91115 - Collection Design

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students are aware of the main issues related to the research and design of a fashion collection; have acquired skills necessary to evaluate critically a production line in relation to the most actual trends and to the contemporary cultural panorama; are familiar with the process which, beginning with an idea and passing through production, brings fashion products be distributed and consumed on a global level.

Course contents

TOM REBL will be taking you on a journey to explore the creation of an avantgarde fashion collection and brand development from the designer's perspective.

The main topics covered during the lessons deal with understanding the brands philosophy and DNA, research and sketching, sourcing of materials, pattern cutting, sampling and production, brand image creation (styling, catwalk show, fashion film, presentation, shooting, installation).

This course is focused on experiencing the world of TOM REBL with all senses. As a highlight throughout the lessons, Tom will bring along a wide selection of collection and exclusive catwalk pieces. The students have the possibility to try, feel and wear the garments on their own bodies to better understand the brand with all its facets. The students will also get the chance to style a real editorial photo shooting together with Tom Rebl.

Apart from the many practical tasks of the course, Tom Rebl will talk about issues regarding avantgarde fashion, inspiration, sustainability, social responsibility, digital fashion and art and fashion from his perspective as a designer. Each topic will be presented to the class with a digital presentation including visuals and videos, which will be available to download for enrolled students on Virtuale Platform.

The lessons and oral exam will be held in presence. Attendance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

 

Group Project

The evaluation of the course is based on a student group project. Each student group receives original TOM REBL archive pieces and is asked to realise an image campaign for the brand.

The goal of the project is to upcycle/reuse a look from the archive and present it in a campaign, which is appealing today and corresponding with the brand's DNA. The students will mainly work on the project in-between the lessons. The project development will be discussed with Tom on a weekly basis.

 

Skills achieved

At the end of the course the student is able to understand and analyse a brand, deriving some criteria from the general analysis and trend research on TOM REBL (vision, inspiration, relevance in the panorama of contemporary fashion, target/tribe profile). He/She will have acquired methodological skills aimed at identifying tasks and interconnections of various departments within a fashion house. During the course, students will also explore innovative ways of communication in fashion (social media, guerrilla campaigns, fashion film, collaborations, presentations, installations) and comparing them with traditional ones (press office, fashion magazines, advertising, catwalk shows).

Each student develops creative strategic skills in order to be able to successfully communicate and manage a fashion brand or collection.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities

It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination. 

Readings/Bibliography

At the conclusion of each lesson, the professor will provide a list of references on the topics dealt with during the lecture. The slides prepared by the instructor are also available on the Virtuale platform.

Supporting bibliography:

Giuseppe Ceccarelli, Eleganza al maschile. 20 intramontabili icone dello stile (Vercelli: White Star, 2016)

Akiko Fukai, et. al., Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion (London/New York: Merrel, 2010)

Stefano Chiassai and Corinna Chiassai, Caosordinato. Anything works. A modern man's wardrobe (Bologna: Nuova Libra Editrice, 2016)

Andrew Bolton, Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology (New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2016)

Rebecca Arnold, et al., Margiela: The Hermes Years (Tielt: Lannoo Publishing, 2017)

Teaching methods

Course lessons will alternate between theoretical lectures, analysis of case studies, items demonstrations, workshop and discussion of student projects.

 

Assessment methods

Each student group will be asked to present the final project work including a short written synopsis of the concept and a presentation board (or digital presentation).

 

Evaluation Criteria:

1)Coherence of the project with the brand.
Did you understand the brand philosophy?
Did you stay true to the brand´s DNA?

2)Creativity.
Did you manage to develop your idea with creativity?
Did you create something original and fresh?

3)Execution of the project.
Is your message clear?
Are you communicating in the right language/style with your target?

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities

It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint, video, collection items and digital sources. Items demonstrations and slides integrate the bibliography of readings with useful information and iconographic material. Students can download slides on the Virtuale platform.

Links to further information

https://tomrebl.com/

Office hours

See the website of Thomas Anton Rebl