The Fashion Class Explores New Trends This Fall

The Fashion Class, a program that teaches kids to design and sew their own clothing, is offering two new classes this fall for young fashion designers: Fashion Trend Forecasting and Handbag Design.

After attending Parsons School of Design, Kerri Quigley, owner and instructor of The Fashion Class, decided to bring fabrics, sewing, and fashion to children and teenagers, ages 6-17. Now offering classes in three locations, The Fashion Class will continue expanding its 12-week long programs this fall. In addition to the traditional Fashion Design and Sewing class, students can register for two new classes starting in September: Fashion Trend Forecasting and Handbag Design for Kids classes.

Students ages 13-17 are eligible for the Fashion Trend Forecasting class taking place in the Midtown location from 10:30-11:30am on Saturdays from Sept. 19-Dec. 12. Students are taken to stores, where they will shop for materials and fabrics representative of their style. Fashion instructors with backgrounds in the industry will teach students what fabrics work best for different seasons, how to predict up-and-coming trends, and how to use colors effectively.

Handbag Design for Kids ages 6-12 will also run from Sept. 19-Dec. 12 and be offered on Saturdays from 1-2pm in the Midtown location. Different than clothing, these designs use thicker fabrics and are structured differently, but give students the opportunity to try something new, Quigley says. Kids will make three different bags including a soft fabric tote, evening bag, and adult satchel.

The Fashion Design and Sewing class will be offered daily in any of the three locations from Sept. 16-Dec. 15. Students will make five different garments, which they model in a fashion show at the end of the 12-week session. Similar to the industry, students are immersed in the culture of fashion and design by using sewing machines and creating their own pieces.

Main photo: A student walks the runway in The Fashion Class’ end-of-semester fashion show.
Photo by Melissa Murphy