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The Best Institutions to Study Fashion
Words Bethany Boyo
Thinking about studying Fashion? This is for you…
Fashion. A multi-billion-pound industry known for its exclusivity. Many students every year apply for the top universities and colleges around the world to not just get a glimpse into the fashion world but to learn and begin the path that will eventually lead them to be welcomed into those very doors so often shut. We’ve put together a guide of the top 10 fashion colleges and universities to make deciding where to go and why a little bit easier.
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
Often referred to as the MIT for Fashion FIT has been a preparatory ground for the best minds in the fashion industry since 1944. Situated appropriately in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, the prestigious school offers courses in fashion designing, fashion design, business, marketing, illustration, and modelling. FIT also offers its students a chance to study abroad in Italy, with notable alumni such as Calvin Klein, Caroline Herrera and Michael Kors it’s no wonder student applications pour in year after year.
Visit FitNyc.edu
London College of Fashion, London
One of the most renowned and recognised fashion schools in the world London College of Fashion often referred to as LCF is the breeding ground of some of fashion's greatest. The institution boasts a mass of resources in its library and an abundance of opportunities for students including internships and workshops at a variety of designer studios. The college is also known for its array of programs both Undergraduate and Masters alike and short courses catering to professionals and those wishing to study purely online. The iconic school’s alumni include Jimmy Choo, J W Anderson, and Charlotte Olympia.
Visit Arts.ac.uk
Istituto Marangoni, Milan
The Institute situated in Milan has three other campuses in London and Paris. Istituto Marangoni has a wide range of programs from foundation level straight through to masters all aimed at ‘teaching fashion’ which is a mission the university stands by since it was founded in 1935. Marangoni’s notable alumni include Franco Moschino and Domenico Dolce.
Visit IstitutoMarangoni.com
Central Saint Martins, London
Central Saint Martins. One of the most prestigious institutes sought after by students wanting to pursue a career in fashion. Recognised in the halls of every fashion Maison and office its name rings true for many. The university is a part of the University of Arts London and offers courses in fashion, textiles, and jewellery design, it stands as one of the most competitive institutes to get into but is also the institute with the highest graduation rate. It’s also well known for the wealth of famous designers it has as its alumni.
Visit Arts.ac.uk
Parsons, The New School for Design, New York
Known internationally, Parsons was the first school in the US to found a campus abroad. Based in the Greenwich area of Lower Manhattan, Parsons offers its students courses in fashion design, fashion science, and fashion marketing. As many renowned designers such as Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang have graduated from Parsons it remains an influential place to study till today.
Visit NewSchool.edu
Bunka Fashion, Tokyo
Bunka Fashion College is Japan’s most esteemed school with the careers service within the college is highly regarded by students. The school not only boasts 70 branches throughout Japan but a network of high-profile alumni with ties to the college. Founded in 1919 the college was one of the first institutes to teach fashion design in Japan and birthed the many Avant-Garde designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo Takada and Junya Watanabe that we revere today.
Visit Bunka-Fc.ac.jp
The ESMOD International School of Fashion (ESMOD), Paris
The École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode or ESMOD is situated in Paris with additional campuses in other French cities, as well as 21 campuses globally the school is known as the first French fashion school. It offers courses in fashion and business and its notable alumni include Olivier Rousteing, Christophe Decarnin, Alexander Vauthier and Simon Porte Jaquemus.
Visit Esmod.com
Royal College of Art, London
Known for its competitive acceptance rate, The Royal College of Art is one of London’s most prestigious Universities. Offering both graduate and postgraduate courses in fashion design, textiles, jewellery & metal and design pathway. The university is known for its competitive acceptance rate and for the opportunities it provides for its students to gain experience working in the largest fashion houses in the world, including Prada, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Burberry. The RCA’s notable alumni include Erdem Moralioglu, Bianca Saunders, Saul Nash and Supriya Lele.
Visit Rca.ac.uk