DESIGNA MAGAZINE DESIGNA ISSUE III 2019 2 | Page 85

Students from Mcensal School of Fashion in Nairobi, doing a catwalk fashion presentation of their work
way," says Carol Mongo. She recommends students to get some sewing
experience before they apply. Drawing is also an important skill for a
designer -- it is the way you communicate your ideas. In order to build an
impressive portfolio it's a good idea to have some experience in sketching;
taking art classes will help you understand form and proportion. But you
don't have to be an expert drawer to get accepted to a school. "�e most
important quality that we look for in our students is that they are truly
passionate and exuberant about fashion," says Mongo. "If you have
wonderful ideas but can't draw, there are always ways to get around it. You
could for example put your designs on a mannequin and take pictures of it."
WHAT SCHOOL WILL DO FOR YOU
Most fashion programs are three to four years long. During that time
you will take �ne arts classes and study drawing, color composition and
form. You will also learn pattern making, draping and cutting
techniques. One of the most important advantages of design schools is
that they work really closely with the industry. Parsons, for example,
have "designer critic projects" where successful designers like Donna
Karan and Michael Kors work directly with the graduating students.
Ambitious students also have the chance to win prestigious awards and
grants, which bring them a lot of attention as well as �nancial support.
Models on the catwalk, at The Africa Fashion Week
May
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June 2019 | D E S I G N A