Category "Fashion Innovation"

The New Fashion Essential: Sewing Skills Are Reshaping Fashion Careers

Francesca Sterlacci - June 6, 2026 - Bespoke Tailoring, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Business, Fashion Events, Fashion Innovation

University of Fashion offers 92 different sewing lessons from beginner to advanced. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

In an era dominated by fast fashion and disposable clothing, an unexpected shift is underway: sewing is back in style. Once considered a fading skill, the art of stitching, mending, and tailoring garments is experiencing a meaningful revival—both as a creative pursuit and as a viable, in-demand career path.

A June 7 article in The Wall Street Journal, “Vanishing Trade of Tailoring Revives,” highlights just how significant this resurgence has become. Tailors are now in such short supply that Nordstrom has partnered with the Fashion Institute of Technology to support a training program in custom alterations and tailoring. The demand is striking, the program received 190 applications for just 15 spots when it launched last fall.

The Data

Bureau of Labor Statistics Chart by State 2023

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 18,500 tailors in the United States in 2024, representing nearly a 30 percent decline over the past decade. This shortage has hindered efforts to revive domestic apparel manufacturing and made it increasingly difficult for retailers such as Nordstrom, Men’s Wearhouse, and Jos. A. Bank to fill alterations roles. Dry cleaners are also struggling to find skilled professionals to meet customer demand.

Federal data shows that the annual wage for a dressmaker/tailor/custom sewer is between $22,000 – $60,000 based on skill level and location. However, with demand outpacing supply, skilled professionals are increasingly able to command higher wages and steady work in a growing market.

At the heart of this trend is a growing awareness of sustainability. Consumers are increasingly questioning the environmental cost of mass-produced clothing and are turning toward more responsible practices. Learning how to sew empowers individuals to extend the life of their garments, reduce waste, and make thoughtful choices about what they wear. Instead of discarding a beloved piece, people are choosing to repair, alter, or reinvent it—skills that lie at the core of sewing expertise.

AI Job Displacement leads to Sewing Careers

An excerpt from University of Fashion’s lesson, Pressing Tools & Techniques. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

As artificial intelligence reshapes the workforce and displaces certain jobs, new opportunities are beginning to surface. One notable shift is in the growing demand for tailoring services, fueled in part by the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications and the resulting need for garment alterations. At the same time, more consumers are embracing resale fashion and choosing to modify existing pieces rather than replace them—creating fresh momentum and relevance for skilled tailors.

University of Fashion’s 9-part menswear tailoring series. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Where to Find Training?

Once a staple of high school education, home economics often served as a gateway to careers in tailoring, dressmaking, and fashion design. As these programs disappeared from school curricula and more women entered the corporate workforce, opportunities to learn sewing and garment construction in traditional classrooms declined significantly.

In response, a number of organizations have stepped in to fill this educational gap. The University of Fashion, founded in 2008, is the first and largest online fashion education platform with 550 video lessons, taught by industry professionals. Of the 500 lessons, 92 of the lessons are sewing specific and nine focus exclusively on menswear. Their lessons equip students with practical skills, enabling them to earn certificates, confidently enter the workforce and/or start their own fashion brand or bespoke/alterations business.

American Tailors & Sewing Association (ATSA) is based in Columbia, South Carolina, and focuses on establishing industry standards and providing professional development for tailors, alterations specialists, and garment construction professionals.

Association of Sewing & Design Professionals (ASDP) is based in Grandville, Michigan and supports people who sew or design professionally, offering education, certification, and networking for sewing and fashion-related careers.

American Sewing Guild (ASG) is a national nonprofit organization for people who enjoy sewing, with local chapters, online classes, and events focused on advancing sewing as both an art and a life skill.

Time to Put Out Your Shingle?

Available on Etsy: a personalized tailor shop hanging sign. (Image credit: Etsy)

Once seen as niche or old-fashioned professions, these roles are now essential in a fashion landscape that values customization and longevity. From hemming trousers to reshaping vintage finds, skilled professionals are in high demand. Bridal wear, in particular, continues to rely heavily on expert alteration specialists, while everyday consumers increasingly seek personalized fits that off-the-rack clothing simply cannot provide.

Ultimately, the return of sewing is more than a trend—it is a reflection of changing values. As consumers prioritize sustainability, individuality, and quality, the demand for skilled sewing professionals will only continue to grow. Whether pursued as a hobby or a career, learning to sew is no longer just a practical skill—it is a powerful statement about the future of fashion.

UoF Launches Adaptive Fashion Series

Francesca Sterlacci - May 30, 2026 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Business, Fashion Education, Fashion History, Fashion Innovation, Instructor Spotlight, Marketing, New University of Fashion Lessons

Poster frames of UoF 5 lesson Adaptive fashion series University of Fashion launches their 5-part Adaptive Fashion Series taught by Tracy Vollbrecht of Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting (Photo courtesy: University of Fashion)

Did you know that there are more clothing options available for dogs than there are for people with disabilities? It took a long time coming, but the fashion industry is finally addressing the needs of the disability community, which is known today as Adaptive Fashion.

