Rhode Island School of Design

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN

...or RISD (risdy) as the cool kids call it, is located in Providence, R.I. and has a respected fashion department.  

A medium sized private college where Mimi can earn a four year BFA in Apparel Design.  Founded by a group of 40 women (I don't know their names) in 1877 - before women had the right to vote.  Students can earn a duel degree with Brown University - a BFA from RISD and a AB from Brown.  This requires applying to Brown in addition to RISD.  As if getting accepted to RISD isn't going to hard enough!

A degree in Apparel Design students will be doing pattern drafting, draping (I know draping is a thing, but in the course description?) and construction as well as being taught and implement design with high end software.  Seniors get real experience in New York City with internships in major Fashion Houses. Seniors complete a line to show in RISD's annual Fashion Show in May.


The school does offer a study abroad program available for 30 juniors and seniors in Rome.
Catherine Andrezzi is the Department Head for Apparel Design and has her own line of fashion!  Catherine Andrezzi, LLC is her private label for her line of knitwear designs.  Some of her clients are Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Liz Claiborne, J.Jill.  She is also the co-founder of a children's knitwear line named 'Sugar Pi' - how cute!  I love the fact that she's is so active in the field she is directing.  She is a RSID graduate.

The Rhode Island School of Design nuts and bolts

RISD uses the common app and it's due this year by February 1st.  Along with the application they also take your SAT scores, college transcripts and although not required, a letter of recommendation is strongly advised.  So why not make it required?
Applicants need also to submit 2 writing examples 400 words a piece.  The first she needs to tell what, where and why she creates.  The second needs to answer "Is there something you have to do, can't stop thinking about, need to do".  The admissions department wants good solid writing examples but says the applicants can express their unique expression and dynamic position.
(They must use these taxidermy animals as models in the studio arts.  Cool and creepy at the same time)

Students need to include 2 drawings with their application.  This is separate from the portfolio requirements - which are 15 -20 pieces submitted digitally, and of course, need to be her best work.

The drawing number one is to be of a bicycle done in graphite pencil

Okay, I guess she could put a fashion model on the bike?!

The second drawing you have a choice of 3 options: make a drawing using both sides of the paper; or using one calendar day make 11 drawings of one object; or create a drawing instrument then make a drawing using that instrument.  What?! You have to send a digital photo of your instrument along with the drawing.  You can use any medium you want in the second drawing.

Now folks, this I drawing here I understand but making a drawing instrument and one that's usable - how's a fashion student going to do that?  Or any of the art students applying.  I am going to shoot the admissions office a e-mail and ask if I got that right.
I'll sign it,
Confused in the College Application