University of Fashion Blog

Category "Back to School"

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

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

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.

testimonial from a fashion teacher

 

 

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.

testimonial from a current fashion student

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.

testimonial from an aspiring designer

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.

testimonial from a fashion teacher

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.

QR codes for Student & Group Sign up pages

Are you back at school and looking for a tutor?

Back to School sale image with $55 off a yearly subscription using Promo code TUTOR. Offer expires 10.01.2026

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.

QR codes for Student & Group Sign up pages

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.

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

Back to school sale image $55 off a yearly subscription

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.

QR codes for Student & Group Sign up pages

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.

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!

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

Back to School promo image

 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.

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.

QR codes for Student & Group Sign up pages

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.

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

 

 

CALLING ALL TEACHERS, STUDENTS & SCHOOLS

school' out

Welcome Back! We hope you had a fun summer and are excited about your new school term. It’s time to buckle down, crack the books, and meet those project deadlines. Are you ready?

If you’re a high school or college aspiring fashion design or fashion business student or teacher, WE ARE YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND.

We have has over 550 lessons in 13 different disciplines, beginner — advanced, to help you get through this academic term. As a UoF subscriber, you can access all of our lessons morning, noon and night, and as many times as you want. Now that’s what I call a tutor!

Because your success is our #1 priority our back to sale is on. Choose a monthly or a yearly subscription:

$15 off the first month of an individual recurring monthly subscription (was $22.95 – now $7.95). Use promo code: BACK.

$30 off an individual yearly subscription (was $220 now $190) use promo code: SCHOOL. Move fast, these offers expire on 12.1.2025QR codes for Student & Group Sign up pages

Scan the applicable code to take you to the sign-up page on the UoF website

HOW WE ASSIST FACULTY & SCHOOLS

Just this week we heard from two fashion college faculty members, at a top New York fashion school, whose teaching schedules changed at the last minute. University of Fashion to the rescue. One needed to brush up on her draping skills, the other on her drafting skills, so…they became UoF subscribers and called to thank us. Whew, that was close.

HOW SCHOOLS CAN SUBSCRIBE

If you are a teacher at a high school or college and would like your school to have a free 30-day all access trial, reach out to us by emailing us  CS@universityoffashion.com or by scanning the QR code above and filling out the form  Once your first time 30-day free trial is up, your school will be able to take advantage of our school/group subscription discount. It’s always cheaper by the dozen, right?

girl costing a garment

Another teacher at an LA fashion school needed to brush up on her retail math, merchandising and marketing skills and she too became a subscriber. Our business videos, in fact all of our videos, are taught by fashion college professors and industry professionals, so the information is top notch.

HOW WE HELP STUDENTS

student measuring neckline

We especially love helping design students and aspiring high school designers. For many it’s the first time they’ve had to calculate inches and centimeters, which is why our lesson entitled How to Read a Ruler is SO popular. When frustration sets in, because an instructor moves too fast during a demo causing the student to fall behind, we are here for them. In the privacy of their own home, students (and teachers) can watch and rewind a lesson until it sinks in. Whether it’s a sewing, draping, drawing or drafting lesson, we’ve got you covered. Oh, and did you know that we also answer any and all of your questions within 24 hours via our Customer Service link? At UoF, our instructors want you to succeed.

OUR CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Alas! All University of Fashion paid subscribers can now receive a Certificate of Completion for any and all completed lessons and lectures. You can track your individual progress toward earning a certificate by clicking on the ‘My Learning’ tab on the left side of your ‘Account Page’ and you can even print them out.!

Why is earning a certificate important? In addition to learning something new and having proof of your hard work, you can also impress your teacher. You’ll be able to add your certificates to your portfolio alongside images of your work. And, by the way, the certificates are FREE!

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF FASHION & IT’S FOUNDER

Francesca Sterlacci founder University of FashionFrancesca Sterlacci founder University of Fashion

University of Fashion was founded in 2008 by Francesca Sterlacci, a former tenured professor and chairperson at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She spent 18 years in fashion education and 10 years as a designer/owner of her high-end eponymous fashion brand. Francesca has written three certificate programs while at FIT and has authored five books: Leather Fashion Design; Draping Techniques for Beginners; Pattern making Techniques for Beginners; Sewing Techniques for Beginners and co-author of the Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry, Second Edition. 

