CORE 4 FASHION
DESIGN DIPLOMA

Program Duration: 1 Year - 4 Months (56 Weeks/1120hrs)
Your Instructors: Julie Berg, Melissa McSorley, Magali Blanc

Prices: Domestic $24,595.00

Prices: International $28,595.00

Location: 1888 West 1st Ave

Start Dates: January, May, September.

The Core 4 Fashion Design Diploma is a dynamic and immersive program tailored to provide a strong foundation in fashion design. This diploma equips students with the technical and creative expertise to thrive in the fashion industry. Whether you dream of designing collections, managing production, or diving into fashion marketing, the Core 4 Diploma offers the tools and mentorship to make your vision a reality.

Guided by industry professionals, students will master essential skills such as technical design, garment creation, pattern making, and production management, all within a collaborative and inspiring learning environment.

Program Overview

Develop Your Skill

Creative Design & Illustration: Learn the fundamentals of design, create original sketches, and develop professional presentation boards.

  • Technical Expertise: Dive deep into pattern making, sewing construction, and product development with a hands-on approach.

  • Industry-Ready Proficiency: Understand real-world production processes, marketing strategies, and how to bring a collection to life.

  • Elective Specialization: You can tailor your education by selecting modules such as Fashion Marketing, 3D Apparel Design, Gerber Technology, or Costume Design for Film and Television.

Career Paths

Graduates of the Core 4 Fashion Design Diploma can pursue careers as:

  • Fashion Designers

  • Product Developers

  • Technical Designers

  • Pattern Makers

  • Sourcing Managers

  • Production Managers

  • Costumers for Film & TV

  • Retail Managers

Program Structure

See below for the timeline options available:

Program Timeline

Duration: 56 Weeks (20 hours/week: 8 hours lecture + 12 hours lab)
Modules:

  1. Fashion Design & Creative Arts - Learn to translate your vision into reality. Develop original croquis, inspiration boards, and compelling fashion illustrations.

  2. Pattern Making & Sewing Techniques: Master the essentials of pattern making, garment construction, and sewing. To conclude the module, create a six-piece collection tailored to your chosen design stream.

  3. Product Development & Manufacturing - Analyze trends, create innovative collections, and refine your skills in marketing and production strategies.

  4. Elective Modules:

  • Fashion Marketing & Branding: Dive into PR, merchandising, and creative direction.

  • 3D Apparel Design & Integration: Explore technical apparel, material sciences, and advanced pattern-making.

  • Gerber Technology: Enhance digital pattern-making skills with Gerber AccuMark software.

  • Costume Design for Film & Television: Learn to bring the director's vision to life through Colour Theory, Fashion History, script analysis, character breakdowns, and more.

Admission Requirements

High school diploma or mature student status (19+)

  • Admissions interview (in-person or via Skype)

  • Letter of Intent (250+ words outlining career goals)

  • English Proficiency (if applicable): IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 57+ or equivalent

Program Costs

In addition to tuition, the following fees apply:

  • Application Fee (Domestic): $50

  • Application Fee (International): $500

  • Assessment Fee: $100

  • Material Fee: $1,800

  • Textbooks: $1,123 (may vary)

Why Choose The Cut

Hands-On Learning: Small class sizes and personalized mentorship ensure you graduate with practical, industry-relevant skills.

  • Industry Exposure: Field trips, guest lectures, and collaborative projects with fashion leaders prepare you for the industry's demands.

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access to professional tools and technologies, including CAD software like Adobe CC, Gerber AccuMark and 3D renders.

  • Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with peers, instructors, and industry professionals to launch your career with confidence.

Take the first step towards your fashion career. Enroll in the Core 4 Fashion Design Diploma and bring your creative vision to life.

Ready to Apply? Contact our admissions team today!

Meet your professors

Julie Berg

Julie Berg brings 25 years of forward-thinking fashion design and energy-fuelled marketing talent to the table. A product development specialist for both retail and private labels, she’s crafted contemporary designer sportswear and accessories collections for small-sized independent retailers and big brands alike.


Melissa McSorley

Following in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps, Melissa chose a career in the fashion industry and has been teaching for the last three years. She is a graduate from the Art Institute of Vancouver’s Fashion Design and Merchandising program. After a successful pattern making internship while in her second-to-last quarter, Melissa started working in the industry three months before graduation. Since graduation, Melissa has been building her skill set in contract pre-production manufacturing, wearing many hats. She also works with her own clients as a seamstress, doing alterations and one-of-a-kind projects.

Magali Blanc

After my bachelor degree, I studied fashion design in Paris at l’Institue Superieur des Arts Appliques during 4 years. After my graduation I started as an intern at Vivienne Westwood in London, and then for Vanessa Bruno in Paris, where, I had the opportunity to work with high hand fabrics and luxurious yarns for knitwear collections. Quickly after my internships, I worked for luxury RTW brands in Paris. First, for Maje Paris from the very start to the huge expansion of the brand. I was in charge of many categories of product bringing diversity focus on the DNA of the brand.... I was also working directly with fabric mills and suppliers based in Europe, Asia and India. At Maje, I learned to design with a luxurious, a realistic approach and a strong product positioning that leads to the success of the brand.

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We’re excited to help you take your first step into your future career in fashion. Don't wait to follow your passion, express yourself, and follow your dreams now.

 

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 This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
The Cut Design Academy is designated with PTIB