So, you want to learn how to sew? A new fashion studio in The Shops At Hilltop focuses on sewing pieces that students can wear.

“It’s not your grandma’s sewing class,” franchise owner Lisa Lagatella said. “We follow the fashion trends. Although we can make simpler items like aprons and pillows, we try to keep it fun and fresh. Classes end with a real fashion show too.”

The Fashion Class, an after-school, summer camp and weekend program that teaches children about fashion design and sewing, opened in Virginia Beach this month. The store specializes in sewing classes, group events and birthday parties for children 2-17. It also offers private sewing lessons, classes and workshops for adults.

The concept was born in 2010 in New York City, where there are two flagship stores. Lagatella witnessed the business from the beginning. Her daughter, Kerri Quigley, started The Fashion Class a year after graduating from the Parsons School of Design. After graduation, she had several side gigs like designing dog clothes, toys and teaching kids how to sew. Quigley said teaching kids really resonated with her, so she started to create playful classes for them.

Lisa Lagatella is the first franchisee of New York City-based The Fashion Class. Her daughter, Kerri Quigley, started the business a year after graduating from the Parsons School of Design. (Lee Belote/For Inside Business)

Quigley started the franchise process a few years ago. She said her goal has always been to franchise The Fashion Class so she could reach more students. Other franchise locations are in the works.

“My mom came to me with the idea to be the first franchisee,” Quigley said. “It’s been nice to troubleshoot with her. It’s a learning process, and I’m learning as well.”

She added it’s a bonus to come home and visit family when she’s visiting the store.

The Fashion Class, an after-school, summer camp and weekend program that teaches children about fashion design and sewing, opened in in The Shops At Hilltop in Virginia Beach in Sept.. (Lee Belote/For Inside Business)

Some of the store’s sewing projects include skirts, dresses, Halloween costumes, faux leather totes, scarves and Squishmallows-style plush toy pillows for birthday parties. Design-based classes include fashion illustration, jewelry-making and creating a fashion brand. The courses provide a big picture introduction alongside the lessons of learning how to make real clothing.

“Sewing is much easier than you think,” Lagatella said. “It builds problem-solving and develops fine motor skills in younger children. It’s a great confidence boost for everyone to say ‘I made this’ about a piece of clothing.”

The store is hosting a grand opening noon to 3 p.m. Saturday with free crafts and sewing for kids.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

The Fashion Class, an after-school, summer camp and weekend program that teaches children about fashion design and sewing, opened in in The Shops At Hilltop in Virginia Beach in Sept.. (Lee Belote/For Inside Business)

If you go

Where: 1556 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. select Saturdays and Sundays

Details: virginiabeach.thefashionclass.com

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/09/05/the-fashion-class-virginia-beach/