University of Fashion provides professionally-produced fashion educational video content to schools, libraries, groups & associations, as well as individual subscription memberships. UoF offers 550 beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons in 13 different disciplines; draping, pattern making, sewing, fashion art, CAD fashion art including 3D, digital pattern making, menswear, childrenswear, knitwear, accessories, production development and fashion business, in addition to a lecture series covering topics such as adaptive fashion, color theory, AI for fashion design, textile design, costume history, trend forecasting, sustainable design, influencer marketing, fashion law, and many other industry relevant topics. Teachers use UoF to upgrade their skills and as supplemental materials in their hybrid classrooms.

So act fast, our monthly and yearly sale ends December 1, 2025.

ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS

images of fashion disciplines announcing UoF discount

Your students’ success is our business!

We’ve created a generous discount code so that when your students get stuck with their school assignments they can visit University of Fashion to get help.

Our yearly subscription was $220 but is now $180 until October 1, 2024.
Use promo code SCHOOL at checkout.

UoF Sign-up Page QR Code

And, guess what? This promo code also works for teachers too! (for personal use only- not for classroom).

  • Are you a teacher looking for help planning your curriculum?
  • Are you a teacher looking to upskill?
  • Do you have a student who is looking to prepare a portfolio for fashion school admission?
  • Do you have a student looking for help with their projects?
  • Do you have a student who is in need of tutoring?

We’re here for YOU!

Our mission is your success whether you’re a student or teacher at a high school or college from anywhere around the world. We offer 550+ on-demand video lessons in 13 different disciplines all taught by fashion professors & industry pros:

  • Draping
  • Pattern making
  • Sewing
  • Fashion Drawing
  • Knits
  • Menswear
  • CAD Art: includes Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design &  textile design
  • CAD Pattern making
  • Accessories: includes handbags, shoes & small leather goods design
  • Product Development
  • Childrenswear
  • Swimwear
  • Fashion Business: includes business start-up, retailing, branding, licensing & more
  • Lecture series: includes adaptive design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, etc.

We usually only make this offer once a year (during the Holidays), BUT we are so, so, so, happy to offer a $40 discount on a yearly subscription for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Hurry, hurry, hurry, the offer expires October 1, 2024.

Please note that the discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their own personal use and not for use in the classroom. For a group subscription click this link to inquire about our Group Subscription Pricing: https://www.universityoffashion.com/group-registration/

 

image of yearly back to school promotion

 

Teachers- take a screen shot of the sign-up QR Code below and share it with your students:

Use promo code: SCHOOL

REMEMBER: THIS OFFER EXPIRES 10.01.2024

UoF Sign-up Page QR Code

UoF Sign-up Page QR Code

ANNOUNCING : OUR BACK TO SCHOOL SALE

UoF back to school promo image

School is back in session and we’re at your service !

Our mission is your success and so, if you are a student or teacher at a high school or college from anywhere around the world, and you are looking for help with your curriculum and projects, then we’re here for YOU!

We have 550+ on-demand video lessons in 13 different disciplines all taught by fashion professors & industry pros:

  • Draping
  • Pattern making
  • Sewing
  • Fashion Drawing
  • Knits
  • Menswear
  • CAD Art: includes Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate, 3D design &  textile design
  • CAD Pattern making
  • Accessories: includes handbags, shoes & small leather goods design
  • Product Development
  • Childrenswear
  • Swimwear
  • Fashion Business: includes business start-up, retailing, branding, licensing & more
  • Lecture series: includes adaptive design, color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, etc.

We usually only make this offer once a year (during the Holidays), BUT to give both teachers and students a head start this school year, we are so, so, so, happy to offer a $40 discount on a yearly subscription to UoF. Please note that the discount promo code can only be used by teachers for their own, personal use and not for use in the classroom. For a group subscription click this link to learn about our Group Subscription Pricing: https://www.universityoffashion.com/group-registration/

image of yearly back to school promotion

Use promo code: SCHOOL

REMEMBER: THIS OFFER EXPIRES 10.01.2024

UoF Sign-up Page QR Code

UoF Students Sign-up Page QR Code

UoF Group Sign-up QR Code

UoF Group Sign-up QR Code