Course Description
Do you dream of working with fashion and design – and do you want a creative summer in the heart of Copenhagen? Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design now offers a concentrated version of our popular summer school, where in just two weeks you get insight into the entire design process – from idea to finished product.
The course is tailored for those who want to work intensively with their design ideas and try out concrete methods in the fashion industry. Whether you’re considering a future in the fashion industry or are simply curious about design and craftsmanship, this short course gives you the opportunity to test your creative skills in a professional study environment with experienced teachers.
The two-week summer school combines creative ideation with technical development and practical execution. You’ll gain a basic understanding of the design process and learn how to translate your visual ideas into a concrete product. The course ends with a presentation of your work.
Our courses are presented in a relaxed atmosphere where course participants engagement is encouraged. Feedback is important and instructors are always ready to answer any questions.
Yield
At the end of the summer school, you will have an understanding of the following areas:
- Understanding and experimentation of specific techniques and "know how" to design these
- Discover what it takes to become a fashion designer: the creative process
- Learn about pattern creation, processing and sewing techniques: The technical process
- Understand the power of communication behind the product: Fashion image
Target Group
Our summer school is for people who want to develop their creative abilities. This includes:
- Creative people
- Young people who are passionate about fashion
- Entrepreneurs/Start-Ups
There will be thorough and individual guidance for all students.
Course Certificate
Once you have successfully completed our course at SAFD, you will receive a course certificate confirming your completion of the course and its modules. This certificate will strengthen your CV and expand your career opportunities, and it will symbolize your dedication, skills and knowledge of the course’s professional content.
Teachers
René Gurskov
René Gurskov graduated from the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (formerly Margrethe-Skolen) and has for several decades run his own fashion brand, which has been very successful in the Asian market. René also teaches at the school's 3-year education program.
Mikkel Johansen
Mikkel Johansen graduated from the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (formerly Margrethe-Skolen) and works as an independent fashion designer and product developer.
Modules
The course begins with an introduction to the design process and a presentation of how to work creatively and methodically as a designer. Students will expand their understanding of idea development and visual research, which is the fundamental foundation for a strong and personal design process.
By working with mood boards and inspiration collages, participants learn to collect and analyze visual references that form the basis for the shape, color, silhouette and expression of the design.
The focus is on developing an individual design concept and a small lineup of styles, focusing on the creative idea and how it can be translated into concrete product development. Along the way, students are also introduced to working drawings as a tool to communicate their ideas technically and precisely.
In the second part of the course, participants work on translating their ideas into form through pattern development and sewing. Students will learn basic pattern construction based on their own design proposals and learn how to cut and prepare materials for sewing.
With guidance from the teachers, participants sew a prototype in the school workshop where they gain experience in material handling and sewing techniques.
The course ends with the finalization and visual presentation of the developed design.
Individual feedback is given and participants have the opportunity to present their process and finished product to the team. After the course, a course certificate is issued as documentation of the completed course.
Questions and Answers
Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive from our students – both Danish and international.
We recommend that you read this section carefully before signing up. If you still have questions, you are always welcome to contact us – we are happy to help!
Classes are held in both Danish and English. We have participants from both Denmark and abroad, and it’s fine if you only understand English. The teachers make sure everyone gets the information they need.
To sign up, click the “Enrollment” button and fill out the form. Once you have signed up, you will receive a confirmation email.
Payment is made at registration and can be made with VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Diners, Maestro, Apple Pay and Google Pay. All prices are in Danish Kroner (DKK). If you cannot use one of these payment methods, please contact us for an alternative solution.
You will receive a material list after registration. Some courses require specific materials (e.g. fabric, sketchbooks or drawing tools) that you need to bring or buy yourself. Any additional costs over and above the course fee will be clearly stated.
Sewing machines will be available for all participants.
Our courses are designed to cater to different experience levels – from beginners to more advanced participants. Each course has its own target group, and we recommend that you read each course description carefully to find the course that best suits your needs and ambitions.
In all courses, we emphasize thorough individual guidance so you can develop at your own pace – whatever your starting point. If you have previous experience in the field, the teachers will help you deepen and refine your techniques.
We do not provide accommodation for our students, but we recommend using platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com or similar short-term rental services. In addition, we have gathered advice and useful links for housing in Copenhagen here.
The age distribution varies from course to course. In general, the majority of our course participants are between the ages of 18 and 35, but we welcome everyone over the age of 16 – regardless of age, background or experience.
Our Summer School is aimed specifically at a younger target group between the ages of 16 and 30. Here you will typically meet like-minded young adults – both Danish and international – who are curious about fashion and design and who want to try out or immerse themselves in creative processes.
In other courses, you’ll meet a more mixed age group where you can expect to work with students, passionate hobbyists, industry professionals and entrepreneurs of all ages.
We prioritize an open and inclusive learning environment, where the mix of experiences, nationalities and perspectives is what creates a vibrant and inspiring atmosphere in our classes.
Application deadlines vary from course to course, but places are limited and fill up quickly. We recommend that you register as early as possible. You can find the exact dates on the individual course pages.
Unless otherwise stated in the course description, you can withdraw and get your course fee back up to 30 days before the course starts. After that, the registration is binding and the amount is non-refundable.
In the unlikely event that a team is not created, we will of course refund the full amount.
