Contour Fashion BA (Hons) module details

Year one (Level 4)

Block 1: Contour Introduction

In this module you will be introduced to the core skills and processes involved in developing and producing non-structured intimate apparel garment, such as soft lingerie, sleepwear and loungewear. In response to taught sessions you will expand skills in pattern cutting and construction for use throughout the course, including the compilation of a reference file of technical work. You will explore a variety of methodologies for developing creative technical concepts through 2D/3D pattern creation, sampling, documentation and experimentation. You will explore approaches to critical reflection.

Assessment: 70% technical file and 30% sketchbook.

Block 2: Contour Creative

In this module you will develop an understanding of the necessity for visual investigation. You will explore a variety of methodologies for gathering and developing information through research, questioning, drawing, sampling, documentation, experimentation and conceptual development. In response to taught sessions you will expand skills, advancing and personalising a range of investigative techniques for use throughout the course, including technical design and visual communication. This module may involve a study trip.

Assessment: 70% sketchbook and 30% technical file.

Block 3: Contour Consolidation

In this module you will consolidate your learning in the two previous modules. Through supported independent, self-directed study you are expected to demonstrate your technical understanding and the appropriate application of skills and processes in the successful production of your own non-structured intimate apparel outfit design. This module will further advance skills in visual communication through the introduction to the Adobe Creative Suite.

The practical content is further underpinned by theoretical content delivered by the Design Cultures department to contextualise current practice within an historical framework. You will consider origins and influences - how traditions develop and evolve in response to social and political contexts - as well as research methods, visual literacy and the skills for academic writing.

Assessment: 50% consolidation and 50% 1500-word written assignment.

Block 4: Contour Collaborations

In this module you will be introduced to the key factors and considerations researching, designing and developing niche technical product applicable to the fashion and intimate apparel market. The project will allow you to develop critical dynamic skills in co-operation, collaboration and communication within the context of a small working group. You will explore creative approaches to presenting design concepts to a professional standard. Industry specialists will be invited to talk to the you throughout the module.

Assessment: 50% group project and 50% 1250-word reflective piece.

Year two (Level 5)

Block 1: Technical Inquiry

The aim of this module is to further extend the practical knowledge related to the design, development and construction of Contour type products. The learning within this module encourages both the commercial method of product construction and pattern awareness. The approach of this practical module will continue to explore the holistic relationship between product aesthetic, pattern, construction, material selection, fit, grading and finish.

Product research analysis, evaluation and communication will continue to develop using a visual technical design book as a continuation from level 4 practical study. Technical information will continue to be recorded within specification files and this will be continuing. The use of commercial terminology is embedded throughout the course.

The Module provides opportunities for students to consolidate their learning and present practical outcomes. Students will continue to extend their CAD (Computer Aided Design) Modaris Lectra skills with product grading awareness.

Assessment: 60% technical development and 40% practical.

Block 2: Contour Futures

This module will extend your knowledge and progressive understanding of the key factors in approaching the design of a Contour product and its development within the Contour fashion industry. It will maintain the developing progression of knowledge capturing commercial methods of product construction and pattern awareness and will continue to explore the holistic relationship between product aesthetic, pattern, construction, material selection, fit and finish.

A wider base of Contour product categories will be covered in this module, including Swimwear, Sports, and niche contour products and you will continue to extend your CAD (Computer Aided Design) Modaris Lectra skills with product grading awareness.

The second part of this module captures the design decision making factors which are essential to extend your understanding of Trend and Colour, Style and Shape, Fabric and Detail, and Consumer and Cost.

Research will be essential to inform product possibilities, generating innovation in product development. There may also be the opportunity to work with external clients within this area. You will be encouraged to maintain a research file throughout this section of the module to record resources, visuals, promotions, and inspirational ideas to aid your approach to future design concepts.

Assessment: 100% coursework.

Block 3: Contour Exploration and Communication

Within the initial project, you will consider all research taken from the previous module; you will be encouraged to concentrate on the building of your designed product. All areas of the taught sessions will be aligned to ensure a high quality of developed visual work is achieved, concluding in a visual presentation for your chosen Contour product concept. This will capture the key design decision making and manufacturing processes concluded via all research and visual development.

The second project will capture the primary research appertaining to a wider consolidation project continuing from this module. All aspects of initial sketchbook work will be progressed, including secondary research, and initial early 2D/3D resolution consideration via experimentation.

