University of Fashion Blog

Category "Site News"

Did You Know You Can Earn Certificates Just by Completing University of Fashion Lessons? NO CHARGE

- - Site News, Special Offer, University of Fashion Certificates

Image graphic of "Reminder- each lesson completed earns you a shiny certificate". For years, our subscribers asked how they could earn a certificate after completing their lessons. We listened—and in 2022, we introduced the University of Fashion Certificate of Completion program. Since then, thousands of paid subscribers have earned certificates at no additional cost. Are you one of them?

While traditional fashion schools can cost thousands of dollars, those in the know recognize that University of Fashion offers access to many of the same instructors and lessons found at top institutions like FIT and Parsons. With more than 525+lessons available, you can build your skills and earn certificates as you progress—on your own schedule.

Is There a Cost?

There is no additional fee for a University of Fashion Certificate of Completion. As long as you are a paid monthly or yearly subscriber and have completed a lesson, you are automatically eligible to receive your certificate.

Why Earn a Certificate?

example of Certificate of Completion at University of Fashion

An example of a UoF Certificate of Completion. (University of Fashion)

Earning a certificate is more than just a milestone—it is a valuable professional asset. Here are just a few ways you can use your University of Fashion certificates:

  • Present them to prospective employers alongside examples of your design, draping, drafting, or sewing work.

  • Include them in your portfolio for job applications or college admissions.

  • Frame them to showcase your expertise across multiple disciplines to clients.

  • Share them with instructors to support requests for extra credit.

  • Demonstrate to your employer that you have developed new skills in areas such as 3D design, AI, adaptive fashion, or sustainability.

  • Provide proof of subject-matter proficiency for teaching or curriculum development opportunities.

How Does It Work?

image showing project lesson progression

An example of a student subscriber’s My Learning page showing lessons in progress and lessons completed. (Image credit: University of Fashion)

Our paid subscribers can track their individual progress toward earning certificates by clicking My Learning on the left side of their Account page.

On your My Learning page, you can:

  1. See all your earned Certificates of Completion
  2. See the lessons titles that you are currently watching, but have not yet completed
  3. Download, print or email your Certificates to others
  4. Download, print, email or post to social media a summary of your Certificates earned to-date

Am I Able to Get Teacher Feedback?

Yes. Our teachers love answering questions and reviewing work. Just contact us at cs@universityoffashion.com and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours, if not sooner. Your success is our goal!

Start learning, building your skills, and earning your certificates today: https://www.universityoffashion.com/sign-up/

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

- - Current Topics in Fashion, Fashion Innovation, Site News, University of Fashion Certificates

Image of University of Fashion's 18th Anniversary

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 Founder and CEO University of Fashion 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

University of Fashion Certificate of CompletionExample 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 

UoF 3D and AI Fashion Design

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

Global Access image

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 CollegesE-learning image

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 DevelopmentUpskilling image

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.

 

Are You Feeling Like a Design-o-saur?

- - 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 seriesOur 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 

University of Fashion lessons on AI for Fashion Design

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!

ATTENTION ALL TEACHERS

- - 3D Design, Adaptive Fashion, Back to School, CAD, Childrenswear, Color Theory, Draping, Fashion Art, Fashion Business, Fashion Education, Fashion History, Fashion School, Illustration, Knits, Licensing, Marketing, Pattern Making, Retail Math, Sewing, Site News, Special Offer, Sustainability, Swimwear

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

- - 3D Design, Adaptive Fashion, Back to School, CAD, Childrenswear, Color Theory, Draping, Fashion Art, Fashion Business, Fashion Education, Fashion School, Illustration, Knits, Licensing, Marketing, Menswear, Pattern Making, Retail Math, Sewing, Site News, Special Offer, Sustainability, Swimwear, Technology

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

 

 

 

 

BREAKING NEWS – BACK-TO-SCHOOL DEAL

- - Site News, Special Offer

Breaking news- UoF offers a back-to-school special to all students

School has begun and our mission is your success. If you are a student in high school, college, or at a fashion school from anywhere around the world, and you are looking for help with your projects, then we’re here for YOU!

We have 500+ 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 3D design, textile design, etc.
  • CAD Pattern making
  • Accessories: includes handbags, shoes & small leather goods design
  • Product Development
  • Childrenswear
  • Fashion Business: includes business start-up, retailing, branding, licensing & more
  • Lecture series: includes color theory, trend forecasting, textiles, visual merchandising, etc.

We usually only make this offer once a year (during the Holidays), BUT to give students a head start this year, we are so, so, so, happy to offer ALL students a $30 discount on a yearly subscription to UoF.

SPECIAL UOF DISCOUNT - $30 OFF A YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION WAS $189 NOW $159

Click the link to sign-up: https://www.universityoffashion.com/sign-up/

REMEMBER: THIS OFFER EXPIRES 9.21.2023

 

GOT THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT? LOOKING FOR THAT LAST MINUTE GIFT?

