Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion + Sustainability

The Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion & Sustainability program at Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a unique blend of creativity and sustainability. Students will learn the technical skills and design knowledge needed to create innovative and environmentally conscious fashion designs. The program focuses on sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing practices, and circular design principles, preparing students for the challenges of the fashion industry in the 21st century. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and real-world application, students will work on live briefs from industry partners, creating designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally conscious. The program is designed to produce graduates who are well-equipped to tackle the complex issues facing the fashion industry today, such as waste reduction, resource efficiency, and ethical sourcing.

Additional Information

The program is taught by experienced practitioners and academics in the field of fashion and sustainability, with a strong focus on practical application. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including digital design software, 3D printing technology, and sustainable materials labs. The program also offers opportunities for work placements, international study tours, and networking events with industry professionals.

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design: Leading the Way in Fashion and Sustainability Education

Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design is a leader in fashion and sustainability education, with a strong reputation for producing innovative and socially responsible graduates. The college's commitment to sustainability and ethical practice aligns with the program's focus on circular design principles and ethical manufacturing practices. Located in the heart of Auckland, students will have access to one of the world's most vibrant fashion capitals, providing opportunities for internships, networking, and inspiration.

The Whitecliffe Fashion + Sustainability pathway focuses on sustainable and ethical practices and encourages students to challenge the traditional boundaries of fashion, elevating the craft of making and fostering creativity to develop high levels of experimentation and technical skills and an understanding of fashion's environmental and social impact.

The Fashion + Sustainability pathway embeds sustainable and ethical practices within a strong focus on research informing innovative design development. Industry-targeted workshops include Pattern Drafting and Garment Construction, Design and Concept Development, Fabric Manipulation, Tailoring, and Entrepreneurship. Studio Practice is complemented by courses in Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion History and Theory, Fashion Illustration, Illustrator for Fashion, and Natural Dyeing. Classes are small and provide a nurturing environment with a strong focus on individual students and fostering their unique vision.

Students design and develop conceptually-based collections that reflect a personal design aesthetic and produce a professional Lookbook for their graduation portfolio.

Fashion + Sustainability students who continue into a postgraduate BFA Honours year specialising in Fashion + Sustainability, work independently on a conceptually-based sustainable fashion project that reflects original thinking, rigorous research, design innovation, design, and sustainable fashion theory, and executed to a high professional standard.

Industry professionals provide invaluable feedback during individual student critique sessions and are regularly invited to lecture on industry topics. BFA graduates with a Fashion + Sustainability pathway gain employment nationally as well as internationally as design assistants, patternmakers, sustainability consultants, workroom assistants, buyers and merchandisers, stylists, costumiers, and design educators as well as establishing their own brands.

Domestic Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Minimum Age: Students must turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• NCEA University Entrance or equivalent

• CIE / IB Award

• Discretionary Entrance is available to students who have gained exceptional marks in NCEA Level 2 and wish to embark on higher-level study. These students must display a high level of motivation and maturity

• Some of the above academic requirements may be waived for students over the age of 20

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed, and students should come to the interview prepared to discuss their work and ideas freely

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. The portfolio can be specific to one genre if that has been the student's body of work. Digital copies of your portfolio will also be accepted

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway

International Student Entry Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Passport copy

• Minimum Age: Students must turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe

• IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 or equivalent

• Academic Transcripts: School or previous tertiary results

• Interview: All applicants for this programme are interviewed. International student interviews are conducted via telephone or online

• Portfolio: This is brought to the interview and should include between 12-24 examples of original work showing breadth of ability. International students may submit their portfolio digitally

• Letter of Intent: A 250-word letter of intent outlining reasons for wanting to study the BFA programme and desired pathway