Today’s fashion industry is built on the creativity of individuals with a distinct vision and a mastery of popular style, construction, branding, and apparel. Students interested in becoming a leader in the world of fashion must develop expertise in components of art, such as color, shape, texture, and form while building knowledge of cultural traditions and principles of design.
What Are Fashion Design Schools?
Fashion design schools are educational institutions that enable students to gain a deeper understanding of fashion design and the fashion industry n general. Along with the basic fundamental skills needed to pursue a fashion career, students will also learn advanced skills and get a chance to hone their existing skills.
Students who attend fashion design schools can prepare themselves for an exciting career in fashion design. Depending on their passions, fashion design students can learn to design several different types of clothing.
Mass Market or Ready-To-Wear Clothing
This is the type of clothing that is mass-produced in factories and can often be found hanging on racks in clothing or chain stores. Although it is often made to be attractive and comfortable, it is a little less trendy than other types of clothing. Apparel made for this market is often constructed out of affordable fabrics and textiles and manufactured in standard sizes to fit the majority of people.
Designer Clothing
This is the type of clothing that bears the name or logo of a, particularly popular designer. Calvin Klein jeans and Versace dresses are considered to be designer clothing. This type of clothing may have been created by the designer, or it may simply be endorsed by him. In most instances, this type of clothing is often trendy and made from higher-quality fabrics. Due to the endorsement of the designer and the higher quality fabric, this type of clothing is often slightly more expensive and sought after than some other types.
Haute Couture
High fashion garments are often created to custom fit one person, whether that person is a fashion model or a movie star. This is the type of clothing that is seen on red carpets and fashion runways. It is much more expensive than other types of fashion, and it can often only be purchased in fashion houses or at fashion shows.
What Are the Different Types of Fashion Schools?
In general, aspiring fashion designers have a few different choices when choosing fashion design schools or schools that offer fashion degree programs.
Traditional Universities and Colleges
Traditional universities and colleges may offer fashion design degree programs, for instance. These types of educational institutes offer traditional college experiences, paired with a well-rounded education. They are often perfect for students who are looking to earn a degree in fashion, yet still wish to take some of the more traditional electives.
Art & Fashion Institutes
Art institutes, however, may be more suited to more artistic students. These types of schools often offer many different art and design degrees, including fashion design degrees. Unlike traditional colleges and universities, these types of schools offer mainly art courses.
Fashion design schools, or fashion institutes, on the other hand, are generally geared more toward those with fashion on the brain. These schools are all about fashion, and the majority of the classes have something to do with fashion. Individuals attending fashion institutes, whether for fashion design degrees or fashion degrees, can often take additional classes to explore all areas of fashion.
What Are the Different Types of Fashion Design Degrees?
Most fashion schools offer a few different degree options. The degree program that a student chooses will typically be based largely on her career goals.
Associate Degree in Fashion Design
Associates degrees in fashion design typically take about two years to earn. Students who choose to earn these degrees will often learn the basic skills and fundamentals necessary for a career in fashion design. Graduates holding these types of degrees are often able to start their fashion careers quickly, in entry-level positions.
Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design
Bachelor’s degrees in fashion design usually take about four years to earn. Along with the basics of fashion design, students who earn these degrees will often learn more advanced skills and techniques pertaining to fashion design and the fashion industry in general. These types of degree programs often lead to more employment opportunities and higher starting salaries.
Master’s Degree in Fashion Design
Masters degrees in fashion design are also available, and these typically require a few additional years of schooling after earning Bachelor’s degrees. Those who earn master’s degrees will often choose to specialize in a certain area of fashion design. Although they are not necessary, fashion design masters degrees will often give graduates the competitive edge they need to succeed in the competitive fashion world.
The 30 Best Fashion Design Schools in the U.S. for 2019
Fashion design schools are educational centers of learning for students seeking to embark on a journey into the world of creating fashion apparel. Programs can range from certification, the granting of an AA degree, BA, MA or PhD. Depending on their course of study and career goals, students are engaged in topics such as: basic art and design, the history of costume design, technical drawing, clothing construction, manufacturing production, trends and concepts in apparel, industrial and power sewing, concept development, draping and design, fashion drawing, grading and marker making, sewing techniques, pattern making and design, surveying current designers, textile manufacturing, event and fashion show production and business concepts.
Our School Rankings
In the competitive world of fashion, who is teaching the courses can be as important as the content covered. Networking and exposure to the industry in action can be invaluable to the career-driven student. For these reasons, evaluating which fashion design school is right for you can be a difficult and frustrating endeavor. To assist in your search, we have used our resources to collect and compile valuable data regarding the educational options in the world of fashion design. Here is a list of the schools we believe offer you the very best chances for success in your personal and career goals.
Parsons School of Design
4.85 out of 5.0
Unique in its educational approach, Parsons prioritizes humanity and culture; ever-seeking a connection to global urban centers with project-based learning.
What Classes Do Fashion Schools Offer?
As with other schools, fashion schools offer a number of different courses at all different skill levels. To start, students will often learn about the history of fashion and fashion design. They might also learn about the different types of fashions, and the characteristics of different fabrics and materials. Skills such as sewing, draping, and patternmaking are also usually taught at fashion design schools.
Because fashion is a very visual industry, the ability to create visual representations of an idea is imperative. Classes in sketching, drawing, and design are usually mandatory. Also, 3-D design and CAD classes are also required. In these classes, students can learn to use some of the more common computer software to help create their garments.
Although some of the necessary skills for a fashion design career can be taught in a classroom, hands-on experience is a must. Many fashion design classes allow students to draw and create their own designs from scratch, allowing them to gain valuable experience and build their portfolios.
Do I Need a Degree to Work in Fashion Design?
There was once a time when a fashion design degree was not always necessary. Today, however, the industry is extremely competitive, and fashion designers must be armed with specialized skills, such as knowledge of CAD. These types of schools also give you the opportunity to build your portfolio and network with professionals in the industry.
A degree from an accredited fashion school will give aspiring fashion designers the competitive edge they need in today’s fashion world. In fact, it can be downright impossible to find employment in the fashion industry without a degree. Many companies even require college degrees, even for entry level positions.
So, in closing, do you really need a degree from a fashion design school? Maybe not, but do you really want to take a chance and miss out on opportunities for a glamorous and exciting career? Don’t get left behind – start looking for the perfect fashion design school today!