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Fashion design image of a figure wearing digital clothing

Pratt Institute's Fashion New Media course immerses students in "cutting-edge fashion technologies"

Promotion: Pratt Institute's Fashion New Media course enables students to produce a market-ready design portfolio and build their professional network, according to the New York-based design school.

Pratt Institute's Fashion New Media course has a multidisciplinary programme, which prompts students to examine fashion and the "digital landscape" surrounding it.

The front facade of Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is based in New York. Image by Deniz Gonel, BFA '24. Image above by Tony Murray, @to.mu.lab

The course aims to equip students with an in-depth knowledge of fashion, in addition to experience in CAD design, interior design, video production, graphic design and branding and digital marketing.

It includes small interactive classes either in-person or via Zoom. Students also get access to software for remote use and designated campus labs.

An image of a blond model
The institute's Fashion New Media course focuses on "cutting-edge fashion technologies". Image by instructor at Pratt Institute, Paul Sunday

Throughout the programme, students are also able to meet designers and innovators of emerging technologies, including those working in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

"In the course, students interact with the most cutting-edge fashion technologies available today," said course instructor and founder of Digital Fashion Week New York, Clare Tattersall.

"Each week, they meet digital designers and innovators of emerging technologies, including AR, VR and NFT's," Tattersall added.

A photograph of a computer desk
Students get access to software for remote use and designated campus labs. Image by Katie Kwok, BArch '23

Course speaker Nicole Reader, who is also the founder of the digital fashion consultancy Modern Mirror, believes leveraging technology in this way has resulted in their brand's success.

"Through our technology, we are able to capture people's true likeliness as 3D animated representations of themselves enabling them to try on and wear either ready-to-wear or one-of-a-kind collections, unlocking the next level of personalisation in the Metaverse through their digital selves," commented Reader.

Foyer of Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is a leading design school. Image by Katie Kwok, BArch '23

As part of the course, students also take part in a final virtual exhibition, which they can use towards building a professional design portfolio while presenting the diverse skill set they have gained.

"A true multidisciplinary programme, Fashion New Media encompasses more than digital fashion," said Pratt Institute.

"The program provides ample elective course options that enable students to earn micro-credentials in CAD design, interior design, branding and digital marketing, photography and video production, graphic design, UX/UI design and more."

Pratt Institute lecture taking place
The course has a diverse interdisciplinary programme. Image courtesy of Pratt Institute

Each semester, international students enroll in the course on F1 visas, according to the design school.

International students who study in the USA for three semesters can undertake Optional Practical Training (OPT), which provides work authorisation for up to a year, "effectively turning the program into a powerhouse for experiential learning in NYC and a significant opportunity for a resume boost".

"We are happy to afford access to an international audience," said Pratt SCPS director of strategic initiatives and programs, Chris Ferrara.

To learn more about the course and how to apply, visit Pratt Institute's website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Pratt Institute as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.