Thanks to our expert Tracy Vollbrecht, the University of Fashion is launching its 5-part Adaptive Fashion series to help educate the industry in the Adaptive Fashion marketplace. Our new series covers: the history adaptive fashion, how to design & develop adaptive fashion and how to merchandise and market product for the adaptive fashion consumer.

Tracy Vollbrecht of Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting and University of Fashion instructor (Image courtesy: Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting)

Our series begins with the terminology used when referring to various types of disabilities. Ms. Vollbrecht also offers a downloadable Terms and Definitions document to help understand appropriate language and terms used is this specialized market segment.

Molly Farrell, a white woman with brown hair, is shown in this photo wearing ULEX, one of the brands Tracy designed and helped launch. Molly is wearing a royal blue wrap cardigan and gray pants, while seated on bleachers. She is smiling brightly and her pink forearm crutches are visible in the photo.

Adaptive fashion designed by Tracy Vollbrecht for Yarrow featured on the Canadian TV show Fashion Dis (Image courtesy: Tracy Vollbrecht)

Ms. Vollbrecht’s history of the adaptive market covers such innovators as Helen Cookman, who in 1955, began researching the market potential of adaptable clothing at New York University’s Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation after being recommended for the role by New York Times style editor Virginia Pope. Cookman would spend the next four years developing a collection called Functional Fashions, which was a collection of 17 items designed to help disabled people dress independently. However, Ms. Vollbrecht explains that upon the passing of Helen Cookman and Virginia Pope the functional fashion movement began to fade and was replaced with clothing intended to make dressing easier for the elderly. It wouldn’t be until 2004-2007 that The Adaptive Fashion Showroom and the company Wheeliechix-Chic, founded by Louisa Summerfield, came into being and would take adaptive fashion to the next level.

Monica Engle Thomas, a white woman with curly auburn hair, is shown in this photo wearing a white Yarrow sleeveless button down that Tracy designed. Monica sits in her black and white manual wheelchair. She also wears sunglasses and jeans, while holding the leash to her small dog.

Monica Engle Thomas wearing a white Yarrow sleeveless button down designed by Tracy Vollbrecht (Image courtesy: Yarrow)

Tracy Vollbrecht Interview

UoF founder Francesc Sterlacci sat down with Tracy Vollbrecht to learn why she became interested in designing for the adaptive market and her thoughts on where the market is headed.

Francesca: Were you formally trained as a fashion designer and if so, where? What motivated you to pursue a career in adaptive fashion?

Tracy: I am! I graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. At Kent, I had the opportunity to conduct research on adaptive fashion, which was still in its second-wave infancy. I say second-wave as there was a first wave of adaptive fashion in the 60s (check out the history of adaptive fashion lesson to learn more!). Within the research I conducted, I spoke to over 75 people with varying disabilities to learn about their challenges with clothing. My research culminated in a universally designed collection shown at Kent’s annual fashion show, a published research paper, and presenting my research at various conferences, including the International Textile and Apparel Association’s annual conference. The work I did at Kent showed me that clothing challenges weren’t just an issue my dad, who had MS, had experienced, but an issue that so many people face. This motivates me every day to continue the work I do – clothing should allow everyone to express themselves and feel good, not just some of us.

Francesca: How in demand are designers with adaptive fashion expertise? How did you connect with the companies that you have designed for in this space?

Tracy: Unfortunately, adaptive fashion is still very much a niche portion of the fashion industry, which is what myself and others are working to change. There isn’t a high demand for adaptive fashion designers yet. I’m hopeful that the niche will grow and there will be more demand for designers, merchandisers, buyers, marketers, etc with adaptive fashion experience. The companies I’ve worked with have either sought me out, were referred to me, or that I connected with them through network connections.

Francesca: Can you name the companies that you have designed for and/or who you are currently working for? Are their dedicated online and brick & mortar stores exclusively selling adaptive fashion?

Tracy: My first adaptive fashion role was with Juniper Unlimited where I designed and helped launch their brands’ Yarrow and ULEX. In my consulting work with Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting, I’ve developed training resources for Target, taught lectures at IFA Paris, conducted research for Open Style Lab, and more. I can’t share who I’m working with at the moment, but I am definitely excited for what’s to come! At this stage, adaptive fashion is almost exclusively online. As we talk about in our merchandising lesson, online shopping has both pros and cons for the Disabled consumer. It’ll be great to see brands start to carry adaptive products in store, where the shopper can find them organically.

Francesca: What are the biggest challenges in designing for people with physical challenges?

Tracy: The biggest challenges for creating adaptive fashion are the variety in needs and the fashion cycle. Within the disability community and even within the same disability (physical or not), there is so much variety in clothing needs, body shape, and challenges. No two disabilities are the same, which is why it’s so important for brands to work with people with disabilities. However, the time and effort needed to properly develop clothing that actually works for all is at odds with the fast-fashion, trend driven nature of the fashion industry currently.