- - CAD, Childrenswear, Color Theory, Draping, Fashion Art, Fashion Education, Fashion History, Fashion School, Illustration, Knits, Licensing, Marketing, Menswear, Pattern Making, Retail Math, Sewing, Site News, Special Offer, Sustainability, Swimwear, Technology, Trends

Five days until Christmas, the clock is ticking and suddenly you remember that you forgot someone on your Christmas gift list. OMG!

It’s too late now to order from Amazon, so what are you going to do? Solution…give a unique gift certificate to the world’s largest fashion education video library!

Our once-yearly sale expires 1/1/23 and so there’s still time to get in on our discount.

Get a yearly subscription for $40 off (was $189/now$149) or $5 off the first month of a monthly subscription (was $19.95/now$14.95). Click here to made it happen: https://www.universityoffashion.com/holiday-offer/

If you are already a University of Fashion monthly subscriber or free member, just log in as usual and look on your left for one or more “Upgrade” offers equivalent to the above! Remember, all subscriptions gives unlimited access to every lesson on our entire website, that’s 500+ lessons!

 

WHY UNIVERSITY OF FASHION?

University of Fashion Home Page

University of Fashion has over 500 fashion education video tutorials, taught by fashion profs and industry pros, that both educate and entertain. We have 13 different disciplines to learn from: draping, pattern making, sewing, fashion art, CAD fashion art, CAD pattern making, menswear, knits, childrenswear, accessories, product development, and a fashion business section that encompasses retailing, merchandising, visual merchandising, branding & licensing,  as well as a lecture series that encompasses textiles, color theory, trend forecasting and lots more. Whether you’re interested in a fashion career, or perfecting your existing skills, or just ‘fashion curious’ – a gift certificate to UoF is THE most unique gift you can give.

Need some convincing? Read some of our testimonials:

“The University of Fashion Online is the most valuable tool that I found in relation to Fashion. It is a complement to my education. It is well structured and very complete. I am grateful to Francesa Sterlacci for having created it. I am also grateful to her Team for their contributions and great effort to put it all together. I love it! it is fascinating. I highly recommend it.” Espie Egger – UoF Subscriber – Switzerland

“I was lagging behind in class and didn’t remember all the lessons my professor taught, so I went to the demos on University of Fashion for help. Thanks to the great demos I received a really good grade on the project! ” Chanica Pitaksakorn – Fashion Institute of Technology, Student

“Everyone in the fashion industry, whether a student, a hobby aficionado or a professional should have a great resource for reference and support. University of Fashion provides the “how to” at every level for the first timers or just a refresher for the experts. A must have asset.”  Saul Kapilivsky Miami International University of Art & Design, Professor

“I have been teaching middle and high school for over 30 years and today I stand in awe of this amazing fashion tool. The University of Fashion video series is simply too good to be true. Every video is factual and correct. As I watch each video, I say; this is exactly how I teach this. The plus for me is that I do not need to do a demo over and over again before students get it. They can just watch these videos and also broaden their skills even beyond my knowledge. I am so grateful to be introduced to the University of Fashion.”  Callie Melton – Fashion Design Services Instructor/A.P.P.S Chair/FCCLA Advisor/Fort Lauderdale High School

 

DID YOU KNOW THAT WE ALSO HAVE COMPANION BOOKS AVAILABLE?

University of Fashion Book Series: Techniques for Beginners: Draping, Pattern Making & Sewing (Available everywhere)

Our book series was designed to complement our beginner draping, pattern making and sewing video lessons. Each book contains additional information to help with the learning process and they are another a great gift idea! Read some of our Amazon ratings:

DRAPING BOOK TESTIMONIALS 

 

draping book testimonial

draping book testimonialDRAPING BOOK TESTIMONIAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PATTERN MAKING BOOK TESTIMONIALS 

Patternmaking book testimonial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEWING BOOK TESTIMONIALS 

 

 

And for that fashion history buff on your Christmas list, why not get them our founder’s book, Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry?

Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry book

Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry Second Edition

OTHER UOF PERKS

In addition to our 500+ video lesson library you will also be able to access our Resources library consisting of a fashion terminology A-Z, design tools, a marketplace, fashion books, magazines & blog info and a list of fashion schools and fashion museums. You will also gain access to our free croquis templates:

So treat yourself to a UoF subscription or give it as a gift OR why not do both?

WE JUST GOTTA BRAG

- - Current Topics in Fashion, Site News

FEELIN’ THE LOVE

As the University of Fashion, the world’s first and largest online fashion education video library, enters its 11th year in business, we thought we’d devote this week’s blog to why our subscribers love us so much. Besides the hundreds of great lessons that we offer, our subscribers have told us how much they love our super-directional Pinterest boards, as well as our Facebook, Instagram and Tweets, which provide up to the minute fashion event coverage, inspiring quotes and feature our new lessons. Oh yeah, and they love our You Tube channel. Our free sleeve sloper lesson on YT has remarkably hit an all-time high of 837K views, yikes!  But, let’s not forget other UoF freebies – our set of mens, women’s, children’s and plus size croquis give-aways which, drum roll please…have had more than 400K downloads and are still going strong!

