026

Ready to elevate your fashion education? Use code TUTOR at checkout and start learning today.

If you are a school or group, we offer a free trial so that you can sample our content before taking advantage of our reduced rates for schools & groups.

And just because we love every single fashionista out there, you don’t need to be a student or teacher to take advantage of our back to school promo, our sale is open to everyone!

University of Fashion’s 4-part series on branding & licensing

When Design Skills Alone Aren’t Enough

Francesca Sterlacci - August 8, 2026 - Retail Math, retail merchandising, Visual Merchandising

Many people know University of Fashion as the premier online destination for fashion design—draping, drawing, drafting, sewing, and illustration. But that’s only part of the story. We go far beyond technique.

As founder, I believe that mastering hands-on design is essential, but it’s not enough. To succeed, you also need a sharp business mindset. I ran my own eponymous label in New York City for over a decade, selling to top retailers. That experience taught me the realities of fashion business firsthand: factoring, payment terms like 8/10 EOM, COD, CBD, CIA, CBS, markdown allowances, P&L, sell-through, net vs. gross sales, cost of goods, markup, wholesale vs. retail pricing, returns, and how retailers protect their margins—often at the brand’s expense.

That’s why I brought together leading fashion business experts to build a comprehensive suite of business courses. These lessons cover everything you need to launch and run your own company: fashion retailing and merchandising, visual merchandising, branding and licensing, and even fashion law. My philosophy is simple: when you think like a retailer, you become a stronger, more strategic designer.

How to Start Your Own Brand

University of Fashion’s 3-part Fashion Start-up series. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Are you thinking about building your own brand? Start with our 3-part Fashion Start-Up series, the essential foundation for every aspiring fashion entrepreneur.

You’ll learn how to choose the market category you want to design for, identify your customer by age, lifestyle, and demographics, and legally establish your brand. Our instructor also covers how to merchandise and price your collection, plus how to promote and sell your brand through a variety of distribution channels.

Trademark, Copyright & Brand Protection

Do you know the difference between a trademark and a copyright? In our 3-part fashion law series, you’ll learn about U.S. trademark law as it applies to fashion, starting with the basics of what a trademark is. Our fashion law expert will explain what trademark law protects, how to register your trademark, and the benefits of doing so. You’ll also learn what to do if someone infringes on your trademark, and what damages may be available under the law. This lesson is essential for all designers.

You’ll also learn what a copyright is, what types of works can be protected, and how copyright infringement works, including statutory damages and cease-and-desist letters. We’ll cover how to register your copyright, as well as important exceptions such as the Fair Use Doctrine.

Since social media plays a major role in building your brand, it also comes with risks. Our legal expert will explain the difference between defamation and libel, how to reduce risk when using social media, and what to do if someone defames your brand. This lesson is essential for anyone using the internet to promote a brand.

How to Think Like a Retailer

University of Fashion’s 4-part series on retailing. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

A career as a retail buyer requires a strong foundation in math concepts such as decimals, percentages, and fractions. Learning how to add, multiply, and divide decimals, and then convert them into fractions and percentages, is essential for buying, planning, and allocating retail merchandise. When a designer takes the time to understand the functions of a buyer, such as creating a retail merchandise plan, managing retail profit and loss, and marketing a designer’s collection, they gain a valuable advantage in tailoring their brand for maximum success at retail.

How to Brand & License Your Work

University of Fashion’s 4-part series on branding & licensing. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Many designers begin with a single standout idea—such as a great pair of board shorts—and soon realize that success requires growth. In our 4-part series on branding and licensing, we explore what it means to be a brand, the psychology behind building a successful brand, and the importance of creating a distinctive logo. We also discuss why trademarking your brand matters and present a range of branding strategies to help your product stand out and gain a competitive edge.

Once your brand is established, you may be approached with a licensing opportunity—often considered a designer’s dream. We begin with the History of Licensing and then move into Licensing Fundamentals for Fashion Designers,including what kinds of products can be licensed, the roles of the licensor and licensee, and key terms such as royalties, guarantees, advances, GMS, and GMR. This lesson also examines the benefits and risks of licensing.

Because licensing deals involve financial details, our licensing expert also covers the Money Matters behind royalties and what to look for in a licensing partner. You’ll learn the difference between flat and graduated royalties, how advertising and marketing influence royalty payments, and how royalties are adjusted as licensees reach certain milestones.

