Course Description
Our summer school course is aimed at people who want to gain a better knowledge of fashion and clothing design, and who may would be interested in continuing their studies in the fashion industry. This course introduces participants to a mix of short theoretical and practical modules that will give participants a clear overview of the industry, its opportunities and the basic technical skills required to succeed.
The course includes the exploration of the essential disciplines within fashion and clothing design, from composition to analysis, processing and execution to design techniques that can create silhouette. In addition, the course participants learn about specific basic skills that include pattern development, cutting, sewing and draping on gins. The course also moves over creative phases of the design process such as research and concept, design and execution of a mini collection as well as development of a basic pattern and a prototype.
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
Anne Sofie Madsen
Anne Sofie Madsen is an award-winning designer, and is one of the most praised both in Denmark, but also outside the world. She trained under John Galliano in Paris and has worked for the renowned trend forecasting agency Peclers as well as Alexander McQueen in London and Dior in Paris.
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 is graduated from Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (formerly Margrethe-Skolen) and works daily as a Product Developer at the Danish fashion brand Wood Wood.
Modules
You will be introduced to the course and expand your industry knowledge through a thorough introduction to the structure of the fashion industry and an overview of what designers do.
The course participants are introduced to the design process, which is an experimental process where research and idea development are the starting point for the creative process which provides inspiration, information and shows the creative and narrative path to a collection or product. In the process itself, the course participants must work with trends, social, cultural and political topics, and emphasis is placed on silhouette, material, shape, colour, details, print and decoration.
Through the design process, we will use different formats, and the course participants will collect ideas and inspiration from digital sources and document their research visually. In this way, students will begin to draw and communicate their ideas and inspiration by exploring the design principles of silhouettes, details and color, producing mood boards, collages and finally developing a lineup.
In the second week, students explore technical drawing styles and techniques related to their lineup. You will be taught how to develop your designs figuratively and communicate your ideas precisely and concretely. Here, the students will learn to draw working drawings, deconstruct and cut clothing without any problems.
Basic theory around model development is reviewed and the students learn how to draw working drawings, deconstruct and cut clothing items via basic shapes in paper. Variations on the basic shapes are reviewed and the course participants are given the task of tailoring a selected style from their lineup.
By the end of this week, students will have engaged in a wide range of drawing processes throughout the design process, from initial sketches, technical drawings to cutting a style their lineup.
In this module, the preparation of their portfolio begins. Moodboard is introduced and how to develop a strong visual design is reviewed. Here it will be reviewed which forms of inspiration can be used, as well as how to process the inspiration into concrete results and communicate one’s visions in a portfolio.
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 14 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.
