Fashion Entrepeneurship Specialization

Inspiration / Genaro Rivas

This lesson explores the influence of pre-Columbian art on design, highlighting its impact on modern art. Andean iconography, semiotics, and modular composition inspire new interpretations through technology, merging tradition and innovation in fashion.

Inspiration / Jordi Labanda

Finally, explore key artists who shaped a unique illustrative style. Richard Avedon inspires with his minimalist composition, Renegro with his use of vibrant color, and Alex Katz with his subtle elegance. Antonio López modernized fashion illustration, while Disney, with its use of light and visual storytelling, remains a source of inspiration.

Module 2

If you want to explore fashion design and its expressive power, renowned designer Lupe Gajardo will guide you through the creation of a capsule collection. Through research and conceptualization, you'll learn her creative process to transform your ideas into a unique and original proposal.

13 lessons (2h 22m)

What will we do in the course?

To begin, I'll show you the project I'll be working on in this module: a capsule wardrobe collection. We'll go over the creative and formal design stages we'll be developing.

Milestones in the history of fashion

In this lesson, we'll reflect on clothing as a tool of communication and review the major milestones in the history of contemporary clothing since the 20th century, especially the social changes that have been reflected in and shaped the world of Western fashion.

In this lesson, I'll teach you the basic elements of design—key to understanding how lines, shapes, and colors work when projected onto a moving object.

Basic elements of design

Design principles

Now I'll begin by teaching you about the basic principles of design, which are essential for ensuring that the author's proposal is understandable and effective in conveying the concept and inspiration to the user.

What is a capsule collection?

I'll teach you what a capsule collection is, what its main characteristics are, and how it differs from other types of collections.

The research

Fashion design requires a deep understanding of sensations and emotions, both personal and social, which will then materialize into a specific concept. In this lesson, I'll talk about observation and intuition as initial tools in research.

Now I'll show you my process for synthesizing and organizing the ideas and emotions from the research and bringing them to the first concepts and definitions of our collection.

The conceptualization

Throughout this lesson, I'll show you how to create the proposal manifesto by defining keywords, which will serve as a guide for defining the design variables we'll be working on.

The manifesto

14m

The sketches 1

In this lesson, I'll show you how to approach creating the first sketches and the final or definitive sketches. If you're not a great drawer, don't worry, because while the latter should fully represent the essence of the collection, they aren't necessarily an exact drawing, but rather a representation of the spirit we want to embrace. Let's loosen up!

16m

The sketches 2

Remember that taking into account the front and back views will be very important; this will help you get a better overview of your design. I'll show you the key lines you'll need to pay attention to in order to achieve balance in your garment.

10m

Assembly and structure of the collection

One of the questions you'll likely have is how to structure your collection. In this lesson, I'll give you tips on how to organize your final designs and create a common thread that underlines the collection's narrative.

Technical specifications and design details

I'll show you how to create basic technical sheets for each piece. These sheets are important for detailing all the technical aspects and will be very useful for communicating with the person in charge of creating your collection.

17m

Presentation of the collection

Now I'll show you how to create a lookbook containing your collection sketches so you can present your collection in a simple, yet creative and engaging way.

Module 3

Do you want to launch your own clothing or accessories brand? In this module, designer Moisés Nieto will guide you step by step through the process. You'll learn to analyze your product, market, and audience, define your business model, build your brand identity, and explore sales and viability strategies.

14 lessons (44m)

What will we do in the course?

First, I'll explain how you'll learn to define your product, sales channels, and ideal customer. I'll show you how you'll design a clear and realistic business plan while applying practical advice based on my experience. By the end of this module, you'll have a complete step-by-step guide to launching your brand.

Why start our own clothing brand?

We'll review the motivations and requirements for creating a fashion brand. I'll share my personal experience and give you several tips on what to do and what not to do when creating your brand.

Analyzing our product

Now let's look at how to analyze our product. It's very important to ask ourselves a series of questions to understand ourselves, identify where we come from, and clearly establish our brand values.

Analyzing the market

In this lesson, we'll look at how to analyze and identify the market that best suits our product. A market analysis is an assessment that allows you to determine the size of a particular market in your industry. It will also allow you to identify factors such as market value, customer segmentation, purchasing habits, competition, the economic environment, current trends, legal and cultural regulations, and many other factors.

