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Fashion design

Creative, Art & Expression

Creative Design

Duration

4 years

Level

HBO (Applied Sciences)

Outlook

Stable

What will you learn?

(Modeontwerp) The Bachelor Fashion Design focuses on creating fashion and understanding styles and trends within the fashion industry.

A week as a student

Listen: a week in Fashion design0:00 / 0:00

On Monday you start the week with a design workshop. You work on a new collection — a set of clothing pieces that go together. Your teacher gives feedback on your sketches. You adjust your design and pay close attention to proportions, how the shapes fit together. This is the creative heart of the programme.

On Tuesday you have the subject Textiles and Materials. You feel different fabrics and learn about their properties. How does a fabric drape? How strong is it? On Wednesday you have Clothing Technology. You learn how to make a pattern — a template you use to cut fabric. Then you get started on a sewing machine. This takes a lot of practice and precision.

Required Education

For admission to HBO Fashion Design, you need a HAVO diploma, VWO diploma, or MBO-4 diploma. The elective profile Culture & Society (C&M) fits best with this program, as this profile combines creativity and cultural knowledge. Many schools additionally require a portfolio with your own creative work and sometimes an admission test or intake interview. If you don't have a regular diploma, you can also be admitted through a 21+ test or colloquium doctum.

Core Subjects

Career Prospects

Career Prospects Fashion Design (HBO) After completing the Bachelor Fashion Design, various creative and commercial career paths are open. Graduates can work as fashion designers at clothing brands, from large retail chains to exclusive boutiques and haute couture ateliers. Many designers choose to start their own label or work as freelance designers for various clients. Within the fashion industry, supporting roles are also available, such as fashion stylist, trend forecaster, product developer, or buyer at fashion chains. The retail sector offers opportunities as visual merchandiser or store manager at fashion stores. Additionally, graduates can find work in related sectors such as theater and film for costume design, or in media as fashion journalist or blogger. The Dutch fashion industry includes both established brands and a flourishing startup scene. Cities like Amsterdam and Arnhem function as important fashion centers with good networking opportunities and internships during the program. Expected Developments Opportunities arise from growing attention to sustainable fashion and local production, which offers space for innovative designers. Digitalization creates new possibilities in e-commerce and virtual fashion. Threats include strong international competition and pressure on margins in fast fashion, making creativity and distinctive ability crucial for success.

Impact of AI on this program

AI transforms the HBO Fashion Design program by automating design processes and applying data analysis for trend forecasting. New subjects such as AI-driven fashion design software and sustainable materials emerge, requiring students to adapt to technological developments. Career prospects are broadened, with opportunities in tech-driven fashion companies, data-driven marketing strategies, and personalization of fashion experiences. Graduates must be both creatively and technologically skilled to successfully navigate this dynamic industry.