Paris College of Art Launches Online Course "Style and Strategy in French Fashion" with Kadenze

Donald Potard, PCA’s Fashion Design Chair leads this 8-session survey program that covers the main designers in French Fashion from the 1950s to today, focusing closely on one iconic creative individual for each decade. Their work is discussed in light of the cultural and political context of the time, which students learn about through assigned readings and discussions. In addition to learning about specific designers and key sartorial techniques and trends, students learn about the main phenomena in the fashion business for each decade.

The first session will be devoted to the 1950s and the beginning of post-war changes in dress codes for both men and women. Pierre Cardin is the featured designer. The second session will be devoted to the 1960s and the culture of youth that it brought about. Yves Saint Laurent is the featured designer. The third session is devoted to the 1970s and the hippie and punk movements. The fourth session covers the 1980s culture of power, money, and excess with Jean Charles de Castelbajac as the highlighted designer. The fifth session focuses on the 1990s, globalization, and the designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. The sixth session highlights the changes in business models and the arrival of large conglomerates at the beginning of the century. “Les Etrangers” (the foreigners) are the featured designers. The 7th session features Christian Louboutin as a designer of the 21st century, with the emergency of accessories as ‘must-have’ it items and social markers. The program ends with a look ahead at what’s to come in the fashion industry.

Learn more about the program and how to register on Kadenze.com.