Discover the fashion design process, from inspiration and research to developing a cohesive fashion collection and professional portfolio. Gain practical skills as you develop your design identity.

Next start months
December 2026
January 2027
March 2027

Tutor(s)
Suzanne Beirne
Carlyn McGuire
Ian Kettle
Daniela Bomba

Price
From £1500.00

Course description

Course overview

This 50-hour fashion design course is designed to immerse you in the complete fashion design process, from initial inspiration and visual research through to developing a cohesive fashion collection and professional portfolio. You’ll undertake focused study and practical development, allowing you to fully engage with each stage of the fashion design journey.

Delivered by tutors who are experienced fashion industry professionals from London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, this fast-paced course gives you the opportunity to experience the realities of fashion design in a supportive, creative studio environment. Whether you're considering further study, building an industry portfolio, or exploring a future career in fashion, you'll gain practical skills, industry insight and the confidence to develop your own design identity.

Throughout the course, you'll work through a structured design process used throughout the fashion industry, developing creative ideas into professional design outcomes.

Payment plans

This Complete Fashion Design Short Course can be purchased using a payment plan on request and paid in full 4 weeks before the course start date. Example payment breakdown

Based on a course fee of £1,500: 50% Deposit (£750) Followed by 3 payments:

Month 1 - £250
Month 2 - £250
Month 3 - £250 (this final payment is completed 4 weeks before your course begins)

Normal UAL Short Course T&Cs apply. Contact ualshortcourses@arts.ac.uk for more information.

Who this course is for

Aspiring fashion designers
Creative individuals seeking an intensive introduction to fashion design
Anyone looking to strengthen their portfolio and design development skills

Key information

Topics covered

Understanding the fashion design process
Developing visual research
Fabric awareness
Basic figure fashion drawing techniques
Designing using model and draping techniques on the stand
Selecting appropriate fabrics for the market/designs developed
Communicating your design ideas in a creative and logical way
How to build a well-balanced, innovative fashion collection

Learning outcomes

Be able to identify the skills needed for a career in fashion design
Utilise techniques to communicate ideas effectively
Be able to identify the key principles of fashion design
Digital badge and certificate of attendance

Progress your learning

This course provides a strong foundation for further study across UAL's Fashion Design Short Course programme.

After completing this course, you may wish to progress to more specialised courses in:

Materials

A3 layout pad
2b Pencils
Fine black fibre tip pens
Glue stick
Magic marker or brush pen in the skin colour of your choice
Digital camera or high-quality phone camera
Stainless steel pins
Fabric scissors
Paper scissors
Laptop/iPad/tablet

As part of your research you will be required to do some printing. Please bring a small amount of cash to the course on your first day to credit your printing account. It is unlikely you will need to spend more than £5.

Tutor

Suzanne Beirne

Suzanne Beirne has many years experience working in the fashion industry from the design studios at Vivienne Westwood and Burberry to designing and styling for Prada and Miu Miu working with renowned stylist Manuella Pavesi on all their worldwide windows and stores. Suzanne is currently working as a set designer in London and Paris.

Carlyn McGuire

Carlyn McGuire is a graduate of Central Saint Martins and Senior lecturer at the London College of Fashion at the University of Arts London. Carlyn has taught on the pre-degree course since 2016 and is currently the fashion design leader. With over 20 years teaching experience delivering fashion design and development at pre-degree level. Carlyn specialises in teaching established methods and experimental techniques to prepare and help students discover their fashion design direction and build visual design identity through design development and process. See Carlyn on Instagram: iisf_lcf

Ian Kettle

Ian Scott Kettle is a London-based artist and bespoke maker of men’s accessories and fibre art pieces. He is a graduate of Central Saint Martins (BA) and the Royal College of Art (MA), with a distinguished career as a freelance designer, having collaborated with numerous independent designers and brands. His work has been featured in various magazines and has contributed to projects across the arts, film, theatre, and music industries.

A respected and inspiring educator, Ian has taught fashion design at Central Saint Martins for over twenty years and lectures internationally. He has established and delivered courses and seminars in cities such as Paris, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Riyadh, and China.

Studio visits are welcome, by appointment, offering you a chance to see a working studio and discuss your future course options.

www.ianscottkettle.com

Daniela Bomba

Daniela is a womenswear designer, print designer and creative consultant. She has worked both in London and abroad for luxury fashion houses and brands, and tutored at Central Saint Martins. Daniela began her studies at Ravensbourne College of Art Design and Communication and completed her Masters in Fashion Womenswear at Central Saint Martins. She has worked for a number of fashion labels including Jonathan Saunders and Luella as a designer and as consultant to brands including Adam Andrascik and Selfridges. Daniela is a lead tutor womenswear on the Fashion Folio course at Central Saint Martins.

The Complete Fashion Design Short Course