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PVA Applications for 2027-2028 open November 1, 2026

PVA Fashion Program Overview

PVA Fashion Design is a three year enriched program designed for students interested in broadening their fashion and visual art experience in a practical and artistically challenging environment. Students will develop practical skills necessary to create, construct and analyze fashion design and are encouraged to find personal expression and creative voice through their project work. In addition to their fashion design classes each year, students will also be enrolled in a visual art class to enhance their understanding of the key elements and principles of color and design.

Students with a wide range of backgrounds including no experience in sewing may enter this program to learn and practice the garment construction foundations that will lead them towards personal style and innovation by the end of grade 12. This program will offer a thorough study in fashion design and will include a wide range of textile media exploration, history of fashion, fashion appreciation and professional development in fashion design and marketing. Students will explore visual art techniques and styles of fashion illustration, which will include fashion figure drawing and movement, garment drawing and fabric rendering techniques. Students will also be expected to understand and display the necessary skills involved in designing and constructing a couture garment. PVA Fashion students participate in city-wide competitions, Skills Canada, and our annual Fine Arts Gala each year.

PVA Fashion students earn three years of CTS Fashion module credits and Leadership in the Arts 35. All of which results in receiving the CBE Fine & Performing Arts Certificate upon graduation. 

Prospective PVA Fashion students are required to apply for the program and sign up for an Interview with the Fashion teacher. 

To be considered for our specialized PVA program, students are required to apply online and interview with our staff.

More information on the application process can be found on the PVA homepage

Fashion FAQ

• Do I need training in fashion design to apply to Central’s PVA Fashion Design program? No. Previous training is not required to apply to our fashion design program. The interview for PVA Fashion Design is a chance for us to discuss what you hope to gain as a PVA Fashion Design student. No sewing experience is necessary to apply to our fashion design program, but it is considered an asset. Your excitement and willingness to learn and explore fashion design skills is a great start to the interview process. If you have sewn, designed, sketched or altered anything in the Fashion realm we would love to see it and encourage you to bring anything you want to show with you, but it is not a requirement. The interview is a safe place to display and discuss any of your design ideas, and to wear an outfit that showcases your personal style, if you want to!

• When do PVA Fashion Design students take Leadership in the Arts 35?  All PVA students are required to complete either Leadership in the Arts 35. Students will experience a combination of teacher-directed assignments/activities combined with student-directed and/or on-line projects. Students will learn about careers in fashion design, illustration and marketing, attend workshops, meet local designers, participate in community fashion activities and complete all other course requirements outside the regular timetable. For PVA Fashion Design students, this course begins in grade 10 and finishes at the end of grade 12 and results in earning the CBE Fine & Performing Arts Certificate and eligibility for the Gd 12 PVA trip to New York City.

For Fashion program inquiries, please email Katrina Op de Beek

kaopdebeek@cbe.ab.ca