Contour Fashion Innovation MA/MSc

Contour Fashion is a specialist subject area within apparel design, defined by garments worn close to or shaping the contours of the human form. De Montfort University is a globally renowned leader and longest-running authority on Contour Fashion education since the creation of the School of Corsetry in1947.

The British corset industry, which at the time was thriving in the Midlands, established the course to meet the demand for trained, skilled designers and technicians for local manufacturing. In October 2020, in response to industry shifts and increased interest in research into innovation, ethics and sustainability, DMU launched the Contour Fashion Innovation MA.

It is our aspiration to initiate further research and transformation to meet the needs of the industry, and to serve as an incubator for the future change-makers of the sector. The programme promotes a dynamic and cooperative community, with every student gaining from each other’s diverse experiences, as well as from the programme of study. It encourages visionary, innovative practice and a critical approach to contemporary global challenges. The drive to find sustainable alternatives continues to change the landscape of this industry, as it does all others. From 2023, Contour Fashion Innovation will be offered as either an MA or an MSc qualification to accommodate the diverse interests and professional demands of its students.

As well as the product specialism itself, students address themes such as health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, psychological and physical needs of survivors of breast surgery and consideration of reuse and waste reduction. All work integrates sustainable initiatives. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are used as a framework for defining the term sustainability and identifying its varied parts. Within these diverse study areas, there is significant –and exciting innovative and creative research.