Virgina Commonwealth University (www.vcu.edu) offers a full time bachelor 's degree in fashion design with more than 300 students in the program. Courses range from a study of Western art to pattern making, draping, construction techniques and studio time to create fashion pieces. Each spring, students participate in a juried fashion show for their instructors, peers and the community.
Marymount University (www.marymount.edu) offers a full time fashion design program including classes such as textiles, clothing construction and fashion illustration. At the end of every year, a professional designer will come to review the portfolios of the design students and add individual feedback. Previous designers include Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera. All students complete an internship in their senior year to help assist in their transition to working in fashion design after graduation.
If you are looking for a less intensive, non-degree approach, studios such as G Street Fabric (gstreetfabrics.com) offer a la carte classes you can take at your leisure. Classes include wearables, pattern making, construction techniques and other classes that change regularly. Look into classes at your local sewing store or sewing studio. They usually also offer individual classes for a one-on-one approach.
If you are looking for specialized dressmaking skills, you may want to consider taking lessons from a seamstress. Most large cities in Virginia will offer classes and individual instruction at varying prices. In Berryville, Virginia, Chantal Gabard uses her professional skills to offer students classes and one-on-one instruction. (no website; 12 Rice Street, Berryville, VA; 540-336-4622)