What is FAAS Design?
FAAS ( pronounced ‘faze’ ) is the acronym for Functional Apparel & Accessories Studio
To design functional apparel or accessories is to design products that benefit the wearer. Functional design addresses the consumer’s basic needs to stay warm, cool, dry, flexible, visible, comfortable, and /or protected. Adding function to product via innovative materials and construction, improves product wearability and the consumer’s physical performance. Terminology such as waterproof, breathable, ergonomic, reflective, etc, refer to performance attributes designed into functional products. Adding function to product is not limited to sport or training apparel. Fashion is, also, being redefined through the use of added performance and /or protective design.
What Makes FAAS Amazing?
Program Partnerships & Sponsorships
FAAS PARTNERS DIRECTLY WITH GLOBAL APPAREL AND FOOTWEAR BRANDS to give visibility to students who are preparing to enter the industry. Students have the opportunity to connect and establish relationships with brand ambassadors as they move towards their goal of employment or entrepreneurship. Collaborations with brands benefit the students in the following ways:
• Free design education.
• Certificate of completion from sponsoring brand and FAAS
• 3 to 6 month apprenticeships with the sponsoring brand.
• Project added to students design portfolio.
• Portfolio review and feedback
• Access to industry professional networks
• Ongoing mentorship with industry professionals
Industry Network
FAAS IS A TALENT RESOURCE FOR GLOBAL BRANDS. New designers, established design teams, and interns attend master classes in prep for entering the design culture within brands, refresh best practices, or to learn the process of problem solving through consumer insights.
FAAS OFFERS STUDENT ALUMNI CONTINUED COACHING AND MENTORSHIP POST PROGRAM. Students are encouraged to stay connected to the founders and instructors as they navigate to and through the industry. Returning alums share their professional career experiences in peer to peer sessions.
Sustainable Design Practices
FAAS EMPHASIZES SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH SMART DESIGN. 3D product develop- ment is the latest digital platform that global brands are implementing into their product development processes to reduce cost, save time, and prevent wastage. FAAS partners with industry experienced 3D patternmakers and industrial sewing instructors to introduce the process of 3D development. This acquired skill opens up employment opportunities in the design and manufacturing industry worldwide.
Diversity & Inclusion
FAAS ADVOCATES FOR DIVERSITY IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY. FAAS supports and encourages under represented creatives to apply to this ‘learn while doing’ program. Full and partial scholarships are available for a variety of programs to qualifying students. Design competitions and community projects based in social media platforms allow students to participate and explore design as a potential career direction.
Program Learning Options
FAAS OFFERS SHORT TERM INTRODUCTORY & MASTER CLASSES. 1-2 week intro classes, 3 week master classes, 9 -12 week design intensives, and 1 on 1 mentorship with industry professionals allow students to develop and practice soft skills, set career goals, and create a road map towards success within the time frame that works best for different schedules.