Calling all well-dressed and well-read friends! Join us at the School of Fashion Design for a presentation and conversation with local author and researcher Anne Marie Murphy as we celebrate the release of her latest book, A Proper Fit: Women at Work in a City of Corsets. Drawing on decades of experience as a researcher and small business owner, Murphy uncovers the stories of the women entrepreneurs and workers who helped shape Worcester MA into a center of corset manufacturing.  Join us and discover how fashion, business, and women's history intersect. 

What people are saying about A Proper Fit: Women at Work in a City of Corsets:
"Murphy’s exhaustive research feels rollicking and joyful. She tells the stories of enterprising women we would have loved to meet for drinks after work. This book is historical yet fresh, and even a little dishy. Following these women who found their fortunes in garments that were meant to control and restrain them is a fist-pumping adventure." - Kathleen Doyle, Costume Designer

Anne Marie Murphy is the author of A Proper Fit, a history of the more than 120 corset-making businesses in the city of Worcester that focuses on that industry’s many women entrepreneurs. After moving to Worcester in 2017, she volunteered at the Museum of Worcester’s library where she discovered many local women whose stories needed to be told, such as those in this book. She has worked as a professional researcher for the film and television industry for almost forty years, after receiving a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree from the UCLA Film School.

Jay Calderin, founder of Boston Fashion Week, often remarks that "Boston fashion is smart." The School of Fashion Design is proud to participate in this year's Boston Fashion Week with a nod to Jay's homage to important fashion literature. We look forward to welcoming our smart and sartorial guests for refreshments and conversation in our fashion reference library. Copies of A Proper Fit: Women at Work in a City of Corsets will be available for purchase.

Join us Saturday, October 3rd from 10AM - 12PM, for an engaging and free info session and tour of our studios! Enjoy live teacher demonstrations for some of our courses such as sketching, French draping, and CAD (Computer Aided Design). Learn about our professional, workshop, and high school programs! See our studio spaces and chat with our staff!

FREE with registration.

The School of Fashion Design is an official participant in Handwork 2026.  Organized and sponsored by the PBS National "Craft in America" program, Handwork is a year-long semiquincentennial collaboration among organizations, educators, and makers to showcase the importance of the handmade and celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America.

Learn about our programs, see our studio classroom spaces, instruction demos, and have the opportunity to speak with our admissions staff! Come and ask all of the questions you have!

This event is free, please RSVP on our calendar below.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link on the morning of the event.

The School of Fashion Design is an official participant in Handwork 2026.  Organized and sponsored by the PBS National "Craft in America" program, Handwork is a year-long semiquincentennial collaboration among organizations, educators, and makers to showcase the importance of the handmade and celebrate the diversity of the crafts that define America

Personal Branding 101: Telling Your Story and Building Your Professional Presence

Whether you're launching a fashion career, changing industries, or redefining your professional identity, this workshop will help you discover how to communicate who you are with confidence and authenticity. Join photographer and personal brand strategist Kim Conant and writer Beth Knaus as they share practical strategies for defining what you want to be known for, crafting your unique message, and talking about your work without feeling like you're "selling yourself." Perfect for anyone ready to take the next step in their creative journey!

Immerse yourself in the art and history of Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique rooted in practicality and beauty. Learn Sashiko's origins and its cultural significance as a form of mending, storytelling, and creative expression. Then, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn to master this timeless technique.

Whether you're new to sewing or a seasoned artisan, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this heritage craft—and your very own Sashiko masterpiece. Let’s honor AAPI heritage through art and tradition—reserve your spot today!

Register HERE.

Discover the timeless art of creating tatted lace in this hands-on workshop! Students will explore the perfect threads, tools, and essential terminology needed to bring their designs to life. You will learn foundational stitches and be ready to craft your own lace designs—whether it’s delicate ornaments, jewelry, or elegant trims to elevate your wardrobe.

The morning will consist of an introduction to the instructor, terminology and technique. The afternoon will be practicing the stitches and following patterns.

This workshop is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America.

Learn how embroidery can be a tactile self soothing tool for anxiety, ADHD, or general well-being! Join us to create a tactile soothing article of clothing for you or someone you care about.

In this workshop, fashion meets inclusivity and sustainability. Be a part of engaging discussions on inclusive design practices, and learn embroidery techniques that prioritize wellbeing and comfort.

Through insightful discussions, hands-on activities, and expert instruction, students will work towards a final project: creating their own recycled, embroidered piece.

This workshop is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America.

Learn about our programs, see our studio classroom spaces, instruction demos, and have the opportunity to speak with our admissions staff! Come and ask all of the questions you have!

This event is free, please click here to RSVP.

This event is part of Handwork 2026, presented by Craft in America.

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll craft beautiful leather flower accessories using both classic and modern techniques. Learn how to shape and assemble every part of the flower, and leave with a collection of handmade blooms uniquely your own. Make as many flowers as time allows—and walk away with the knowledge, skills, and resource list to continue creating at home!

Register HERE.

Our Spring semester begins on January 12th!

Feeling ready to start your fashion journey?
Try our starter pack classes: Fashion Sketching I, Patternmaking I, & Construction I.
We offer them in both the day and evening! No portfolio required!