For those of you who aren’t familiar with us, well then please, come out from under that rock and check us out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpETLHSVxsU&feature=youtu.be&t=6

 

TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE LOVE US

  1. Learn from Industry Pros and Top College Professors
  • We recruit only the best people in the fashion industry to teach our lessons. Each teacher is selected because they’re considered an expert in their field.
  • Our college instructors are selected for their particular area of expertise and based on their college peer and student evaluations. We interview hundreds of teachers before we choose.
  1. Lesson Satisfaction 8.97 out of 10
  • Before deciding on which lessons to film, we do research. We interview and survey hundreds of our customers to find out what they would like to learn.
  • We poll our high school and college students and teachers, our industry customers and our home sewers. Each plays a huge role in the lessons that we choose to film.
  • An outside firm recently surveyed 500 of our customers and asked them to rate the lesson that they most recently completed. On a scale where 10 is the “most satisfying”, the U of F scored an average of 8.97.
  1. Founded by a Designer for Designers
  • UoF was founded by Francesca Sterlacci, a former designer/entrepreneur, author and college professor from FIT and AAU. As chair of the Fashion Dept. at FIT, Francesca learned that high school students interested in fashion college needed help with their portfolios. Current fashion college teachers & students desperately needed tutoring, especially in the disciplines of draping, patternmaking, sewing and fashion drawing. While some colleges offer tutoring to their students, none have on-call, 24/7 service. Enter UoF.
  • Fashion industry professionals looking to upgrade their skills can’t find time to go back to school and so for them, UoF is the perfect solution.
  1. Enjoy College Courses in the Convenience of Your Home or Office
  • Subscribers choose from over 450+ lessons at a level that suits their particular skill level, whether they are a beginner, intermediate or advanced student.
  • Subscribers get to watch, replay and access our lessons from a computer, tablet or smart phone as many times as they wish.
  1. Videos that Keep You Stay Engaged & Visually Stimulated
  • To reinforce and add to the learning experience, our video editors have added state-of-the-art motion graphics to help the viewer get a better understanding of the material.
  • Each lesson is broken up into modules with music transitions so the viewer can take breaks in between each module or conveniently play back a module for further clarification.
  • Our videos are easy to follow, never boring, and move at a pleasant pace. Viewers have the option to rewind and review as many steps as necessary, which, is another benefit of learning by video.
  1. Find Everything You Need to Get Started
  • For beginners, UoF starts out by teaching how to create a portfolio for fashion college application.
  • UoF offers 13 fashion disciplines: draping, pattern making, sewing, fashion drawing, CAD art & pattern making, accessory design, knits, childrenswear, menswear, product development, fashion business and a fashion lecture series with lessons covering textiles, color theory, trend forecasting, fashion history and prominent fashion luminaries.
  • In addition to a resource library of suggested books, museums, schools and fashion terminology, we are also a one stop shop marketplace for the tools, supplies, machines, fabrics, dress forms, trims and art supplies that you will need for our lessons.
  1. We Keep You Connected to the Fashion Industry
  • Whether you are a working professional, a student, a teacher, a home sewer or one of the fashion curious, you will be able to access lectures including how to choose a dress form, how to pad a dress form, lectures by fashion book authors, and other topics such as textiles, the state of the fashion industry, current fashion trends and much, much, more!
  1. Schools & Companies Get Expert Help
  • We help colleges strengthen their existing curriculum with expert tutorials in all of the major fashion subjects and in the creation of hybrid classroom learning. In addition, we offer online licensing options for schools to create their own online degree programs.
  • High schools get the benefit of expert teachers without having to spend money on recruiting teachers with specific skill sets. And, access to our video library  is a great way to start a fashion club!
  • Companies use UoF to assist their employees in keeping current with fashion industry best practices.
  1. We are Affordable
  • Whether you are an individual subscriber who chooses a monthly or yearly option, or you are a high school, college, public library, group or organization, a subscription to UoF enables you to access all of our website and video content as well as our transcripts, 24/7 for the duration of your subscription. And…all of our lessons are now closed-captioned.
  1. We Now Have Books to Complement our Beginner Videos
  • As of January 2019, we offer, for purchase, a Beginner Techniques book series in Draping, Pattern making and Sewing. This reinforces the learning process and is a great way to learn, since the books follow the videos step-by-step, frame-by-frame. Don’t take our word for it, check out our Amazon reviews!
  • And, speaking of reviews…check out our industry, subscriber and academic testimonials and our press reviews to see why people in 177 countries love us. And thank you…WE FEEL THE LOVE!

Let us know which lessons are your favorite and what lessons you would like to see on UoF’s site!

All I want for—fill in the holiday—is the gift of fashion

- - Contest, Festival Season, New York Garment District, Site News

Screen Shot 2018-12-16 at 9.08.08 PM

If you’ve been keeping up with the U of F blog, you’ll know that the Gen Zers on your holiday lists crave experiences. And when it comes to gift giving in 2018 (and beyond), the University of Fashion has experiences galore for the fashionistas in your life, no matter their age. In fact, we have unique gifts that will inspire year-round learning and making for the fashion lovers you know. Read More