This article contains information on the best fashion schools in the world in 2023.
Fashion is a dynamic and constantly evolving industry that attracts creative individuals from around the world.
Hence, pursuing a career in fashion requires not only talent and creativity, but also a quality training and education by experts. There are several fashion schools around the world that are renowned for their exceptional programs and talented graduates. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best fashion schools in the world.
However, before I proceed, it is important to note that there is no universally accepted list of “best” fashion schools. The ranking of fashion schools [1] varies depending on some criteria such as reputation, industry connections, alumni success, etc.
With this in mind, based on Careers360 list, here are some of the best and top fashion schools in world:
1. Central Saint Martins, London
Established in 1989, as a part of the University of the Arts London, CSM is known for its interdisciplinary approach to fashion education.
It is an internationally popular arts and design school with it’s main campus being situated in the Granary Building at the center of London’s King’s Cross. CSM offers a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programmes. They include the following:
Undergraduate Programme
- Womenswear
- Menswear,
- Textile
- Jewelry and Knitwear Design
- Fashion Design with Marketing,
- Communications
- Fashion History.
Graduate Programme
- Fashion
- Fashion Communication
CSM has produced many renowned fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen [5], Zac Posen, Sarah Burton, John Galliano [6] and a host of others.
2. Parsons School of Design, New York City
Parsons School of Design [7] popularly known as Parsons, is a private art and design college located in Greenwich Village, New York City. Founded in 1896, Parsons is considered one of the top design schools in the world, with a strong focus on both creativity and practice-based collaborative learning in fashion education. Since its establishment, it has offered undergraduate and graduate programmes through its five schools.
Here are the various courses offered in the school:
Undergraduate Programme
- Fashion Design,
- Strategic Design and Management
Graduate Programme
- Fashion Studies,
- Fashion Design and Society
Like other top Fashion schools, Parsons has a long history of raising successful fashion designers such as Tom Ford [8], Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese [9] and lots more.
3. Royal College of Art (RCA), London
RCA is one of the leading art and design institutions in the world, having been ranked [3] for eight consecutive years as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2022)
It is known for its experimental approach to fashion and has produced many innovative designers [2] such as Zandra Rhodes [10]
The RCA offers a Graduate Diploma conversion programme and Master’s, MPhil, MRes and PhD degrees.
Since its establishment in 1837, it has remained the world’s most influential postgraduate institution of art and design.
4. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York City
FIT, a public college that was established in 1944, offers a wide range of fashion and design programs. It has a reputation for providing hands-on training and a strong industry network for its students. At FIT, students have access to the digital vogue archive, NYTimes and WGSN along with the city’s most outstanding fashion library and museum.
FIT is a good fashion school for aspirants, who are willing to work in a marketable voguish brand or a contemporary retailer.
Programmes Offered in the school includes:
- Fashion Design
- Fabric Styling
- Accessories Design
- Illustration
- Fashion Merchandising Management
- International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries
- Jewelry Design
- Menswear
- Textile/Surface Design
- Production Management
- Textile Development and Marketing, etc.
5. The École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode (ESMOD)
ESMOD International is the World’s first and oldest French fashion school located in Paris, France. It is known for offering fashion design and pattern-making courses, as well as courses in fashion business and communication. The school was founded in 1841 and has a reputation for its high-quality education and its emphasis on creativity and innovation in the fashion industry. ESMOD is one of the oldest fashion schools in the world and has produced many successful fashion designers, stylists, and industry professionals over the years.
According to Study portals [11], ESMOD was on the list of CEOWORLD Magazine and Business of Fashion Ranking as one of the best fashion schools in the world.
Some well-known fashion designers who have studied at ESMOD International Paris include:
- Soufiane Jojo
- Sarah d’Eer
6. Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture, Finland
Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture (ARTS) is one of the six schools of Aalto University, located in Espoo, Finland. The school offers a wide range of programs in the fields of art, design, media, architecture, and fashion, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The school emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and collaborations with industry and communities. Its faculty is composed of experienced professionals and renowned researchers. ARTS is known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, and its graduates have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture was established in 2010 as part of Aalto University and has since produced famous designers.
7. Bunka Fashion College
Bunka Fashion College is a fashion design school located in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1923 [4] and is considered one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world that provides both theoretical and practical education in fashion design. The college offers a variety of courses in fashion design, including Pattern making, clothing construction, Fashion Accessories and Textiles and fashion history.
Graduates of Bunka Fashion College have gone on to become successful fashion designers and industry leaders in Japan and around the world. Some of these notable graduates include:
Yohji Yamamoto, Kenzo Takada, Tex Saverio, Jun Takahashi and a host of others.
Others on the list of best fashion schools include:
- Domus Academy, Italy
- Donghua University, China
- Drexel University, US
- Institut Francais de la Mode, France
- Istituto Marangoni, Italy
Conclusion
The world of fashion is competitive and constantly changing, and a strong education is essential for success. The schools mentioned in this article are considered to be among the best in the world and provide students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to thrive in the fashion industry. Ultimately, the best fashion school for an individual depends on their personal interests, goals, and learning style. These schools mentioned are highly regarded in the fashion industry and have a strong reputation for producing successful graduates, but there may be other schools that are also considered to be the best depending on the individual’s perspective.
References:
[1] “Best Fashion Schools in the World – 2020.” Explore the Best of East Africa, Eafinder, 16 Mar. 2020, https://www.eafinder.com/best-fashion-schools-in-the-world-2020/.
[2] “Our Alumni.” RCA Website, https://www.rca.ac.uk/more/our-alumni/. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
[3] “QS World University Rankings for Art & Design 2022.” Top Universities, https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2022/art-design. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
[4] Wikipedia contributors. “1923 (TV Series).” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 18 Apr. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1923_(TV_series)&oldid=1150444040.
[5] —. “Alexander McQueen.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_McQueen.
[6] —. “John Galliano.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Galliano.
[7] —. “Parsons School of Design.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsons_School_of_Design.
[8] —. “Tom Ford.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Ford.
[9] –. “Tracy Reese.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracy_Reese.
[10] —. “Zandra Rhodes.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zandra_Rhodes.
[11] Mastersportal.com, https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2780/best-fashion-design-schools-in-the-world-in-2023.html. Accessed 20 Apr. 2023.
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