Molly Farrell wearing a top designed by Tracy Vollbrecht from ULEX- one of the brands she helped launch (Photo courtesy: ULEX)

Francesca: Do you see the adaptive market growing since companies like Tommy Hilfiger and other big brands have become more inclusive?

Tracy: Definitely! There is so much potential for brands to tap into the unmet needs of consumers with disabilities. Just because a few brands have gotten into the space doesn’t mean there isn’t room for more brands, all brands really, to get into the market. There will be “enough” adaptive fashion when consumers with disabilities have the same amount of choice in brand, price, and style as consumers without disabilities.

Francesca: What advice do you have for our students who may be interested in designing adaptive fashion?

Tracy: My advice to any student is that adaptive fashion is more than just adaptive design. Every role within the fashion industry (merchandising, product development, buying, marketing, etc.) is needed to make sure adaptive fashion gets into the hands of the consumer. If you have an interest in adaptive fashion, pursue it! Follow Disabled creators on social media; stay up to date on what brands are doing; volunteer for fashion shows. For designers specifically, adaptive fashion is still fashion. Getting experience working for fashion brands is essential. Since the adaptive market is still growing and there aren’t many adaptive design roles, take advantage of learning the process of design and development for non-adaptive fashion as that process still applies to adaptive fashion.

To learn more about Tracy Vollbrecht:

Cell: 732-632-7071

Website: www.vollbrechtadaptiveconsulting.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-vollbrecht/

Company LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/vollbrecht-adaptive-consulting

Learn More About the Adaptive Market

Read the book: All About Adaptive by Michele Chung

Learn how a new store in Pasadena, California caters to Adaptive Fashion consumers: Sewn Adaptive

So, tell us, how will you be pursuing a career in the Adaptive Fashion market?

Happy 18th Anniversary, University of Fashion — From Digital Pioneer to Global Classroom —

Francesca Sterlacci - April 18, 2026 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Innovation, Site News, University of Fashion Certificates

On April 1, 2026, the University of Fashion proudly celebrated its 18th anniversary. We are honored to continue serving and preserving the art & craft of fashion design through this vital and evolving educational resource.

For decades, becoming a fashion designer or launching a brand meant gaining admission to a prestigious school, taking on significant debt, and relocating to a global fashion capital. The barriers were high and narrow, shaped by cost, geography, and an industry culture that favored a select few. Then broadband, video technology, and digital tools converged with a generation unwilling to wait for permission. From that intersection emerged a new kind of classroom—streaming platforms, virtual critiques, and on-demand courses covering everything from draping to digital marketing. Enter the University of Fashion.

Our Mission

Francesca Sterlacci – CEO/Founder University of Fashion 2008

Founded in 2008 by fashion design entrepreneur, educator, and author Francesca Sterlacci, the University of Fashion (UoF) was an early innovator in online learning, delivering step-by-step, industry-driven instruction accessible anywhere with an internet connection. A student in Lagos can follow the same patternmaking lesson as a boutique owner in Ohio or a high schooler in Palm Springs—pausing, replaying, and learning at their own pace.

From its inception, UoF has been dedicated to preserving the art and craft of fashion design. What began with just 100 lessons has grown into a comprehensive library of over 525+ lessons across 13 disciplines, serving learners from beginner to advanced levels.

Certificate of Completion Program

Example of University of Fashion’s Certificate of Completion

The introduction of Certificates of Completion in 2022 marked a turning point, elevating the platform from a library of tutorials to a source of recognized achievement. In an industry where, demonstrated skill often outweighs institutional pedigree, these credentials help redefine what it means to be “qualified.”

UoF Rolls Out Expanded Tech Lessons

University of Fashion’s 3D and AI fashion design lessons (Image credit: University of Fashion)

At the same time, fashion itself has undergone a digital transformation. 3D prototyping, virtual fittings, AI-driven design and trend forecasting, and e-commerce are no longer optional—they are essential. While traditional programs work to keep pace, online platforms like UoF can evolve in real time, integrating digital patternmaking, virtual product development, and sustainability into their traditional hands-on curriculum as the industry shifts. UoF’s ever-growing library, created and updated by working professionals, sits at the intersection of craftsmanship and innovation, allowing learners to move seamlessly from couture hand sewing to AI in fashion design.

UoF’s Global Reach

University of Fashion serves thousands of individuals, colleges, fashion industry companies, groups, associations and public libraries. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Perhaps the most significant shift is who now has access. People from 208 countries, worldwide, visited UoF’s website in 2025. Online education gives people not living near a good, bricks-and-mortar fashion school a chance to learn fashion design. In addition, it removes the burden of relocation and commuting, opening opportunities for mid-career professionals, parents, and students whose lives don’t align with rigid academic schedules. It also supports the entrepreneurial spirit that defines today’s fashion landscape, combining design skills with branding, social media strategy, and retail knowledge so learners can build labels, side businesses, or freelance careers on their own terms.

