Heidi Rashad is a luminary in the fashion industry, distinguished by her remarkable blend of creative flair and strategic business acumen. She holds a Master’s degree in Fashion Brand Management from POLIMODA, Italy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. This dual expertise has molded Heidi into a versatile aficionado in both design and brand strategy.
Heidi’s journey in the fashion realm started at a young age, and she has since been an integral part of 17 diverse brands and businesses across Egypt, Italy, Qatar, and Kuwait. Her contributions have been pivotal in the launch and growth of numerous start-ups, and she has also been a valuable asset within established organizations, resolving complex challenges in design and brand strategy.
Her work stands out for its depth and insight, particularly in analyzing the intricate relationship between Fashion, Design, and Society, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Heidi’s vision is transformative, aiming to elevate the local fashion industry, making it more meaningful, authentic, and enduring. Her goal is to enhance its international competitiveness and change local perceptions of Fashion and Design.
Widely recognized as a trendsetter in Egypt, Heidi has played a crucial role as the Brand Manager for the couture brand Temraza and as a Brand Strategist for Dina Shaker. Presently, she imparts her wealth of knowledge as a Fashion Instructor at the Universities of Canada in Egypt. Additionally, she serves as a Brand Consultant for Almah, the Egyptian Clothing Bank.
Our program is structured into six main sessions, each focusing on a critical aspect of fashion design. These sessions provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the design process, from conceptualization to garment construction. The program is delivered offline in Cairo, offering a rich, immersive learning experience.
Day 1: Introduction to Fashion Design & Elements of Design
- Topics Covered:
- History and evolution of fashion
- Key fashion design terminologies
- Elements of design (color, line, shape, texture, space)
- Activities:
- Lecture on fashion history
- Group discussion on favorite designers
- Workshop on creating mood boards
- Assignment: Create a mood board using elements of design
Day 2: Principles of Design & Fashion Illustration
- Topics Covered:
- Principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, proportion, rhythm, unity)
- Basic sketching techniques
- Drawing the fashion figure
- Activities:
- Practical exercises on combining elements and principles
- Sketching workshop
- Practice sessions on drawing different fabrics and textures
- Assignment: Complete a set of fashion sketches
Day 3: Textile Science & Pattern Making
- Topics Covered:
- Types of fabrics and their properties
- Fabric selection for different designs
- Introduction to pattern making
- Creating basic blocks (bodice, skirt, sleeve)
- Activities:
- Hands-on fabric identification workshop
- Pattern drafting workshop
- Assignment: Fabric selection for a mini-collection
- Assignment: Draft and modify a basic pattern
Day 4: Garment Construction & Sustainable Fashion
- Topics Covered:
- Sewing techniques and equipment
- Constructing basic garments
- Principles of sustainable fashion
- Eco-friendly materials and practices
- Activities:
- Sewing workshop
- Constructing a simple garment
- Lecture on sustainability in fashion
- Group discussion on sustainable practices
- Assignment: Create a sustainable fashion design concept
Day 5: Fashion Marketing & Portfolio Development
- Topics Covered:
- Basics of fashion marketing
- Building a fashion brand
- Importance of a fashion portfolio
- Key components of a professional portfolio
- Activities:
- Workshop on brand identity creation
- Portfolio creation workshop
- Review and feedback sessions
- Assignment: Create a branding and marketing strategy
- Assignment: Develop and present your fashion portfolio
Day 6: Final Project & Industry Insights
- Topics Covered:
- Concept development for a collection
- Insights from industry professionals
- Networking strategies
- Activities:
- Individual project work
- Mentorship and guidance sessions
- Guest lectures from fashion industry experts
- Networking event
- Assignment: Complete and present your mini-collection
- Assignment: Create a career plan and network strategy
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical context and evolution of fashion design.
- Apply the elements and principles of design in creating fashion concepts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in fashion illustration and sketching techniques.
- Identify and select appropriate fabrics for various designs.
- Draft and modify basic patterns to create unique designs.
- Construct garments using professional sewing techniques.
- Incorporate sustainable practices into fashion design.
- Develop effective marketing and branding strategies for fashion products.
- Create a professional fashion portfolio showcasing their work.
- Design and present a cohesive mini-collection.
- Network with industry professionals and explore career opportunities in fashion design.
Comprehensive Curriculum
- Explore the history and evolution of fashion design.
- Gain proficiency in the elements and principles of design.
- Learn the intricacies of textile science, pattern making, and garment construction.
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- Industry Insights
- Benefit from the expertise of seasoned industry professionals.
- Understand the current trends and best practices in fashion design.
- Gain insights into sustainable fashion and eco-friendly practices.
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- Career Development
- Receive guidance on building a fashion brand and marketing yourself effectively.
- Develop strategies for creating a standout portfolio and advancing your career.
- Network with industry professionals and explore career opportunities.
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- Practical Skills
- Engage in hands-on workshops and real-world scenarios.
- Acquire the tools and techniques needed to excel in fashion design.
- Develop and present a cohesive mini-collection as part of your final project.
