fashion design coordinator profile

Jessika Madison-Kennedy

Coordinator, Fashion Design
PGC, London College of Fashion
BS, University of Minnesota

Teaches
Introduction to Fashion Thesis
Professional Pattern/Construction Techniques
Studio Thesis for Fashion
Professional Practices

What do you love about the discipline that you teach?
I love the dynamic nature of fashion and the constant freshness of designing new collections. Fashion takes its cues from what is happening in our culture and is influenced by so many different types of art. It is such an interesting, multi-layered industry.

How would you describe your discipline to an incoming student?
Fashion design is creating clothing that is not only creatively and aesthetically designed, but is well made as well as functional. Fashion is very personal to people because it’s something you put on your body. Because of this, it has a certain impact on people that seems to be unique to this discipline.

What do you hope to teach a CVA student?
I like to teach students how to take their artistic talent and design skills and transfer them to the real world fashion industry.

How do you prepare your students for their professional practice?
We really focus on learning about the fashion industry and what makes it tick. This gives students a really well rounded education in fashion design and how it works in practice.

In addition to teaching you're also a practicing artist. Tell us about that.
I design a clothing collection called Dadadress, which features vintage-inspired, yet fashion-forward dresses. I sell by collection internationally through boutiques and through my website.

What does CVA do better than other art and design schools? What's unique about CVA?
CVA helps students build a very strong foundation in the arts and then takes these skills and shows students how to use them in practical ways, so they are really set-up for a career in their chosen field. CVA also gives students personalized, one-on-one guidance as they progress through their courses.