Happy 2018, U of F designers! 2017 has wrapped, and our hope for you in 2018 is that you take a moment to look back and recognize your accomplishments over the past year with as much excitement as you look forward to your new goals.

So, what are your top 3 proudest moments of 2017?

And your top 3 plans for 2018?

We’re asking ourselves the same questions.

So long to a productive 2017…

2017 was about partnerships, accessorizing and covering all things fashion from A to Z at the University of Fashion.

First up, we partnered with 2D/3D apparel software company Tukatech to bring you a series of Computer Assisted Design (CAD) Pattern Making lessons to teach how to make digital patterns on your own computer.

These lessons feature TUKAcad, an inexpensive, easy-to-learn Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software package. TUKAcad can be installed on both Windows- and Apple-based computers. If learning CAD makes your 2018 goal list, you can get an amazing discount on TUKAcad if you go to www.tukaweb.com, order the software version you want and enter the Promo Code: UofF.

No matter the year, our goal is to support all designers with the highest quality videos possible. In 2017, accessories designers took center stage as we launched a brand new discipline focused just on accessory design. Our accessories discipline encompasses product design for handbags, totes, shoes and the category known in the industry as SLG, or “small leather goods,” that is, wallets, belts, mobile phone cases, key chains, etc. Take a look!

Finally, 2017 marked the year University of Fashion founder Francesca Sterlacci published the Historical Dictionary of the Fashion Industry Second Edition. Covering all you need to know from designers to retailers to historical movements in the fashion industry, this resource is one we hope finds a home in every designer’s studio in the upcoming year.

…and hello to an inspiring 2018!

Our 2018 promises menswear videos, new instructional guidebooks and—you asked for them and we are delivering—certificates!

In 2017 we filmed 50 new lessons(!) so that we can bring you a flurry of fresh opportunities to expand your design skills in 2018. We are especially excited about our new 12-part Menswear series set to launch in the coming year.

In addition, we signed a book deal with Laurence King Publishing for three books that will compliment our beginner Draping, Patternmaking and Sewing videos. These step-by-step guides are intended to be natural extensions of your dress form, drafting table and sewing machine, with how-to tips at your fingertips right when you need them.

Our most anticipated 2018 offering? Certificates! We know how much time and dedication our students put into learning their craft. It’s high time your efforts are officially recognized, and 2018 will be the year. Be on the lookout for upcoming information on becoming certified in fashion design disciplines through the University of Fashion.

We’d love to hear about your accomplishments in 2017 and what you have planned for the year ahead. As always, we are here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to let us know how we can help you achieve your your design goals in 2018. Warm wishes to you and yours in the new year ahead from all of us at U of F!

Header image: www.wishesbuddy.com