Windows 11
Draping – Form Finding in Fashion Design
Fri 15 – Sun 17 January 2027
Draping is a noble design technique in fashion that involves working with fabric directly on the body or a mannequin. The technique is suitable for creating elaborate one-off pieces and allows for free experimentation with shapes, the creation of striking collar or neckline solutions, or the design of asymmetrical, figure-hugging cuts.
In this course, we will learn the secrets of draping. After an introduction to the technique and preparation of the fabrics, we will first practice draping on a reduced scale, starting with basic exercises for draping tops, during which we will practice calculating the amount of fabric, designing and cutting the fabric pieces, and the creative possibilities of pinning, laying, folding, and slashing. Afterwards, we will create one-to-one scale models on a large dressmaker's dummy, for example, a blouse or a dress. A draped model can also serve as a template for serial products. We will learn to convert a model into a paper pattern and deal with draping examples from fashion, e.g. with the figure-flattering evening dresses by Madeleine Vionnet, the inventor of bias cut, the sculptural drapes of Azzedine Alaia, and many more.
Group of participants:everyone with an interest in design and a desire to experiment
Requirements:Basic knowledge of tailoring, sewing experience
Number of participants:Max. 6 people
Course times:Fr: 17:00-20:00, Sa: 9:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:00,
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Course fee:230 Euros, for students 210 Euros (excluding material costs)
Course Leader: GUDRUN BEERBOHM, Germany
Born in Lower Saxony in 1958, lives in Brilon, studied textile design at the University of Art and Design Kassel, working as a freelance textile and fashion designer with her own fashion collection since 1990, numerous exhibition participations, participation in various fashion fairs, arts and crafts and design exhibitions, member of the Federal Association of Craftsmen, member of the German Crafts Collection 2025, freelance lecturer for garment technology and textile design, numerous draping workshops in Germany and abroad.