Fashion Technology

In 2004, UIW’s Fashion Management department installed a state-of-the-art apparel design laboratory with Gerber Technology software and hardware.

Headquartered in Connecticut, Gerber is the industry leader in automated and computerized apparel design and production systems. Students learn to input patterns with the 4 x 6 foot digitizer, manipulate patterns in the pattern design software, create grade rules to make different sizes, make markers for cutting layers, and output patterns, graded nests, and markers to the 72” Infinity Plotter. Especially exciting is the fact that students will be able present their original works during interviews to prospective employers whose companies use this exact system.

In addition to installing the Gerber Technology, the Fashion Management program has upgraded the sewing and design studios to include projection equipment that makes it easier for students to view classroom demonstrations.  There are large flat screen displays in the Gerber Lab, which allow students to follow the instructor as she demonstrates the software.  These flat screens are also used in the pattern and sewing studios in conjunction with an overhead camera to help students view pattern making, cutting, and sewing techniques.  A small camera is used to magnify the sewing platform of the sewing machine. By using this state-of-the-art technology, the fashion faculty is making efforts to improve student learning of hands-on skills.