Analyzing our audience

Now, I'm going to show you how to analyze your target audience through a few simple exercises. This will help you target a specific group of people and make the right choice with the product you've created.

Define your goals

It's time to recognize our limitations and define an achievable goal through an exercise known as "smart goal."

The business model

In this lesson, I'll explain the different business models that exist in the fashion world. Each business model is different, so each brand or designer chooses the model that best suits their product, objectives, and audience.

The survey

Let's discover the importance of asking the people around us for their opinions. In this lesson, I'll show you the options available for conducting a survey among friends or for a more professional survey using an app or newsletter.

The market price and that of your clothes

I'm going to tell you how to price a product. To do this, first, we need to calculate the company's fixed costs and the variable costs it will face throughout the year.

The importance of a good brand

I'll discuss the key to having an attractive image. I'll briefly explain how to find a brand name and how to create a logo that identifies you and is visually appealing.

Sales channels

Within the fashion market, there are different sales channels. Let's review the different types and I'll help you identify which one best suits your needs.

Fashion systems

Now let's look at how the fashion system works and review international collection presentation calendars.

Viability

When creating a brand, we must analyze whether it can be sustainable over time. From there, once we achieve this, we can set a long-term goal.

Association with other brands

We conclude this module by reviewing the benefits of partnering with other brands. By creating synergies with other brands, you'll gain access to a broader network of contacts, learn a lot from your team, and gain greater exposure in the fashion world.

Module 4

Fashion isn't just about clothing; it's about design, branding, and visual identity. With Tomás Salazar, founder of CANVAS, you'll learn how to create strong and memorable fashion brands. You'll discover how to develop effective and lasting graphic elements to build an identity that stands out in the industry.

15 lessons (2h 28m)

What will we do in the module?

In this module, you'll learn some techniques for more agile conceptualization. By understanding the brand's environment and where it will move, you'll have a clear picture of where the project should go. You'll also understand specific needs and, during this process, find the triggers that will later help you develop... the identity!

Importance of graphic design in fashion

In this lesson, we'll review some success stories to understand the true impact that design gives a brand and how a well-executed identity allows us to add value, enhance its reach, and even encourage the purchase of a product.

Differences between brand, branding and identity

I'll explain the differences between branding, branding, and identity, so you can distinguish the various efforts a brand can make and how these efforts contribute to creating brand value.

Differences between nominal and symbolic identifiers

I'll tell you a little about the most common typologies used in fashion brand development. Later, we'll focus on the difference between a wordmark and monograms. Understanding this will help us later in our decision-making process for developing our brand logo.

Key guidelines when building a logo

I'll share some tips, and you'll also learn best practices for developing your logo proposals with higher quality, achieving optimal readability and reproduction across any channel.

Project brief and context

During the lesson, we'll review some important aspects of creating a brief and how it can help us understand the brand's context. You'll learn how to identify triggers that will later help us represent our logo.

Global concept

We'll develop a brand map and the overall concept we'll later use to design the logo. We'll capture all the information gathered during the brief's implementation in a short presentation.

Mood board and graphic path definition

In this lesson, I'll teach you how to build a visual path definition, which we can present to the client for approval, so we can move on to the execution and design of the brand.

Typography and Selection Guide

We've finally reached the execution stage. We now have all the information to begin designing the logo that will represent the brand.

19m

Digital sketch and exploration of proposals

In this lesson, I'll help you think about the level of representation and how far we can use the initial typeface. You'll also learn how to modify it and give it your own personality to create a final logo.

Logo structure, composition and versions

We will explore the possibility of having several versions of the composition and a monogram that will help us implement it on different materials.

Components and child elements

Now, I'll teach you how to define the brand's secondary graphic elements, whether through shapes, lines, or illustrations, depending on your project.

Deliverables: Purchase card and label

I'll tell you a little about the importance of communication materials and define some that will serve as a guide to show how the identity we develop behaves.

Deliverables: Layout for networks and lookbook

I'll talk about the importance of communication materials and define some that will serve as a guide to show how the identity we develop behaves.

10m

Brand components and guidelines

You'll learn how to develop a basic brand manual to ensure the correct implementation of your logo and graphic identity. This document will serve as a repository for all the elements of your brand identity.

Module 5

Do you dream of ethical and sustainable fashion? With designer Genaro Rivas, you'll learn how to create a social enterprise based on sustainability principles. Discover how to work with natural fibers, support artisan communities, and develop creative businesses that generate a positive impact on the planet and people.

