Skip to main content Accessibility Policy

Manal Afifi

Fashion professor

Education

  • M.F.A., fashion, Savannah College of Art and Design
  • B.M., medicine, Cairo University

Credentials

  • Professor of fashion, Fall 2022–present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
    Teaching apparel construction from beginner level to advanced sewing techniques used in tailoring and industrial apparel production. Teaching digital patternmaking technology through the flat pattern and draping methods to produce different garment silhouettes at various degrees of complexity to senior students. Teaching the Fashion design process through guiding and mentoring students' design process, from concept to product through ideation, design development, color and fabric research and sourcing, and apparel construction. Providing extra help, class visits, and field trips to enrich the student learning experience. Participating in different University events, meetings, admissions, competitions, and fashion show preparations.
  • Visiting instructor, 2021–22, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
    Taught apparel construction techniques at beginner level to advanced sewing techniques used in tailoring and couture apparel production. Taught apparel construction concepts and applications through both the flat pattern and draping methods of patternmaking to produce different garments at various degrees of complexity to sophomore and junior students. Guided senior students from concept to finished product through ideation, design development, and garment construction. Final graduation collections were showcased in an annual fashion show at the end of the Fall semester of 2021. Students produced different product lines that represented their aesthetic at an industry-standard level. Taught fashion illustration techniques using different mediums. Junior students were able to visually communicate their ideas in professional fashion illustrations and technical drawings. Certified Online teacher by Georgia Southern university, skill gained used in teaching several online courses in CAD fashion design, Global Apparel and Textile sourcing, Understanding Aesthetics. Taught a lecture course in Visual Merchandising. The curriculum focused on teaching different concepts of silently selling apparel products through design principals and visual merchandising techniques. Students implemented their knowledge through various projects. That included designing and styling retail store windows based on a chosen theme, store image, and target customer of their store brand. Taught the science and process of textile manufacturing from fiber to fabrication and surface designs. This lecture course involved practical experimentation of different fibers, yarns, fabrics, and their practical end use in the apparel industry.
  • Technical sewing specialist, 2017–21, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
    Worked in class alongside industry-experienced professionals, sharing knowledge with aspiring undergraduate and graduate students of fashion design to create and develop their collections. Used digital patternmaking software like CLO 3D and Gerber Accumark proficiently to help students translate their design sketches into flat patterns of their prototypes and final garments. Provided consultations and guided demonstrations to students in their process of garment construction using 2D pattern drafting and draping techniques to create their designed silhouettes. Guided students' understanding of garment construction through explaining garment foundation and under structures to achieve their desired silhouettes' body and volume. Reinforced awareness of garment function through design details, closures, finishes, and fabric treatments that can enhance the garment aesthetics and performance; ensuring industry quality standards are met. Provided out of class extra help sessions both in a face to face and on Zoom to explain and reinforce class, textbook, and practical applications of course knowledge. Contributed to SCAD competitions as a member of the technical team in the Fashion Department. Provided mentorship and moral support to students throughout their learning process to help keep them motivated and enthused about learning during their creative journey.
  • Life insurance underwriter, 1999–2002, ALICO
  • Medical sales representative, 1998–99, Ethicon Endo–Surgery, Cairo, Egypt
  • Resident doctor, 1996–98, Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt