Online fashion courses: those not to be missed

If there is one thing we have learned in 2020, it is that the inability to leave the home does not necessarily limit what we can do. Not by chance in recent months the living room at home has been transformed into an office, cinema and gym. But not only that, it also served as a backdrop for the hobbies started in the course of various lockdown: from the incessant production of cakes and biscuits through some artistic attempts based on tempera and brushes up to the creation of colored necklaces and bracelets that were the catchphrase of last summer. Just to name a few. Since the restrictions caused by the pandemic show no sign of easing, all that remains is to plan the next few weeks by inserting in the agenda courses, seminars and masterclasses perfect not only for distraction but also (and above all) to learn something new from real professionals in the sector.

The good news is that we can say goodbye to improvisation since museums like the MoMA and the Victoria and Albert Museum (temporarily closed until a later date) have decided to put resources and knowledge at the service of the public, thus allowing people to broaden horizons and perspectives without leaving their homes. They weren’t the only ones: here is a review of the six most interesting courses to follow online right now.

Fashion Culture proposto da Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
The museum is part of the FIT, one of the biggest and most prestigious fashion schools in the big apple, has created an online program that talks about the relationship between fashion and culture, in an attempt to provide new perspectives on issues such as the relationship between clothing, gender and power. The program includes numerous episodes, also visible on YouTube, during which leading figures of the fashion system they interact with the teachers of the school and deepen a specific theme. From Caribbean fashion to the history of pink, it is the perfect destination for those who want to deepen aspects that are usually little known and discussed.

Cost: free.

Couture Hand-Sewing: Make a quarter scale dress proposed by the Victoria and Albert Museum
Perfect for those who want to acquire the basic skills needed to create a dress high fashion in scale, according to the technique used by legendary designers such as Christian Dior. In fact, in six weeks the student will create a sundress starting from the special pattern created especially for the course and will also learn how to sew by hand, also perfecting himself in the creation of hems and buttonholes. If you have never visited the prestigious London museum, to get an idea before buying the online course, just take a look at its YouTube channel which offers a perfect introduction to the collections kept inside and to the various initiatives of which it is promoter.

Cost: 240 pounds, the next course starts on February 20.

Fashion as design proposed by MoMA
Created by the most famous modern art museum in the world, the course analyzes the environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of more than seventy items of clothing. Designers and historians will help us take an in-depth look at what we wear, to understand its importance and meaning.

Cost: free, just register on the platform Coursera.

Fashion Styling and Image Making with Lucinda Chambers proposto da Business of Fashion
The tutor of the course is Lucinda Chambers, director of the British edition of Vogue for years and a prominent figure in the world of fashion publishing: hers is a unique experience, built in years past on the set, where she collaborated with the most important photographers and designers. The course lasts 11 hours and gives you access to useful advice and information to start building your career in the styling.

Cost: € 32.50 per month, the price of the subscription to the platform dedicated to professionals of the fashion which allows access to numerous resources and insights.

Fashion courses offered by the Skillshare digital platform
From the use of Illustrator to the creation of sketches, passing through photography and marketing strategies: everything you need to know about creating a collection of clothes and accessories (but not only) can be found in the “fashion” section of Skillshare, a digital learning community that offers hundreds of courses on illustration, design, photography held by experienced and qualified teachers.

Cost: free registration provides access to part of the content and requires the presence of advertisements. Alternatively you can subscribe to one membership premium at a cost of $ 19 per month.

Marc Jacobs proposed by Masterclass
Learning from the best masters, professionals who have made a name for themselves in their sector by representing its excellence: this is the premise of the platform it offers streaming lessons from prominent fashion personalities, music and more. Just subscribe to access the fashion and design lessons by Marc Jacobs, for example, one of the most famous and influential American designers who, in the course of ten lessons, explains how to create a collection, from inspiration, to sketches, passing through the creation of actual clothes.

Cost: for 16.67 euros per month you will have access to hundreds of video-lessons and exclusive content also accessible from your smartphone thanks to the special application.

These are the most interesting proposals of the moment for those who want to broaden their knowledge in the sector or, starting from scratch, are looking for practical advice from those who have extensive experience in fashion. And if you think you are an expert in a specific topic yourself, and you want to share your knowledge, there are many platforms available to do so. From YouTube a Etsy which has a section where users can sell online lessons on various themes, from tye-dye to embroidery. All that remains is to prepare for a January full of commitments and lessons. Strictly digital, of course.