fashion design coordinator profile

Jessika Madison-Kennedy

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

Teaches

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

View Jessika's Artwork

How would you describe your discipline to an incoming student?

Fashion design is creating clothing that is not only creatively and asthetically 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 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.

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 entire fashion industry and what makes it tick. This gives students a really well rounded education in fashion design and how it works in practice.

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 prepared for a career in their chosen field. CVA also gives students personalized, one-on-one guidance as they progress through their courses.

In addition to teaching you're also a practicing artist. Tell us about that.

I design a clothing collection called Dadadress, which sells vintage-inspired, yet fashion-forward dresses. I sell my collection internationally through boutiques and through my website.