Introduction to Fashion History

Understanding the Past, Shaping the Future of Fashion



  • Meet Your Course Lead: Prof. Sonam Parvani

    Prof. Sonam Parvani - A passionate fashion historian, educator, and design thinker


    Prof. Sonam brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of fashion design, industry, and education. With a strong grounding in both historical research and design practice, she guides learners to explore fashion as a reflection of time, culture, and change.

    As a design educator and academic leader, Prof. Sonam has developed and led curriculum across foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. Her work spans fashion history, textiles, sustainability, and design research, offering students a broad yet grounded understanding of fashion’s evolution.

    Through her teaching, students engage with garments, movements, and material practices not just as trends, but as stories — shaped by context, identity, and craft. She encourages inquiry, critical thinking, and deep observation, enabling learners to make meaningful connections between past and present.

    At ATLAS SkillTech University, Prof. Sonam brings her industry experience and academic insight together to help students see fashion history as a living, evolving conversation — one that continues to shape the designers and citizens of tomorrow.

    Key Takeaways...

    Trace the evolution of fashion — from early draped garments to contemporary silhouettes, exploring how fashion reflects changes in society, culture, and technology.
    Understand fashion in context — examining how geography, politics, trade, and social movements have influenced fashion trends across time.
    Analyze garments and images — interpreting visual references, dress codes, and historical archives to understand meaning, symbolism, and identity in cloth.
    Develop a critical lens to examine fashion’s role in expressing power, gender, class, and ideology through different historical periods. 
    Explore key moments and movements — such as the Industrial Revolution, Art Deco, and Postmodernism — and their impact on fashion aesthetics and production.
    Build foundational research skills to investigate, document, and present insights on fashion history with clarity, evidence, and visual literacy.

    Frequently Asked Questions


    How is studying online different?

    Studying online offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace and from any location. However, it requires self-discipline and time management skills. Unlike traditional classrooms, online learning often lacks face-to-face interaction, making it essential to actively engage with digital resources, participate in discussions, and seek help proactively.

    How will watching the videos help?

    Watching the videos provides a visual and auditory learning experience, enhancing understanding of complex concepts through demonstrations, animations, and expert explanations. Videos allow you to pause, rewind, and review material, aiding in better retention and comprehension. They also serve as a primary means of instruction, complementing readings and interactive activities.

    How do I clarify doubts?

    It is vital to note down questions while you access the online content. Every few weeks, there will be a scheduled session where you can clarify your doubts through discussions with your faculty. You may also use the following channels -

    Google Classroom – This is where your assignments will be posted and your faculty will be available to answer queries regarding specific assignments, feedback, etc.

    Email – This is for queries and doubts not related to specific assignments. Please note that your teacher may not be able to respond to the email immediately, so please allow for a day or two. Please mark your Advisor, and Course Lead in cc. in emails you send your faculty.

    Contact Hours – Permanent faculty, including the Course Lead are available in the given contact hours accessible on your app. If any of the above methods don’t work, or if directed by faculty/advisor, please feel free to book a slot on the given contact hours with any of us to resolve the issue.

    It's important to proactively try to resolve your queries yourself first, but also not hesitate to reach out for clarification when needed.


    How do I manage my time?

    Ensure you have seen the videos given in each week, during the course of the week. There will be times when you cannot keep up. So it is best not to delay for no reason, so as not to pile up a backlog. As engaging as we have made the course watching and listening to history can be heavy and too much of it at a time may not be the best course of action. So don’t leave watching the videos to the last day.

    Most importantly, ensure your work is done, doubts ready to ask, assignments submitted before your next class, so that your limited interaction with the faculty can be productive.    

    What technology requirements are needed for this course? 

    Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a device to access the videos, with clear audio. Preferably do not use your phones, as the videos contain images that need to be carefully seen. Sign up and familiarize yourself with the learning management system.

    How can I access additional resources or support?

    Additional recommended readings, books, videos, podcasts, etc. will be shared with you on the LMS. Utilize these resources to supplement your learning and seek help if you encounter technical or academic issues.

    What should I do if I fall behind? 

    If you fall behind, communicate with your Advisors and faculty immediately to discuss the reasons, remedies, and catch-up plans. Stay proactive in seeking help and adjusting your study plan to get back on track.