13 lessons (46m)

How to start a business with a social component?

In this lesson I will explain what entrepreneurship entails and what the requirements are.

What is sustainable? What is sustainable?

Before continuing, it is important that you know the differences between sustainable and sustainable.

What does social entrepreneurship look like in the fashion industry?

I'll share with you a method I developed to observe all the agents involved in a social enterprise.

6Ps of Marketing for an ESM

In this lesson, I'll show you the 6 P's of marketing you should know and apply to your fashion business.

What will be the purpose of your ESM?

Who would you like to support in your social entrepreneurship program? First, it's important to define your purpose and identify who you'll impact with the development of your social entrepreneurship in fashion.

CEP Model: Definition of Agents

Now you'll see how to analyze the agents involved in developing a social enterprise in fashion.

Talent: Identifying local producers

Here, I'll talk about the importance of finding talent to develop your ESM. I'll also discuss how to pay them fairly for their work.

Designing a collection for an ESM

How do you find inspiration for your collection? This is the starting point for developing your ESM.

Purpose and promotion

Here you'll see how to align your ESM promotion with your purpose. I'll also tell you how Hope Knitters came to be.

Production

How was Hope Knitters produced? In this lesson, I'll talk about accessory production.

Definition of the square

In this lesson, you'll learn how to sell your ESM products.

My collection

Here I'll share the final result of the collection I presented as a case study. Take a look and gather inspiration for your own ESM.

Basic photography tips

Do you want to use a model, a mannequin, or simply take product photos? Here I'll show you when each type of photography is recommended.

Module 6

Learn to convey ideas and create characters full of personality with Jordi Labanda, an internationally renowned illustrator. Discover how to use blank paper and gouache to imbue your illustrations with narrative and expression, focusing on clothing, body language, and connecting with the collective unconscious.

16 lessons (3h 21m)

The materials

To begin, I'll detail the list of materials I use to create my gouache illustrations. This list will also be useful for your course project.

Drawing, fashion and color to tell stories

In my illustrations, I always like to tell stories through characters with soul. That's why I'll teach you how to develop your own narrative and bring your characters to life through drawing, fashion, and color.

Intention and composition: planes and visual weight

A good scene always has good composition. Here, I'll explain how to use composition and why it's so important for achieving a good illustration.

13m

Character drawing and expressiveness: in search of a voice

The more vivid your character is, the more they'll connect with your audience. Let me show you how you can enhance the expressiveness of your characters so they come alive through drawing.

Basic gouache: outline and hair 1

Now let's get into painting and color. I'll explain the basics of gouache and give you tips to help you use the technique to your advantage.

16m

Basic gouache: outline and hair 2

After painting the character's face and sweater, I'm now going to paint his hair to continue showing you the characteristics of gouache.

13m

The brief and search for influences

In this lesson, I'll explain the details of the brief I'll be working on in the course project. The more complete the brief for a commercial assignment, the easier it will be for the person illustrating it.

The sketches

The sketch will help us define the illustration's shape and capture all our ideas before making selections. In this lesson, I'll explain how to do the first phase of the sketch.

Second phase of sketch and tracing 1

Since I've already chosen the final sketch in the previous lesson, I'm now going to draw it in pencil and trace it with a fine marker as best I can.

Second phase of sketching and tracing 2

Now it's time to color the sketch with Copic markers, one of my favorite stages of the project. After finishing the final sketch, I'll trace it onto cardboard using a light table.

Now I'm going to explain how to paint the drawing with gouache. You'll see that I'll go from lighter colors to darker ones.

Painting process 1

20m

Painting process 2

The illustration is coming to life. I continue painting the different elements of my illustration, playing with color and lines.

17m

Painting process 3

We've reached the final steps of painting. I'm going to finish painting all the large blocks of color in the illustration.

Profiling of clothing and faces 1

Outlining is the finishing touch that makes the final effect of a gouache illustration good or average. Here, I'll explain how to outline whatever's necessary and detail facial expressions.

Profiling clothing and faces 2

I'll continue outlining until the illustration is almost finished. I'll work on the figure on the right side of the composition in detail.

16m

Final touches with marker and digitization

After outlining, we can add some shading or volume to the illustration by applying a touch of Copic markers. I'll also show you how to digitize it to share it with the world.