UoF — Complement to Fashion Colleges

University of Fashion serves thousands of individuals, colleges, fashion industry companies, groups, associations and public libraries. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

In this evolving landscape, the University of Fashion is not a replacement for traditional education but a dynamic extension of it—a global, always-open studio where skills are sharpened, careers are reshaped, and the center of fashion education expands far beyond a handful of cities to wherever the learner logs in. Its flexible format and varied learning approaches continue to resonate with modern students, particularly those seeking accessible, self-paced alternatives to conventional programs.

Industry-Relevant Skill Development

University of Fashion’s library of lessons are intentionally designed to align with industry demands, by focusing on technology utilization in fashion. This direct correlation between coursework and market needs gave students enhanced employability, making their program an attractive choice compared to traditional competitors.

As the University of Fashion enters its next chapter, its mission remains clear: to democratize fashion education while honoring the discipline’s rich traditions and advancing its future. By bridging craftsmanship with technology and access with excellence, UoF continues to empower a global community of creators to learn, innovate, and lead on their own terms. In doing so, it not only reflects the evolution of fashion education—it helps shape it, ensuring that talent, not circumstance, defines who gets to participate in the industry.

Sewing’s Comeback is More than a Hobby — It’s a Quiet Revolution

Francesca Sterlacci - November 1, 2025 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Business, Fashion Events, Fashion Innovation, Sustainability, Women in Fashion

Have you been following the news lately? Sewing is experiencing a strong comeback, with numerous recent articles highlighting its resurgence in popularity, especially among younger generations. The revival is driven by trends in sustainability, customization and personal fulfillment. It’s a reaction against fast fashion and serves both as a creative outlet and a therapeutic activity that promotes mindfulness and stress relief.

Who better to teach these new sewists? Well, University of Fashion of course!

Fashioning Identity

There are 30 million sewists in the U.S. alone, many of whom are teens and tweens. As younger generations crave both individuality and social connection, one of the best ways to get them off their screens is to send them to a sewing boot camp. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have been driving interest among Gen Zers, by documenting their enthusiasm for sewing as a sustainable, expressive act, countering fast fashion with handmade clothing.

The New York Times’ Sept. 4, 2025—Article on sewing’s resurgence (Image credit: The New York Times)

Recently, The New York Times reported that sewing is “cool again”, pointing to a surge in demand for sewing classes, with people drawn to saving money, upcycling, and learning skills once associated mostly with older generations.

Harper’s Bazaar and similar outlets point to shifting cultural attitudes toward handmade garments—from “second-rate” to novel, valued, and often more expensive than off-the-rack options, driven by both quality and individuality.

Axios reported that people are flocking to sewing centers and learning how to embroider, alter and make items like tote bags, skirts and pants from scratch.

Entrepreneurial Sewing Workshops on the Rise

Looking to start your own business? If you are a great sewer and are looking for a new business idea, well, why not get a group subscription to UoF and open your own sewing workshop?

The New York Sewing Center at 246 W 38th Street, 9th Floor, Suite 9A, New York City (Image credit: The New York Sewing Center)

Inspired Sewistpreneurs

The New York Sewing Center in Midtown Manhattan, was founded by former fashion designer Kristine Frailing. She offers full day sewing boot camps, evening courses, embroidery workshops and classes on the basics of alteration.

At Carolina Textile District in Western North Carolina, workshops are being offered from basic sewing to materials sourcing and product development. CTD connects makers, designers, and entrepreneurs to a reliable domestic supply chain, so quality products can be made in the U.S.

In Washington, DC, Antoinette Lee opened her studio, A Special Lee Sewing Studio, out of her home and has been continuously offering sewing and upcycling classes.

In Miami, Jesy Anderson, owner and creator of Needle, Ink, and Thread opened her workshop in 2016. She even has a sewing class called Sew and Grow for kids.

Shop Rat, a popular weekly newsletter by Emilia Petrarca (Image credit: Shop Rat)

A promoter of fashion sustainability is journalist Emilia Petrarca who publishes Shop Rat, a newsletter featuring a Repair Month series with tips for saving your most beloved garments, including interviews with experts, personal mending adventures, and recommendations.

Eva Joan, a mending studio and one-stop -shop for alterations was founded by Bjorn Eva Park and Emma Villeneuve. Located at 28 Jane Street in New York City, the shop is named after their respective grandmothers.

Thrifting Stats — Did You Know…

According to Capital One Shopping Research:

16 to 18%of Americans shop at thrift stores each year; 12 to 15% shop at consignment or resale stores.

93% of Americans shop online for secondhand items.
In 2023, the U.S. secondhand market generated an estimated $53 billion in revenue.
There are over 25,000 resale, consignment, and not-for-profit resale shops in the U.S.
Thrift store shoppers save an average of $2,071 per year by purchasing secondhand.
Approximately one-third of clothing and apparel items purchased in the U.S. over the past year were secondhand.

So yes, sewing’s comeback isn’t just stylish, it’s a revolution!

Will Reshoring Garment Manufacturing Ever Be a ‘Thing’?

