Hello everyone, I saw that you all were giving great advice on a summer draping course in another thread and am hoping to get guidance in a similar vein.
I am looking to fulfill a dream in my early retirement...I'd like to start a small batch artisanal practice to upcycle luxury garments in Europe. I previously studied at FIT for about a year, only for accessories, ~15 years ago. I previously took some summer courses in Milan as well, only for design and trends, and in London for textile techniques. I am currently out of practice, but have sewn since I was a teenager, made my own clothes then, previously made a pattern and constructed a purse on my own (before the accessories course, so it's a bit rough on the inside), and have had tailors translate my designs into pieces. I have also constructed wearable footwear while at FIT. I have a Master of Industrial Design, but unsure if that has any relevance (still so-so in drawing).
I would like to learn technical draping suitable for the luxury market and was looking at the Koefia Academy (Rome) course for this summer or next. It's around Euro3000 for 100 hours. I no longer live near NYC. There is a draping course near me, but one must be enrolled for an undergraduate degree program and there are prerequisites. Otherwise, there is nothing serious available.
I saw some people saying the goals can be achieved through an online course. I have been downsizing to prepare for a move to Europe in 1-2 years, already gave away my sewing machine and don't have a dress form. I would be grateful for advice on any of the following: 1)the Koefia course (it's in English) 2) Are there other courses that would be better for me in another city/country (I also think I could get by in French or Spanish) 3) What could I do on my own to achieve my goal 4) What would I do well to learn before any course to get the most benefit out of it 5) Any other advice would be appreciated.