83823 Fashion and Textiles Professional Practice
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 83821 Fashion and Textiles Major Studio 1
Recommended studies:
This subject is recommended as the final subject in the 3rd Year Fashion and Textiles Design degree, to be taken alongside 83886 Fashion & Textiles Major Studio 2. It is recommended that all subjects, including most electives, are completed before undertaking this subject.
Description
This subject enhances students' grasp of professional practice in the contemporary fashion and textile design industries locally and globally. The role of the designer within fashion and textile systems is examined in order to support them in considering future career paths. Students deepen their understanding of various roles and industry practices that they'll adopt as a professional. The course prepares students for the transition from study to industry, taking into account ongoing industry developments.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
| 1. | Cultivate a critical understanding of contemporary issues and innovative thinking in the fashion and textiles industry. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Advance professional development by integrating prior knowledge in personal fashion and textile design practice. |
| 3. | Employ appropriate research methods and reflect on research outcomes to inform and enhance fashion and textile practice. |
| 4. | Collaborate professionally and develop effective communication strategies within the fashion and textile industry. |
| 5. | Develop professional project outcomes while challenging boundaries and taking risks. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Acquire comprehensive knowledge of cultural, historic and contemporary contexts that influence the lives of Indigenous Australians including the diversity of Indigenous cultures in Australia (A.4)
- Effectively communicate concepts in fashion and textiles in performative, oral, visual and written forms (C.2)
- Respond to constructive criticism and feedback (C.3)
- Develop an original aesthetic sensibility (I.1)
- Demonstrate an ability to speculate, experiment, challenge boundaries and take risks (I.2)
- Accuracy, rigour and care (P.5)
- Analyse and synthesise knowledge in both visual and written forms to undertake in-depth research. (R.1)
- Interpret complex ideas and connect them to fashion and textile practice. (R.4)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:
C = communication and groupwork
A = attitudes and values
P = practical and professional
R = research and critique
I = innovation and creativity.
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered through an engaging mix of lectures and tutorials. The activities for this subject include self-initiated learning and collaborative learning. Students are expected to conduct independent research, attend all lectures and tutorials. Students are expected to work collaboratively in preparing to transition from their studies into employment. Students are expected to reflect on and recognise their accumulative learning during their years of study in preparing assets such as portfolio and CV.
Content (topics)
This subject addresses the following:
- Contemporary fashion and textile industry practices and factors shaping these form part of this subject.
- Through innovative research strategies and experimentation, students will develop an awareness of how the industry is shifting and the various opportunities for creative designers in these shifts.
- Students experience various aspects of professional design practice, such as job seeking, contracts, and working with other professionals in the field.
- Students actively reflect on strengths they have developed during their studies, including soft skills required, and identify opportunities for further learning and development.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Fashion and Textile Systems
| Intent: | This assessment task is focused on the designer located within evolving fashion and textile systems. It requires students to study societal developments impacting fashion and textile industries currently and in the near-future, and reflect on the implications for designers and other fashion and textile professionals. The research includes a case of an Australian Indigenous-owned fashion and/or textile business, that includes a history of the enterprise, location and analysis of the cultural and economic contibution of the business to Australian fashion and textiles. The overall research and mapping includes the various relationships between fashion and textile design, fashion and textile business, and marketing and communications. The task results in a systems map that allows the student to see various opportunities as they transition into a fashion and textile industry professional. This map also illustrates the student's current relationships with First Nations designers, stylists, photographers and other creatives. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 3, 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.4, I.1, I.2 and R.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Career Transitions
| Intent: | This assessment task is designed to support students as they transition from their studies into industry professionals. It requires students to reflect on their years of study, and the competencies and expertise they have developed so that they can communicate these to others both in looking for employment and in their roles as industry professionals. Students will reflect on a number of past and current design projects with view to presenting them in a digital portfolio. This portfolio will clearly and cohesively communicate the strengths that the student has identified in having. In conjunction with the portfolio students will develop a curriculum vitae and/or a resume. During the assessment students are also required to draft a cover letter for an actual position advertisement for discussion with the tutor and peers. These tasks collectively strengthen the students’ capacity in securing employment in a competitive, dynamic environment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 2, 3, 4 and 5 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): C.2, C.3, I.2, P.5 and R.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type: | Project | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 50% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is expected of all students. Preparation for tutorials including consultation of e-readings and viewing associated online content will be expected as preparation for each week.
The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.
Required texts
Essential reading and research will be communicated via UTS Canvas each week, and provided via e-readings and/or online links. Students are expected to prepare by consulting relevant recommended resources in advance of tutorials, when advised.
Recommended texts
These key texts are available in the UTS Library.
Farley, J. & Hill, C. (2015) Sustainable fashion: past, present, and future, Bloomsbury Academic
Fletcher, K. & Tham, M. (2015) Routledge Handbook of sustainability and fashion, Routledge, London.
Gwilt, A. & Rissanen, T. (2011) Shaping Sustainable Fashion: changing the way we make and use clothes, Earthscan, London.
Hethorn, J. & Ulasewicz, C. (2008) Sustainable Fashion: Why Now: a conversation exploring issues, practices, and possibilities, Fairchild Books, USA.
Kim, E. (2011) Fashion Trends : Analysis And Forecasting. Berg, New York.
Klanten, R & O'Reilly, J. (2015) Illusive : Contemporary Illustration. Berlin Gestalten.
Kennedy, A. (2013) Fashion Design, Referenced : A Visual Guide To The History, Language & Practice Of Fashion. Beverly, Massachusetts : Rockport Publishers
Lynch, A. (2007) Changing Fashion : A Critical Introduction To Trend Analysis And Meaning. Oxford UK.
Mckelvey, K. (2012) Fashion Design Process, Innovation & Practice. Wiley Chichester, U.K
Minney, S. (2011) Naked fashion: the new sustainable fashion revolution, Oxford
Rovine, V. (2015) African Fashion, Global Style : Histories, Innovations, And Ideas You Can Wear. Bloomington, Indiana.
Vinken, B. (2005) Fashion Zeitgeist : Trends And Cycles In The Fashion System. Berg, New York.
Watkins, S. (2015) Functional Clothing Design : From Sportswear To Spacesuits. Fairchild Books, New York.
Williams, K. (2014) Fashion, Design And Events. New York Routledge, 2014
References
Relevant reports and research papers are available on Canvas.
Others will be recommended week to week.
For contemporary ongoing research in fashion practice and future practice:
Journals
Fashion Practice
Fashion Theory
Journal of Design Research
International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education
International Journal of Consumer Studies
These Journals can be accessed using the UTS Library Search.
Other resources
Local Industry Organisations/Resources
Australian Fashion Council
Ethical Clothing Australia
Oxfam
Australian Wool Innovation
Cotton Australia
TCFUA: Textile Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia
IP Australia
Clean Cut
International organisations
Ethical Fashion Initiative
Labour Behind the Label
Fashion Revolution
Remake
Ethical Fashion Forum
Clean Clothes Campaign
Union of Concerned Researchers in Fashion
Industry News/Events
Mercedes Benz Australia Fashion Week, http://australia.mbfashionweek.com/
New York Times Fashion http://www.nytimes.com/pages/fashion/index.html
Ragtrader, www.ragtrader.com.au
The Age (Fashion section) www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/fashion
The Business of Fashion, www.businessoffashion.com
Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival, www.vamff.com.au
WGSN (access via the UTS Library website, on-campus only)