Francesca Sterlacci - September 18, 2025 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Business, Fashion Events, Fashion History, Fashion Innovation, Fashion School, Uncategorized

Once upon a time in the distant land of “Maybe Soon,” a group of garment manufacturers decided to bring all their factories back to the good ol’ U.S.A. They called this magical idea “reshoring.” Everyone was excited—and then reality set in.

Why Factories Became Extinct

It all started in the 1970s, as brands realized that there were much larger profit margins to be had by outsourcing manufacturing to what were then known as Third World countries, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Singapore and later Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mexico, Malaysia, Cambodia and China. Gradually, domestic supply chains began to disappear like textile manufacturing, garment factories and trim suppliers. “Made in USA” garments became more expensive for consumers and fast fashion became the rage. Cheap, throwaway clothes were hard to complete with for anyone trying to produce domestically. People loved their fast fashion too much. It was cheaper to buy new than fix old, even if your favorite shirt had mysteriously acquired a coffee stain that looked like the map of Europe.

Today, when industry leaders fantasize about producing clothes domestically, you often hear statements like, “but Americans can’t work like the Chinese”, meaning long hours and for cheap labor. The only products that can be made in the U.S.A are luxury-priced merchandise where price is no object. Can we change this?

Maybe Soon—Maybe Never

While our current government regime promises that by imposing blanket tariffs on countries, it will bring manufacturing back to the states. Not so fast, especially not for the garment business. Why? Because reshoring at scale faces significant structural, economic, and logistical challenges that make a large-scale shift unlikely under current conditions. Key challenges include:

High labor costs: U.S. labor standards and minimum wages mean the cost to produce a basic T-shirt domestically can be several times higher than sourcing from low-wage countries like Bangladesh or Vietnam. This makes most “Made in USA” garments more expensive for consumers.
Lost infrastructure and supply chains:Decades of offshoring have eroded the once-robust American garment supply network, including mills and finishing operations. Many key inputs (fabrics, buttons, zippers) are now almost entirely imported, creating further dependence on global supply chains.
Limited manufacturing capacity:The small size and limited capacity of remaining U.S. factories means they cannot currently meet the vast demand of the domestic market. Large-scale reshoring would require substantial new investment and workforce development.
Skills and workforce shortages:There are few skilled garment workers available, and vocational training programs have declined, creating bottlenecks for companies wanting to expand domestic operations.
Higher regulatory and compliance burdens:S. labor and environmental regulations, while protecting workers and the environment, increase compliance costs and bureaucratic complexity for manufacturers.

To accomplish the goal of reshoring, fashion industry leaders must lobby Washington. Our government will need to subsidize and help replace lost supply chains and infrastructure, as well as provide adequate training and guarantee a livable wage to factory workers. They will also need to invest and fund:

Technological advances: Automation, robotics, and 3D knitting can offset some labor costs, especially for custom, small-batch, or just-in-time production. In the past the government has funded scientific research, solar power and electric cars. Why not the fashion industry?
Policy support: There are legislative efforts, such as the proposed FABRIC Act, to incentivize domestic production through tax credits and grants but it’s not enough. Much more needs to be done.

In summary, while tariffs and restrictive trade policies may provide short-term protection and spur limited investment in homegrown manufacturing, their overall effectiveness is mixed and highly contingent on the structure of supply chains, the responsiveness of domestic industries, and international retaliation. Most evidence indicates that they are best used narrowly, as part of a targeted suite of industrial policies, rather than as a broad solution for revitalizing homegrown manufacturing at scale.

When and if Washington gets serious about reshoring, University of Fashion will be here to help train those who are ready, willing and able to Make America Stitch Again!

Hey, remember the good old days when your clothes didn’t come with a side of “where in the world was this really made?

Are You Feeling Like a Design-o-saur?

Francesca Sterlacci - September 13, 2025 - 3D Design, 3D Fashion Design, AI Fashion, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Innovation, Site News, Technology, Trends

Are fashion’s shiniest new technologies making you want to crawl back to the Jurassic period? Are you feeling a little bit like a design-o-saur? Don’t worry—you won’t need tiny arms to learn the ropes! We’re here to rescue you from extinction.

Our 3D and artificial intelligence fashion design instructors are more up-to-date than yesterday’s memes and will gladly teleport you into the 21st century (no time machine required).

We offer an entire series (yes, more episodes than your favorite binge show) on mastering Browzwear and CLO 3D software, and that’s not all! Our resident AI specialist—who we swear is human, probably—will reveal how to turbocharge your creations using AI tools like Discord and Midjourney. No need to bribe a robot.

Our Browzwear 3D Series

UoF Introduction to Browzwear series Our Browzwear instructors, Brittney Gray & Iris Hopkins are currently employed in the fashion industry and use Browzwear daily as part of their job. Their expertise will help jumpstart your 3D journey. You’ll start by learning how to sign up for the software and then how to create different types of garments in 3D.

Our CLO 3D Series

CLO 3 D UoF lessons Lane Odom is an expert in CLO 3D. He uses the software to create his collection and to make patterns for his NYC-based brand, Vane. Lane also designs for other fashion brands using CLO.

