Fun with Fashion

House of Dezign Teaches Skills—and Frees Creativity

By Janis Hashe

Chatham’s fashion design school, House of Dezign, has not yet been open a year, but is already generating raves, both from adult students, and parents of kids who have attended classes.

“What an amazing experience,” wrote one adult student. “I learned a lot and it was so much fun. I was a beginner and left knowing things I could not have imagined I was capable of.” Parents leave similar comments, praising how much their children loved the camps the school offers.

This is exactly what founder Roya Ranjabar had in mind. With her own design background and knowing how television shows such as Project Runway have generated interest in sewing and design, she has created an academy that teaches both basic sewing and design skills and develops students’ creativity.

“Creativity becomes active when you start using it,” Roya said. Kids, especially, need little encouragement to start playing with colors, textures, and shapes. Students bring in photos and images to make a “fashion mood board,” which they use as they learn to sketch designs, drape fabrics, choose details, and utilize “upcycling” of garments.

All of this is not only creative, Roya emphasized, but stress reducing and good for mental health. “Everyone does well here,” she said. Adults and kids alike find the focus needed to enhance skills and execute ideas to be “like a meditation.”

House of Dezign is offering its Winter Break Fashion Camp for children and teens from February 21-25. Visit the website for a full description and enrollment information.

House of Dezign

11B Roosevelt Ave., Chatham. 973-908-3575 www.houseofdezign.com