To fully benefit from the Unit 1: Forecasting, research and design, you should have:

• A strong interest in fashion footwear 
• Prior experience (intermediate or above) of drawing / sketching/design

This is a creative unit and you will be encouraged to be as experimental as possible, bearing in mind commercial restraints. We hope to challenge preconceived ideas and opinions - in order to look at alternative interpretations, conclusions and design solutions. This programme includes a fashion and culture field trip to Florence.

This course will cover:

• Foot analysis, biomechanics & foot anatomy
• Measuring the foot & fitting
• Materials - properties, sourcing, production.
• Understanding leather
• Sustainability - ethical footwear
• From mass market to bespoke & couture
• Vintage and contemporary footwear will be examined and handled, to gain a greater understanding of the development of footwear and its history
• Sketching, technical drawing, concept, colour and materials boards
• Consumer / market research
• Working with inspiration, design conceptualization, through design development
• Range building
• Branding, packaging, display
• The great variety of influences on fashion - social events, technological innovations, architecture, the arts, mass media and
  individual designers will be examined, through a series of lectures and visits to selected exhibitions / collections in museums / galleries
• A journal will be kept to help the student to critically examine and express their opinions on the visits. The information gathered may then be utilised to inform and inspire their work on the programme
• Visits (industry/store) may be planned if appropriate

The unit intends to challenge preconceived ideas and opinions - in order to look at alternative interpretations and conclusions.

Length of unit: 4 weeks

Total class hours: 60

Non-class hours (homework, research, self directed study): 30

Unit level: intermediate

Study Abroad credits: 6