Our Artificial Intelligence for Fashion Design Series

Our AI for fashion design lessons are taught by Anna Leighton, 2-time winner of AI Fashion Week. With a BA from Otis College of Art and Design, Anna is a fashion designer with mad tech skills. Anna attests that her fashion design skills and knowledge are very important to the process of designing with AI.

Don’t be a fossil in the fast lane of fashion. Jump onboard—don’t let the asteroid hit! Evolve with us. Learn it, laugh at it, live it!

Celebrating World Creativity & Innovation Day

Francesca Sterlacci - April 19, 2025 - 3D Design, 3D Fashion Design, AI Fashion, Current Topics in Fashion, Draping, Fashion Art, Fashion Education, Fashion Events, Fashion Innovation, Illustration, Pattern Making, Sewing, Sustainability, Technology, World Creativity & Innovation Day

The Origin Story of World Creativity and Innovation Day

World Creativity and Innovation Day is celebrated annually on April 21st. The origin of this day can be traced back to Canadian Marci Segal, a creativity and innovation consultant (since 1984) and the author of books such as Creativity and Personality Type: Tools for Understanding and Inspiring the Many Voices of Creativity and A Quick Guide to the Four Temperaments and Creativity: A Psychological Understanding of Creativity. Segal founded World Creativity and Innovation Day in 2001 with the intention of encouraging people to utilize their natural creative abilities to generate new ideas and ultimately make the world a better place. The date April 21st was chosen as it is the day that precedes Earth Day (April 22nd), emphasizing the crucial role of creativity in fostering a sustainable planet. Initially observed in various countries since 2002, World Creativity and Innovation Day gained official recognition from the United Nations in April 2017 with the first official UN celebration taking place on April 21, 2018.

Ways to Celebrate World Creativity & Innovation Day

Since the founding of University of Fashion in 2008, my mission has been both to preserve the art & craft of fashion design and to educate & inspire creativity. Now, with 550 video lessons to offer, from beginner to advanced in 13 different fashion disciplines, we are a one-stop shop for creativity. So, in honor of World Creativity & Innovation Day, if you are looking to learn something new or inspiration, we’ll help get you started. Here’s a little sample of some lessons that just might spark the inner artist or entrepreneur in you:

Learn Fashion Drawing, Illustrating & Mood Boarding

Learn how to draw & illustrate contemporary menswear (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Learn how to draw & illustrate womenswear (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Learn how to create an inspirational fabric mood board (Image credit: Lee So Hyun for University of Fashion)

Learn Womenswear & Menswear Pattern making

Learn how to draft cascading ruffles (Image credit: Prabal Gurung)

Learn how to use specialized menswear drafting tools to draft men’s clothing (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Learn how to drape a center front twist (Image credit: StellaMcCartney)

Learn How to Sew Various Types of Fabrics

Learn how to sew sheers & lace (Image credit: Zimmerman)

Learn how to create silk ribbon embroidery using a Tambour frame & hook (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Learn How to Design Using 3D & AI

image of a University of Fashion T-shirt created in Browzwear 3D software

Learn how to design using Browzwear & CLO 3D software (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Image of student creating AI fashion on a computer

Learn how to design fashion using AI software (Image credit: PixVerse for University of Fashion)

Fashion’s AI Early Adopters

Francesca Sterlacci - March 22, 2025 - 3D Fashion Design, AI Fashion, Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Innovation, New University of Fashion Lessons

Lessons in 3D and AI design at University of Fashion (Image credit: University of Fashion)

In an industry where fashion trends can come and go at warp speed, you’d expect our industry to embrace 3D & AI with open arms. Not so fast.

Over the past 50 years, I have witnessed initial resistance to using CAD tools for drawing and PDS for pattern making. But today the industry can’t imagine doing without programs like Photoshop & Illustrator along with digital pattern drafting and grading tools.

With the launch of our 3D and AI for fashion design lessons at University of Fashion, we have received emails that challenge the use of these tools as “real designing.” However, I’m here to tell you that these are just tools and, they are here to stay. While some people see AI as a threat, and that it could replace certain jobs, the reality is that it’s a tool used to enhance human work.

McKinsey analysts predict Generative AI could boost fashion industry profits by $150 billion to $275 billion by 2030 and in their recent survey claim that “73% of global fashion executives consider generative AI to be an important strategic priority”.

Therefore, embracing AI for tasks like designing, merchandising, production, marketing, promotion and sales is the way to go. In this blog post I will explore how some fashion brands have already incorporated AI into their design process and are even using it to create legacy archives.

Fashion’s AI Early Adopters

Using AI for Trend Prediction & On-Demand Fashion

Desigual launched an “On Demand” collection designed with AI technology (Image credit: cross-border-magazine.com)

In 2023, the Spanish fashion brand Desigual launched its first Online Only On Demand collection. The garments and denim bags were produced once the customer bought them online, with an estimated manufacturing time of 90 days.

