The world of fashion provides a limitless and exciting space for creative individuals to exercise their talents, and Sacramento City College offers a wide range of courses that prepare students for various careers in this field.

Although the SCC Fashion Department is in its sixth decade, it has kept up with the times. Lynne Giovannetti, an assistant professor in Fashion and Interior Design, has made sure of that. When she first arrived at SCC in 2004, Giovannetti re-assessed the Fashion program and geared it toward current industry standards so that it may better help students looking to enter the workforce.

"Our new direction is what's called a 'cutter/ draper,' Giovannetti explained. "That's a very key position in the fashion world, and also in the costume/theatre/movie world. What that position entails is that if you are given a sketch, or a picture or written directions, our students have the technical skills to look at that and say, 'I know how to make that in real life.'"

Giovannetti likens good clothing design to good architecture. "It's the same thing with a garment," she said. "It looks gorgeous on the outside, but what did you have to know to make it look that way? That's a huge skill. That's what we give our students here."

With new skill classes like embroidery, quilting, felting, fabric painting, fabric dying, and more, the program provides the hands-on knowledge students will need to meet industry demands. These skill classes are built in five-week, one unit sessions, during which the students focus on mastering a particular ability. This framework is ideal both for beginning students and seasoned professionals looking to refresh their skills.

Among other classes that prepare students for a career in fashion is "Sewing as a Business" - FASHN 198. In this class, students "study the necessary business practices and practical aspects of setting up and running their own sewing-related businesses. Topics include: ethical practices, methods of compensation, establishing clients' budget, estimating costs, purchasing, billing, marketing, and sales. Students will develop a model business plan and explore resources necessary to be successful in their business."

In addition to offering classes that count, the Fashion Department cultivates close ties with the Sacramento community. Thanks to these well established relationships, the department has been able to set up exciting internships for students with renowned establishments, such as the California Musical Theatre.

Faculty in the Sacramento City College Fashion Department come with years of experience in the fashion world, Giovannetti said, and they are eager to share their knowledge to help students launch their own career.

 "All the professors in the program share everything they have with their students," Giovannetti said, "and they want to see their students succeed."