The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is right in the middle of all of this. There are many factors driving this momentum including affordable living and studio spaces, diverse cultural events, an increase in employment opportunities for creatives and a tight-knit community of established artists that offers support, advice and insight into our multifaceted city.ĭetroit is building its reputation as a hotbed for aspiring artists and designers. The community of artists and designers in Detroit is growing at a historically rapid rate. These programs offer assistance to new business owners as they navigate the sometimes intimidating world of business ownership. There are more than 50 programs within our city that were developed to nurture startups.
It seems that every day CCS learns about our alumni involved in starting new galleries, art programs, collectives, businesses and initiatives.Ĭreative entrepreneurship is not only welcomed in Detroit, it's fostered. Located in the heart of Detroit's Innovation District, CCS students have the ability to engage in the creative community that encompasses campus. Choklat is also a celebrated author of many design books, one of which - “Footwear Design” - is considered the authority on shoe design.ĭetroit is building its reputation as a global center for innovation, and CCS is right in the middle of it. He helped establish and lead the footwear and accessories master program at Polimoda, Italy’s leading fashion school with Ferruccio Ferragamo at the helm, and has taught at the London College of Fashion and De Montfort University. In addition, he directs his own London-based label of shoes, handbags and accessories, including the first bag collection to allow wireless communication between the bag and smartphones via a Near Field Communication microscopic tag. He has held numerous positions with top-tier, international fashion labels, such as designing a capsule footwear collection for London-based menswear Diverso and consulted with numerous brands, such as Finnish footwear heritage brand Lahtiset. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Accessories Design - Areas of StudyĪccessories hardware (i.e., buckles, hooks, appliques, etc.)Ĭolor and Materials Specialist Course LeaderĪki Choklat brings a wealth of experience in both industry and education to lead CCS’s Fashion Accessories Design program. The CCS Fashion Accessories Design program is supported by an Advisory Council that represents a broad cross-section of the fashion accessories industry and leading brands, whose members include Ashley Olsen, Dualstar Entertainment Group Francesca Amfitheatrof,Designer Linda Dresner, LINDA DRESNER Catherine Forbes, The Forbes Company / Somerset Collection Jen Guarino, Shinola Tom Kartsotis, Shinola Sara Kozlowski, Council of Fashion Designers of America Richard Lambertson, Shinola Lauren Bush Lauren, Feed Projects and Lauren Pierce Atelier Trish O'Callaghan, Shinola Lisa Smilor, Council of Fashion Designers of America John Varvatos, Nicole Eisenberg, Community Leader. In addition to a strong focus on creativity and design excellence, the program will cover topics such as trend forecasting and market research, fabrication techniques from handwork to large-scale manufacturing, supply chain management, branding, marketing, and merchandising. The curriculum will prepare graduates to excel in all aspects of fashion accessories design from initial concept and design to final product manufacturing and distribution. The CCS Fashion Accessories Design program is the first and only of its kind in the Midwest.
COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES HOW TO
You’ll learn how to predict trends, market your designs and manage a fashion brand from handbags and small leather goods to footwear and accessories hardware.ĭeveloped in collaboration with Detroit-based company Shinola, offers unparalleled opportunities for real-world experience, including sponsored project studios and access to industry experts.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Accessories Design at CCS gives you head-to-toe preparation in accessories design - from your first bright idea through design and handwork to product manufacturing and distribution. When celebrities walk the red carpet, no one ever asks Where’d you get those shoes? Who designed that bag? Nice wallet - who’s it by? The real question is, how are you going to change all that?įewer than a half dozen schools in the United States focus on accessories design and only one in the Midwest: College for Creative Studies.