This innovation allowed the brand to make better forecasts for raw material needs and logistics. According to Desigual, the key to success in this process has been learning to manage the technology to enhance creativity. This strategy not only improves efficiency but also offers a more personalized and sustainable fashion experience for consumers.

Tommy Hilfiger’s interactive mobile game utilizing AI (Image credit: hypebeast.com)

Designing using AI

Collina Strada and Heliot Emil used generative AI tools for their Spring/Summer 2024 collection. (Image credit: NFM Magazine)

G-Star RAW integrated AI into the design of their 2024 collection (Image credit: Reddit.com)

Designing Prints using AI

Bach Mai and Monse used AI to develop prints for their Fall 2024 collections. (Image credit: blog.newarc.ai)

Hillary Taymour for Collina Estrada used AI to create prints for Spring 2024. (Image credit: blog.newarc.ai)

Keeping a Designer’s Legacy Alive using AI

Norma Kamala uses AI to preserve her legacy. (Image credit: Glossy.co)

In 2023, designer Norma Kamali partnered with Meta Maison to develop a proprietary AI model trained on her archives. In February 2024, she showcased her AI-generated designs in an installation called, Fashion Hallucinations. Kamali told Glossy magazine, “AI is set to shape the industry’s approach to archiving and to facilitate creative longevity”.

Consider AI tools not as replacements for your work, but as powerful allies that amplify your abilities and bring your imaginative concepts to life.

To view our first AI lesson, click here. And our newest lesson: AI: Midjourney- The User-Friendly AI Platform

Our newest lesson: AI: Midjourney- The User-Friendly AI Platform

Put on your Purple! Celebrating Women’s History Month

Francesca Sterlacci - March 1, 2025 - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Education, Fashion Events, Fashion History, Fashion Innovation, International Women's Day, Women in Fashion, Women's History Month

Did you know that the official color of Women’s History Month is purple?

Women in every industry have been chipping away at the glass ceiling for decades, often in the face of significant challenges and discrimination. Did you know that the first female prime minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka in 1960? She was followed by a series of other competent women who held high office, such as Indira Gandhi (India-1966) and other women who you would have never known about unless you googled Women Prime Ministers (many of whom are from Asia Pacific countries). It is therefore quite astonishing that it took decades for the U.S. to elect its first female to hold high office with the election of V.P. Kamala Harris in 2020. Though she may not have won the 2024 presidency, one thing remains true…the glass ceiling in the U.S. still needs breaking.

March is Women’s History Month and March 8^th International Women’s Day. It’s a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Are you interested in learning its origin story? Read our previous blog post on how Women’s History Month evolved over time. Your mind will be blown!

What Colors Symbolize International Women’s Day and Why?

International Women’s Day Colors

Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity. The colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.

What is the Theme for International Women’s Day 2025?

This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action” and “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The goal is to speed up progress worldwide to achieve gender parity.

Not Such Fun Facts:

Did you know that according to the Global Gender Gap Report, at the current rate of progress, it will take 132 years to close the global gender gap?
Did you know that for every dollar earned by men, white, non-Hispanic women earn 73 cents, black women 64 cents, Latina women 51 cents, Native American women 52 cents and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women 80 cents, with some groups earning as little as 49 cents?

Celebrating the Scientific & Social Achievements of Women in HistoryIn this blog post, I would like to celebrate a few of the many women in history who have made contributions in the areas of women’s rights, science, social justice, technology, politics and culture. Contributions made by women in other areas, such as medicine, sports, publishing, film, theatre, photography, music and dance will follow in a subsequent post.

Marie Curie (1867-1934) founded the science of radioactivity, discovered two new elements, and was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Her work laid the foundation for advancements in modern physics and cancer treatments.

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) regarded as the first computer programmer, her work on the analytical engine inspired future developments in computing, laying the foundation for the digital age we live in today.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005) a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. She is best known for her courageous act of defiance on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger. This act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most significant events in American civil rights history.

Celebrating the Political & Cultural Achievements of Women in History

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) & Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-19020 together they revolutionized the political and social condition of women in American society, pushing for a wholesale social revolution that went beyond just voting rights. Their partnership and friendship lasted for over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for women’s equality in the United States.

Christabel Pankhurst (1880-1958) a prominent leader in the Suffragette movement, she strategically used fashion to promote the cause and challenge negative stereotypes about women’s rights activists. Her approach to dress was both deliberate and influential in shaping the public image of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU).

Coco Chanel (1883-1971) a French fashion designer and businesswoman who dominated Parisian haute couture for nearly six decades. A pioneer for women’s rights and gender equality, Chanel was one of the first female designers to create practical clothing for active women.

Mary Quant (1930-2023) her legacy is not only in her mini skirt & hot pants designs but also in her impact on cultural movements. She was a leader in the “Youthquake” of the 1960s, a term coined to describe the shift in cultural influence from the older generation to the young.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) and Lorena “Hick” Hickok (1893-1968) shared a deep, intimate relationship that significantly impacted both their lives and American history. Their connection began in 1932 when Hickok, a respected journalist for the Associated Press, was assigned to cover Eleanor during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential campaign.