Lectures will be given on historic development, brand awareness and design development. Garment fit and construction aesthetics will also be considered alongside technical aspects and current trends in Contour Garments. You will have the opportunity to structure a self-driven project and select your personal preference/ area for the type of intimates to be developed, including lingerie, swimwear, corsetry, loungewear, nightwear, activewear and athleisure.

Assessment: 50% 2500-word essay, 30% project one and 20% project two.

Block 4: Consolidation project

Design decision making factors will be covered within this module and will be extended by studies to refine colour, style, shape, fabric and detail with consumer directives and cost. All these aspects will be thoroughly supported with refined technical development and analysis.

You will have a choice regarding which area of Contour garments they align with, inclusive of Swimwear, Sports, and niche contour products for both male and females. You will be encouraged to maintain a research file throughout the module to record resources, visuals, promotions, and inspirational ideas to aid your approach to future design concepts.

You will be encouraged to concentrate on the building of your designed product, supported by all previous learned elements relating to this specific subject area. Industry specialists will be invited to talk to you, at key stages, throughout the module.

Assessment: 55% creative construction and 45% technical file.

Year three (Level 6)

Block 1: Creative Practice

The first part of this module aims to provide you with the opportunity to further your employability and educational skills and opportunities. Incorporating research and professional practice studies, the module content is designed to provide a holistic learning experience for you. You are supported by a series of professional practice sessions including guest speakers, to allow the development of presentation skills, marketing and promotion, social media usage, current and future digital opportunities, global job search, starting a small business, digital website development, mock interviews, and C.V. preparation. CAD tutorials will be offered throughout the module.

The second part of the module is designed to support you in experiencing holistic learning, relating to the commencement of a creative brief. This will further your innate design skills within the context of your awareness of commerciality, being aligned to a possible External Client - linked to industry. This will also assist in supporting international links globally. The project brief incorporates the design of a range of outfits for a potential International Intimates Company. This will include research into the target customer, market research awareness, primary research and sketchbook progression with thematic relevance and design development, culminating in selection and illustration of the final range.

Assessment: 55% professional practice and 45% sketchbook.

Block 2: External Client

This module is designed to support students in experiencing holistic learning, relating to the continuation of a creative brief. This will further your innate awareness of 2D/3D resolution skills within the context of your awareness of commerciality, being continually aligned to a possible External Client - linked to industry.

This will also assist in supporting the experience with fabric selection and illustration of the final range, pattern cutting, toile making, construction of the final 'hero' garment outcome, fit and evaluation, alongside both verbal and visual presentations.

This brief is supported by sessions on advanced pattern cutting for bras and intimates, pattern drafting, garment evaluations, fit evaluations, and the development of product data management information for a range of garments that links directly with their collection.

It is envisaged that this creative work will form the basis of the Final Collection in Block 3 & 4.

Assessment: 60% creative outcome and 45% technical file.

Block 3 and Block 4: Major project with cultural context

The module encompasses a personally negotiated body of work which enables you to combine all your acquired skills throughout your studies and resolve them into a final solution.

This captures primary and secondary research, design, and product development, 2D to 3D experimentation, defined focus on technical skills, pattern drafting and cutting and fit methodologies. Garment/product manufacture, collections/products for showcasing via catwalk, digital, film and degree shows are also part of the creative processing.

The module allows students to specialise in either Aesthetic or Technical design:

The Aesthetic option will pursue innovation, creativity, fit and fabric applications for fashion forward garment solutions. The development of four outfits for presentation will be created, and will be used for catwalk display, fully supported by a design portfolio.

The Technical option will identify niche product/research potential for the intimates market, possibly working alongside an industry mentor, and could address medical applications, disability sportswear, plus size cups for example. You will produce four outfits for presentation (or three if electing for an increased focus upon in-depth technicality), supported by a technical portfolio.

You are encouraged to reference key outerwear trends as a means of directional fashion forward solutions and styling, supporting an increased awareness of intimate apparel applications. Market research will be an essential element for both options, and will embed an understanding of relevant, applicable market definitions utilising referenced and annotated contextual research. Outcomes should reflect the international breadth of the Intimate Apparel arena and be relevant for showcasing.

For Design Cultures, you will consolidate your skills or research, organization, critical analysis, and communication in order to develop and agree a self-directed title for an extended essay or alternative assessment. A link between the written assignment and studio projects is encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice.

Assessment: 30% technical file, 25% garment development and manufacture, 25% 4000-wprd essay and 20% 40% research and design.