How to Think Like a Retail Visual Merchandiser

University of Fashion’s 9-part Visual Merchandising series. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

One of the best-kept secrets in fashion is that retail buyers are often drawn to brands whose collections align with a visual merchandiser’s upcoming theme. Buyers work closely with visual merchandisers to build excitement and connect with their target audience through store windows and in-store displays. Designers with a clear brand identity and an understanding of retail visual merchandising can create collections that inspire compelling presentations, capture attention, and attract the right customers.

What I Learned After 25+ Years as a Fashion College Professor — Part Two

This week’s blog continues my two-part series reflecting on what I learned over more than 25 years as a fashion college professor. My career included 17 years teaching at the Fashion Institute of Technology, followed by 3 years as Chair of the Fashion Design department, and later 6 years teaching graduate-level fashion design at the Academy of Art University. Throughout that time, I had a front-row seat to students’ journeys into the fashion industry, observing how they navigated everything from the application process to making the most of their education once accepted.

In Part One, I focused on helping prospective students understand how to choose and apply to fashion colleges. In Part Two, I shift my focus to fashion educators, offering insight into how they can support students in thriving and creating a meaningful, positive experience once they begin their studies.

Student Insecurities

I still vividly remember my own first day at FIT as a student. Sitting in a class of 200 students selected from a pool of 2,000 applicants, I felt both grateful and overwhelmed. Alongside the excitement came a wave of insecurity: Was I talented enough? Could I keep up with the workload? Had the school made a mistake in accepting me?

That uncertainty quickly eased thanks to my professor. She welcomed the class warmly, invited each of us to introduce ourselves and share where we came from, and immediately created a sense of belonging. She then reviewed the syllabus, emphasized the importance of deadlines, explained attendance and grading policies, and opened the floor for questions.

Throughout my years of teaching, I adopted this same approach. I found that students are far more likely to succeed when they clearly understand expectations from the outset. In later years, the department introduced a detailed grading rubric outlining the criteria for each grade level (A, A-, B, B-, C, C-, D, F). Students were asked to sign this document, which not only helped manage expectations but also supported faculty in addressing the challenges of grade inflation.

Access to Tutoring

University of Fashion — the perfect answer to the tutor and upskilling problem. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

As school budgets continue to tighten, many fashion programs have had to eliminate the free tutoring services they once provided. I remember during my time at FIT, top-performing students were hired to support peers who needed extra help managing the workload. Faculty also made themselves available before and after class to guide struggling students. However, union regulations requiring additional compensation for extra hours, combined with budget constraints, gradually brought these valuable support systems to an end. Today, many students are left to navigate these challenges on their own.

That gap is exactly what inspired the creation of University of Fashion. In 2008, I set out to support aspiring fashion students—first by helping them prepare for the fashion school application process, and then by building a comprehensive library of lessons taught by leading fashion college professors and industry professionals. The goal was not only to provide accessible tutoring for students, but also to empower educators.

University of Fashion gives teachers the tools to expand their curriculum and refine their skills without needing to return to school. With limited time and resources, many faculty members benefit from the flexibility of learning and teaching enhancement from home.

UoF Lesson Disciplines

UoF’s 13 different lesson disciplines. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Today, University of Fashion offers over 550 lessons across 13 disciplines, including Draping, Sewing, Patternmaking, Accessories, Childrenswear, Menswear, Knits, Product Development, CAD Fashion Art, CAD Patternmaking, Fashion Business, and a wide range of Fashion Lectures covering topics such as A.I for Fashion Design, Costume History, Color Theory, Textile Design, Fabric Studies, Sustainable Design, and many more. We support hundreds of fashion students worldwide while also helping educators broaden their teaching scope.

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it—explore some of what our students and educators have to say.

Just a few of our many testimonials. (Image Credit: University of Fashion)

Complement not Replacement

It is important to note that University of Fashion was founded as a complement to, not a replacement for, fashion college education. Our mission was to inspire anyone interested in a career in the fashion industry and to preserve the art & craft of fashion for current and future generations. As we celebrate our 18^th anniversary, we are proud that we have succeeded in being the first and largest online fashion education resource, not only for aspiring designers, current fashion school students and teachers, but as a resource for anyone who is curious about a fashion career.

University of Fashion Blog

Posts by: Francesca Sterlacci

Francesca Sterlacci

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How to Think Like a Retail Visual Merchandiser

What I Learned After 25+ Years as a Fashion College Professor — Part Two

Student Insecurities

Access to Tutoring

UoF Lesson Disciplines

Testimonials

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