Eleanor was the longest-serving first lady of the United States, during her husband’s four terms as president from 1933- 1945. Hickok’s influence helped Eleanor become one of the most influential women of the 20th century, championing causes such as human rights and democracy.

For more about their 30-year relationship read the book, Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn.

What’s the Latest on the Equal Rights Amendment (NRA)? Will it Ever Get Ratified?

On January 17, 2025, President Biden declared his opinion that the Equal Rights Amendment (which would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination) was the law of the land, however, sadly, his declaration had no formal effect.

As of March 2025, ERA’s status remains unresolved, with ongoing debates about the validity of the deadline, post-deadline ratifications, state rescissions and its inability to receive the required two-thirds supermajority in the Senate.Constitutional scholars and lawmakers continue to discuss potential paths forward for the 28^th amendment, which is even more reason to elect a female President. Women know how to get things done!

Fashion As Sculpture, Engineering & Architecture

Francesca Sterlacci - February 3, 2025 - Fashion Events, Fashion History, Fashion Innovation, How It's Made, Paris Couture Week, Women in Fashion

Did you watch the recent haute couture shows? Did it make you think, wow, how did they make that? This couture season especially reminded me of just how much engineering goes into garment design and construction. Want proof? Check out Daniel Roseberry’s collection for Schiaparelli, it was a brilliant combination of both engineering & architecture as he created wearable fashion sculpture.

I couldn’t help but think that Elsa was looking down on Roseberry’s show from fashion heaven and smiling. After all, in her day, Elsa Schiaparelli was a risk taker (watch this YouTube on her life). Think surrealist sleeves, lobster dress, exposed zippers in couture, the shoe hat, and her Shocking perfume bottle inspired by Mae West’s figure.

Italian fashion designer, Elsa Schiaparelli (1890-1973) creator of the surreal sleeve, the shoe hat, and her Shocking perfume bottle inspired by Mae West’s figure. (Image credits: Pinterest.com)

Fashion Engineering & Architecture

Support Materials

Daniel Roseberry’s Spring 2025 Haute Couture Collection and his use of underlinings & support materials. (Image credit: Vogue.com)

If you’ve been designing for a while, as I have, and are a lover of the garment construction process, then you were probably in awe of Daniel Roseberry’s latest couture collection and his use of support materials to create stiff flares and invisible padding that shaped the hips of his dresses.

There are many different of types of materials from which to choose to create these looks. In our lesson entitled, Interfacings, Underlinings, Interlinings & Linings, we teach the difference between an interlining and an underlining, when and where to use them and the various types available.

Wire & Boning

Daniel Roseberry’s Spring 2025 Haute Couture Collection and his use of structure to create half dome-like structures. (Image Credit: Vogue.com)

I just loved Roseberry’s combination of structure and softness in his dresses. He made great use of wire and boning to create half dome-like dresses with tulle skirts. The airiness of a tulle skirt paired with the structure of a bustier resulted in a very dramatic Red Carpet effect.

To learn more about bustier design & construction, view our lessons, Bustier Bodice, and Foundation Bustier Construction Techniques. In addition to learning how to drape a bustier, you will also learn about the various tools & supplies used to construct a bustier, such as how to stabilize the edges and how to bone, press and line a bustier.

Fabric Sculpture

Daniel Roseberry’s Spring 2025 Haute Couture Collection and his mastery at creating fabric sculpture dresses. (Image credit: Vogue.com)

If you are a technical skills nerd like me, then your jaw dropped when you saw Roseberry turn fabric into sculpture. For example, look at the far left image above, he combined a sculpted jacket foundation with a carefully engineered bias-fluted yoke with pleats. Looking to learn how to create those bias-fluted pleats? Watch our lesson, Creative Draping: The Art of Fluting, to learn how to mold bias into just about any shape.

Our Creative Draping: The Art of Ruching lesson teaches how to create the look of the dress second from left above. And for the asymmetric ruffle dress to its right, watch our lesson, Draping a Cascade Ruffle Dress, which teaches how to draft circular fabric pieces and then how to drape them to cascade onto a dress foundation. And, to learn techniques on how to draft & drape ruffles, as pictured in the dress on the far right, view our lesson, Draping & Drafting a Multi-Tiered Dress.

Congratulations to Daniel Roseberry for a masterful haute couture collection for Schiaparelli!

University of Fashion Blog

Category "Fashion Innovation"

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Keeping a Designer’s Legacy Alive using AI

What Colors Symbolize International Women’s Day and Why?

What is the Theme for International Women’s Day 2025?

Celebrating the Political & Cultural Achievements of Women in History

What’s the Latest on the Equal Rights Amendment (NRA)? Will it Ever Get Ratified?

Fashion Engineering & Architecture

Support Materials

There are many different of types of materials from which to choose to create these looks. In our lesson entitled, Interfacings, Underlinings, Interlinings & Linings, we teach the difference between an interlining and an underlining, when and where to use them and the various types available.

Wire & Boning

Fabric Sculpture

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