Design Academy of Fashion

Established in 1999, the Design Academy of Fashion has built an outstanding reputation as a leader in fashion education. Constantly striving towards excellence and innovation in the ever-evolving world of fashion, DAF is committed to adequately prepare its students for the fast pace of the industry, staying on the forefront of design, technology and business savvy. With a contemporary approach to education, the academy fosters inquisitive learning through the encouragement of individual development, focusing on the strengths of each student, made possible due to the limited class sizes and the lecturer’s dedication to one-on-one attention and guidance and encouragement to engage the world through their unique point of view as designers, creative thinkers and innovators.

Based in Woodstock, the Creative Hub of Cape Town, the Design Academy of Fashion is set up in an open studio layout, where the students’ workspace lends itself to an inviting, interactive and inspiring environment. DAF facilities accommodate the students learning in all areas, practical, technological and academic, with an extensive library stocked with fashion – related books, the latest fashion magazines and access to the international BERG fashion online library.

The strength of the academy lies in the professionalism and expertise of the lecturers. Renowned designers and industry specialists, they inspire and challenge the students.

The academy is light and airy with a trendy industrial feel. The open plan design reflects the open education system. Where the workplace is an environment where learners can work, interact and react, where they are challenged and inspired.

Ok, let us boast about our amazing students. Our “small” college has produced some of the most exceptional talent. Take a look for yourself.

Courses

Higher Certificate in Fashion

The Higher Certificate is a one-year course that provides a foundation in fashion design and is comprised of the most essential knowledge and skills that can be learnt in one academic year. This course is perfect for those who already have a diploma in another field but wish to further their studies and focus their career on fashion, or those who wish to dedicate one year to the study of fashion design and be introduced to the industry.

Diploma in Fashion

The Fashion Diploma is a three–year course that provides the ultimate preparation needed to enter the fashion industry in any profession. Whether you dream of starting your own fashion label, or becoming a successful fashion buyer or stylist, this course will enable you to be the best you can be in your chosen fashion field.

Short Courses

DAF offers short courses on Saturday mornings for those who are interested in gaining practical skills in the field of fashion but are unable to commit to a full time course.

Children’s wear: Coming Soon! Explore children’s wear design and production from industry experts and start your own home-based business!

This Short Course explores the principles and practice of Design and Production of Fashion Items in knit and jersey fabrics for children. The course is themed around Design, Pattern Drafting, Sample Construction and Design Presentation methods. The themes are introduced in weekly sessions that are both theory and practice based.

The content of the sessions and exercises will be mastered in the creation of unique creations by each student. A strong focus will be placed on industry based best practice. Candidates will create basic garments of their own design.

Download the APPLICATION FORM

Patternmaking & Garment Construction: This course will provide you with a foundation for understanding the principles of patternmaking and garment construction. The patternmaking process will be explained from basic blocks to the creation of your own unique patterns. In the garment construction class, practical exercises will demonstrate the translation of patterns into garments including samples of various construction details and you will be able to create a basic garment of your own design.

See Also -> TUT Engineering and the Built Environment Courses

Patternmaking & Garment Construction (PART2): This course will add to the foundation laid down in patternmaking and garment construction 1, fleshing out your basic knowledge while bringing in your input into the design, patterning and construction process. Participants will then undergo the exciting process of cutting and sewing up their personal design. If you want to sew garments up for yourself or a client with ease, this is the course for you!

Fashion Styling: This course combines the theory of fashion styling with practical, real life exercises that will give you the confidence to pursue styling as a career option, freelance undertaking or extension of your fashion design studies. We explore the various areas where styling is used in in the fashion industry. If you want a strong foundation for becoming a stylist or to explore and develop your eye as a designer…this is the course for you!

High School Holiday Course

Design Academy of Fashion is excited to offer secondary education learners the chance to experience a week in the wonderful world of the Fashion Industry.

If you are considering a career in fashion design, garment production or textiles then this informative Holiday Fashion School will offer insight into how designers communicate their ideas, illustrate fashion and create and present your own design ideas.

APPLICATION

Do you dream of being part of the exciting world of fashion? DAF is the perfect place to start…

Diploma:Fashion and Higher Certificate: Fashion
- Download the Application form, Diploma: fashion or Higher Certificate: fashion or phone the college to request one to be emailed to you.
- Prepare the portfolio: 3 designs, the essay (see the requirements in the form) and any other work that you feel will add to your portfolio
- Gather all your documents (Matric Certificate, Copy of your ID, testimonials from your school or other associations)
- Post or Courier to DAF, or even drop it off.
- Should you want to chat to the owner of the school or get a tour before you start, please contact us to make an appointment with the Managing Director (Bianca Fobian).
- You will be informed whether or not you have been accepted within two weeks of applying
- If accepted, the following documents will be sent to you: an Acceptance Letter, the Acceptance Form and a copy of the Academic Rules and Regulations.
- The Acceptance form must be completed and signed by both yourself and the person responsible for fees. The original must be returned to DAF.
- Pay your registration fee on or before the date stipulated on the acceptance letter.
For students who wish to be credited with some courses due to prior studies OR who are older than 23 but do not have a Matric certificate, please contact DAF for a Recognition of Prior Learning application. This needs to be done together with your application.

All foreign students, read through the instructions on the foreign students page.

Short Courses
- Download the Application form for the short course of your choice or phone the college to request one to be emailed to you.
- Post , email or even drop it off at DAF.
- Once you have been accepted your registration will need to be paid in order to secure your spot.

Contact of Design Academy of Fashion

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