Students are trained to work within the existing fashion system, but they are also encouraged to challenge and transform it through their skills, practice, and knowledge.The tutors and instructors in the program are active professionals in the fashion industry, bringing their international expertise into the classroom. Together, they provide the 'hardware' (e.g., Fashion Production, Technical Drawing, Virtual Prototyping, Phygital Design Methods) and the 'software' (e.g., Critical Perspectives, Sustainable Mindsets, Storytelling, Professional Attitudes, Organisational Skills) needed to become a professional in the fashion industry of tomorrow.
As a Fashion Designer you [A]dress contemporary developments to create hybrid futures through the continuously changing professional field of fashion.
Key topics that form the foundation of the Fashion Design programme include:
- New Ethics: What values and norms do we want to represent as professional Fashion Designers?
- Virtual Fashion: How can we master the digital realm and explore hybrid design practices?
- Sustainability: How can we build a future-proof relationship with the world (environmentally, socially, economically, and culturally)?
Professional diversity is key: we encourage students to redefine the profession, fostering independence through self-initiated projects and electives.In 2023, the Fashion Design programme implemented a cutting-edge programme (funded by ERASMUS+) that connects traditional skills with advanced digital skills such as Phygital prototyping, 3D-presentations, Generative A.I. , and Augmented Reality.
We believe in a digitally hybrid approach that empowers students to seamlessly transition between traditional physical material making and digital innovation—a shift already emerging in the professional field.
The student is the future!
Cover project: Paco Teepe
Open Days & Recruitment activities
Want to know more about life at the Willem de Kooning Academy? Check out our extended programme, full of (online) activities and interaction with student ambassadors and tutors via this link.
Student Work
- 707 + 707 = 1414 by Bink Kwist
- Dressing the Body by Welmoed Bosch
- Virtual Fashion Student Work by third year students
- The closer one looks the more clear it becomes by Linn Alleman
Knowledge & skills
- Fashion Theory
- Research Methods
- Design Methods
- 2D and 3D digital design techniques, such as Adobe, Clo 3D, Blender, Unity, AR & VR techniques, Artificial Intelligence
- Fashion drawing, Technical drawing, Model drawing
- Technical Sewing- and Pattern skills
- Textile crafts, textile knowledge
- Presentation techniques, photography
- ...and more
Career opportunities
- Fashion designer
- Concept designer
- Textile Designer
- Digital Artist
- Fashion Stylist
- Fashion Researcher
- Fashion Academic
- And many more positions today and tomorrow in this second biggest industry in the world
Fashion is such an octopus. You're connected to so many people: suppliers, pattern makers, production teams, marketing teams, vendors.
Stations
Most study activities take place at the Stations (Workspaces). All students, regardless of their bachelor programme or year, are welcome to work at the Stations. These are places where students can test their ideas and figure out how to turn them into fully functioning creations. They can experiment with tools, techniques, materials, and equipment, and receive support and inspiration by working with fellow students, tutors, and instructors.
For more detailed information about our Stations, please visit this webpage
Dual Degree programme
Are you artistically talented, and at the same time thirsty for academic knowledge? The Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) and the Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) offer you the possibility to combine theory and practice within a five-year Dual Degree programme. Students completing the RASL programme obtain two bachelor degrees: one from the EUR (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) and one from WdKA (Bachelor of Arts).
