No true design history can be told without discussing garments and everything that they encompass. Fashion As Design addresses both everyday and high fashion garments from the early 20th Century to today. In this specialization you will consider the design and impact of what you wear, explore fashion as a tool for expression, and experiment with creative prompts that engage your closet. You’ll hear directly from a range of designers, photographers, makers, historians, and others working with clothing—and, in some cases, reimagining and repairing garments for the future.
Fashion as Design: Silhouettes and Icons
Ends soon: Gain next-level skills with Coursera Plus for $199 (regularly $399). Save now.
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Recently updated!
January 2026
Assessments
2 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 4 modules in this course
In this course, examples of silhouettes and iconic garments from the 20th century to today serve as a springboard to consider how we use clothing and accessories to project, aspire, and shift our sense of self.
What's included
1 video5 readings1 assignment
When we get dressed, the shape our clothes create—a silhouette—is influenced by everything from shifting trends in fashion to what looks and feels good. In this module you will explore how clothing shapes the body and how our ideas about the body shapes the clothing we wear.
What's included
5 videos13 readings
What makes a garment iconic? Sometimes it’s the power of the wearer’s personality, or a person’s role—from an athlete to the military—that elevates an ordinary item to fashion’s mainstream. In this module you’ll consider how the clothing we wear reflects who you are and what you want to become.
What's included
4 videos11 readings
Reflect on your journey through Fashion, Silhouettes, Icons and complete a final assessment.
What's included
4 readings1 assignment
Offered by
Explore more from History
Status: Free TrialThe Museum of Modern Art
Status: Free TrialCalifornia Institute of the Arts
Status: PreviewUniversity of the Arts London
Status: Free TrialSkillshare
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
More questions
Financial aid available,