Costume Design and Production Short Course (2024)

Course description

The Costume Design and Production Short Course is designed to guide students through the process of identifying and developing a character costume.

Students build their understanding of how the costume industry works through a combination of lectures, examples and practical exercises. The course offers a valuable insight into the costume department and how it functions within a film production.

Short course students have the opportunity to access specialist facilities and a wide variety of equipment on campus at LCF East Bank. London College of Fashion has been nurturing creative talent for over a century with a philosophy of open and inclusive education.

During the course, students research garments and character scenarios, develop mood boards, sketch, collage and drape to plan the costume they want to create. Students then have the opportunity to cut and construct their costume concept with guidance from the tutor.

Students are encouraged to spend time outside of class to develop their work. Plenty of guidance will be provided, but the final costume completion will depend on a degree of homework and self-direction outside of course hours.

Course outcomes

By the end of the course students should be able to:

• Identify a character based within a film scene scenario
• Understand how various techniques are used to conceptualise, design, develop and create costume for film
• Have a greater understanding of the costume industry and how it functions
• Have the practical knowledge to enable a costume to be constructed (the level at which a physical costume will be completed will depend on the complexity and individual's application to the task)

Who should attend this course?

This exciting short course is aimed at creative and practical individuals with an interest in understanding how the costume industry for film functions.

The course would be best suited for those who have an intermediate level of experience in researching visual concepts, draping and pattern cutting. Some experience of using a sewing machine will also be necessary.

Level: intermediate

Please note: this course is for students aged 18 and older

Clear, easy to understand lessons:

• Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology, they will make sure they explain what they mean.
• New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way that’s crystal clear and easy to understand.

Experience life on campus:

• Join students at London College of Fashion, East Bank a world leader in fashion design, media and business education
• Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
• Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
• Ask questions of your tutor in real time
• Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
• Experience the many sights of London on your down time

A certificate of completion and a digital badge:

• You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
• As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
• We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
• Certificates and digital badges are great to compliment your cv.

Details

Topics covered:

Materials

Students will need very little for the first class. We will mainly be discussing processes and looking at examples/case studies.

Students will then need to bring the following materials to further classes:

• Research equipment, laptop/tablet, relevant books and magazines
• Preferred art/drawing/collaging supplies e.g. pencils, markers, black note/drawing pens, paints, drawing paper, colour paper. These will be discussed in prior class.
• Preferred or relevant toiling/draping materials, scissors and pins
• Pattern making equipment, cutting mat (this can be as small as A3 but preferably bigger) set square, large paper scissors, fabric scissors, tracing wheel, awl, tape measure, pattern drill, scotch invisible tape, tracing carbon paper
• Optional extras include pattern notchers, flexicurve, french curves, rotary cutter, and Shoben tape