New York Fashion Academy

I am not a student of NYFA but my review is based on the events I’ve attended.
If you’re looking for something different to do around Seattle, keep an eye on this place! The first time I checked out NYFA, it was for a ball gown show. It featured three students showing off ball gown dresses they worked on for a class (I believe). I had a lot of fun and one of the teachers explained the criteria the school uses to grade ball gown dresses, where the end result was either a pass or fail. Of course, everyone passed. ;)
The most recent event I attended was their Silent Auction the other night. Although I have attended silent auctions before, this was the first time I actually participated. They had a lot of cool items ranging from vintage vases and a hallow book to even gift certificates for classes at NYFA. I ended up with an amazing glass jewelry case and liked how the proceeds are benefiting NYFA’s fashion show in the spring, which I’m looking forward on attending.

Knowledgeable, but unprofessional.
Took pattern making I, with about half of the class being full-​time students, the rest (like me) were paying for classes as they could afford them. All the students were nervous talking to the instructor, Terry, who, I quickly discovered, was sharp-​mouthed and impatient. If you had a question, you were better off waiting until the end of class, then asking another student for help. Asking for clarification in class was asking to be singled out and belittled.
Even though I knew this, I attempted to take pattern making II after working through pattern making I, this was a mistake. I ended up catching a cold that knocked me out for a week, which caused me to miss a class. I arranged a time with Terry so I could catch up on the class work at the school, I was frequently ignored and expected to just «figure it out on my own» by the teaching staff.
The following day at class, when I discovered that I had actually progressed past the class while working on my own, I decided to try and finish up the project so I could maybe head home early. Instead, while Terry was looking over my work, I was singled out and informed that she «would fire me for making that kind of mistake». I never got a clear answer as to why cutting 2 pieces on the fold of fabric is so much more work than cutting 4 pieces not on the fold of fabric, and I wasn’t about to press the issue. Later in the class, she explained that she only teases people that «can take it», yet she couldn’t even remember my name.
I have not gone back to the school since. For those who think I should complain to the dean or something, should also note that Terry basically owns the school. She runs part of every aspect of the school, so there is no-​one higher than her (that I could find anyways) that could slap her wrist. This also means that you cannot wait another quarter and hope to avoid her as an instructor. She teaches almost all of the classes.
Other cons :
— As of 3÷2÷11, they have not updated their website to mention that Sallie May no longer provides student loans for full-​time students of New York Fashion Academy. You must pay out of pocket to attend their school, which I wasn’t expecting to have to do until I enrolled.
— The school attempts to prepare you for working in the fashion industry, but does not provide instruction on pattern making software or provide hands-​on experience with industrial sewing machines. Not a problem if you’re a home-​sewer, but expect to be frowned upon.
The Pros (yes, I have some!):
— The student teachers at the school are friendly and helpful. No complaints there.
— The school is located near a bunch of nice bars, which helps to dull the pain after class.
— Terry DOES have a large amount of knowledge in the field, so if you’re willing to put up with her attitude you will probably learn a lot.

I too am a current student (not sure if Mimi is?)
In a nutshell, NYFA is a way cheaper, smaller classed, and BETTER alternative (so I’m told, and I will eventually see I’m sure) to any other school, local or otherwise. I applied and was accepted to FIDM in Los Angeles but in reality, I could not afford the tuition AND moving to California. Just wasn’t happening. And alas! I found a gem in my own backyard! Read on for more honest info:
I started in January 2009 (on my birthday actually!) and so I’ve been there about 6 months. That’s ¹⁄₃ of the program length, but you can also just take any classes you want– such as sewing, pattern making, and draping, without actually being in the Fashion Design and Construction program.
Terry is a very knowledgeable instructor, and since I’ve started I’ve learned a lot from her already (as well as other instructors there too). She has a lot of experience in the field, but she’s also very personable. She might seem tough on you at times, but she just believes in you and knows you can do it, so she pushes you to do better.
Classes are offered in the mornings, as well as at night for people who work during the day (like me), and there are Saturday classes sometimes as well (some months have more than others). This doesn’t mean you go 6 days a week though, as you usually have 1 – 2 days off during the week, depending on which quarter (for the program).
Parking might be an issue in Ballard, but parking on Shilshol is always available for me! (Just don’t park on the train tracks, lol!) There are places to eat and grab coffee around school as well; it’s a neat neighborhood.
*Possible Negatives* (depends on what you’re looking for)
–School/​class size is small, so if you’re looking for a bunch of school activities and clubs, etc, you won’t find that here. Not to say students don’t get together (fashion shows, hanging out, whatever) but it’s more of a «commuter school» if you wanna call it that, such as, people here have lives and wanted to come back to school.
–The pace to some might seem overwhelming (it goes quick, but not so quick that you don’t learn anything). You might feel like you’re not retaining half of what’s been thrown at you, but I’m told that further down the line of the program, when you’re constructing your line and stuff, you’ll be surprised what you remember and can do. Just give it time and patience. And there is someone always there to help you, even if it’s not Terry. Yes, sometimes she gets busy and you might have to wait a beat before you can get help, but be patient and your turn will come!
Any other questions about the school, you can write me a message or email me as well. Good luck!

Great space for music shows!
I’m sure it would be a great place for fashion shows as well, but seeing that some idiots @ Brown Paper Tickets f*cked up our order for the Haute Trash show a few weekends ago, I couldn’t really tell you.
Otherwise, I’d go back again.

*In the interest of full disclosure, I am a student of the school and occassionally a teacher.*
If you are interested in pursuing a career in high fashion, or as a custom clothier, this is the place for you. You will learn everything you need to know about creating garments from start to finish from selecting the right fabric to making the pattern to sewing the garment. Serious techniques are involved here, many of which are not taught in any other Seattle school.
The instruction is high quality and the teachers’ knowledge is extensive. Most courses provide a in-​depth look at the information they present. You can take either a Certificate Program, a full fashion design and construction course which runs just over a year, or you can take individual courses at your own pace. Classes are scheduled at times convenient to the working individual so you can go to school and work at the same time.
The Certificate Program is not for the dabbler. You work very hard and it takes a huge amount of personal time and comitment to complete the coursework — especially if you work slow (as I do). The best students are highly motivated self-​starters, although most of us average people will do well.
The value you receive for your money is excellent. There are few institutions that offer the quality of education this one does. They have newly introduced a program for financial aid to help those without the immediate means to pay.
Students range in age from those in their late teens to folks in their 80s. Their goals are as varied and diverse as the students themselves.
Alumni have started their own lines such as Tulle & Dema, as well as worked for Levis, Addidas, Nordstrom & many other major companies.
If you are looking for more of a commercial or industrial garment design course, this is not the best place. This is not necessarily a drawback, it’s just that the program is not designed with this outcome in mind. You’d likely be better served at Seattle Central Community College.