With its combination of top-tier fashion schools like School of the Art Institute of Chicago, world-class instructors, and opportunities to connect with industry leaders, Chicago is a launchpad for creativity and innovation.
Image: Chicago Fashion Coalition
Chicago, acclaimed for its cutting-edge arts and design culture, is becoming a destination for fashion students. From mastering the art of tailoring to exploring sustainable fashion, fashion schools in Chicago equip fashion students with skills to thrive in the competitive global market.
So it’s no surprise that Chicago is emerging as a beacon for fashion students, celebrated for its innovative arts, design culture, and dynamic approach to the fashion industry. Events like Chicago Fashion Week amplify this appeal, showcasing the city’s vibrant fashion ecosystem. Spanning diverse venues, including The Chicago Cultural Center and the Chicago History Museum, the decentralized format mirrors the city’s rich and expansive cultural landscape. As Mayor Brandon Johnson astutely highlighted during the event, Chicago’s fashion deserves recognition on par with its architecture, theater, and culinary arts.
Chicago’s creative ecosystem also provides fertile ground for aspiring fashion designers to hone their craft. Industry veterans like Maria Pinto and emerging talent such as Sheila Rashid and Justin LeBlanc exemplify the city’s potential for nurturing diverse design aesthetics. Community-driven initiatives, including Chicago Fashion Coalition and Chicago Sustainable Fashion Week, further cement Chicago’s role as a leader in sustainable and inclusive fashion. By fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, creatives, and strategists, these organizations champion a new narrative for the local fashion industry. With a focus on accessibility, transparency, and innovation, Chicago is not only a training ground but also a launchpad for the next generation of global fashion leaders.
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A fashion ecosystem that leverages the fashion schools in Chicago
Chicago, home to events like the Chicago Fashion Week which took place from October 9–20, 2024 shines a spotlight on the dynamic fashion landscape of the city. It is designed to be a decentralised fashion week without one main venue since the city is so widespread. There were events at various venues across the city including The Chicago Cultural Center, Cine City Studios, Wilson Abbey, Palmer House Hilton, NoMi Kitchen and Chicago History Museum.
“It’s time for fashion to take its real place in Chicago. But it also has to be measured with many of the other dynamic things that make Chicago the amazing city it is. Whether it is the architecture, the theater, the music, the culinary arts, all these different entities and disciplines get national representation, and fashion deserves that as well,” said Mayor Brandon Johnsont at the opening ceremony of Chicago Fashion Week 2024.
Some Chicago-based designers who participated in Chicago Fashion Week 2024 include Maria Pinto who first dressed Michelle Obama 20 years ago; Barbara Bates; Chelsea B; Sheila Rashid; Justin LeBlanc; Christina Karin; Gina Fente; and I Am Studios.
“There’s energy, vitality, intensity, and potency in Chicago right now,” Tommy Walton, who served as master of ceremonies at Threaded Stories, told Chicago Reader. “I think Chicago gives you an opportunity to learn your craft and get a grip on who you are as a designer. It has this unbelievable creative atmosphere and community.”
Organisations like Chicago Fashion Coalition, a non-profit building a centralised fashion community for the city of Chicago through a unified platform for individuals, businesses, and other organisations in the Chicago fashion ecosystem, are fostering a wider fashion community in the city. It is guided by a mission to elevate the local scene, and is developing a robust resource network to do this.
A faction of Chicago-based entrepreneurs, strategists, and creatives have a common mission to reposition the local fashion industry by radically disrupting the conversation in America. Steadfast in their belief in the city as a dominant fashion force, the approach is data-driven, community-centric, and powered by an unshakable collective. As the Coalition, the people represent a new generation eager to change the narrative and establish their unique identity. And by democratising their creativity and delivering it to the city’s masses, they aim to manifest Chicago’s sartorial power with intention, transparency, and grit.
The Chicago Sustainable Fashion Week highlights the city as an exciting region for aspiring fashion designers. Working with the community, it helps to make sustainable fashion accessible. Taking a creative, grassroots approach, hubs —locations around the world— empower people with quality education opportunities, resources, and experiences.
FAQs for Fashion Students Applying to a Fashion Institute in Chicago
- What qualifications should I meet when applying to a fashion institute in Chicago?
Most fashion institutes in Chicago require a combination of academic qualifications, like a high school diploma or equivalent, and a portfolio showcasing design skills, creativity, and understanding of fashion concepts. Ensure that your portfolio reflects a variety of techniques, from sketches to finished pieces, and highlights your unique style.
- What should I research about the fashion institute before applying?
Investigate the institute’s reputation, accreditation, and faculty expertise. Look into the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your career goals, whether you’re interested in design, merchandising, or business. Also, check if the institute offers internships, industry connections, or study-abroad opportunities.
- Are there financial aid options available, and how do I apply for them?
Many fashion schools in Chicago offer scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to assist students financially. Visit the institute’s financial aid office or website to learn about eligibility criteria and deadlines. Be prepared to submit necessary documents, like tax forms or a FAFSA application.
- What career support and networking opportunities does the institute provide?
A good fashion institute should have a robust career services department offering resume workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance. Additionally, inquire about alumni networks and partnerships with fashion companies or events like Chicago Fashion Week, which could provide valuable exposure.
- How does location in Chicago impact my career prospects in fashion?
Chicago’s vibrant fashion scene offers access to diverse cultural inspirations, industry professionals, and events. Consider the proximity of the campus to design studios, fashion districts, and networking hubs, as this could significantly impact internships and part-time job opportunities during your studies.
Top fashion schools in Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest accredited independent schools of art and design in the country. The fashion school combines conceptual design with craftsmanship and encourages interdisciplinary exploration, innovation and individuality. It is also home to the largest school-museum campus in the country. Students have access to photography and filmmaking equipment, state-of-the-art 3D printing and laser cutting facilities, and galleries to share their work.
Program Highlights: The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Fashion Design provides an interdisciplinary experience that challenges students to bring an artistic and theoretical approach to their body of work, and benefit from rigorous artistic and professionally oriented training. Students have access to a 3D printing lab, cutting-edge textile studios, internships, fashion shows, and critiques with industry professionals.
In its 89th year, the Fashion department has evolved into a unique place to train the next generation of designers and artists. The Department of Fashion Design supports Bachelor of Fine Arts: Fashion Design and Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment. Here, students emerge as skilled designers with an awareness of the social, political, and technological forces shaping the twenty-first century.
Students are required to complete an off-campus experience, either through internships or study abroad programs. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a top producer of Fulbright Scholars among art and design schools, receiving eleven awards in the past few years.
Notable Alumni: The most influential alumni is Halston, a legendary figure in American fashion, who revolutionised Seventies fashion with his minimalist designs that epitomised sophistication and modernity. In a first-of-its-kind deal for a fashion designer, he sold the business and the trademark to a multi brand corporation in 1973. Notable artists who studied at the school also include Georgia O’Keeffe and Jeff Koons. Author David Sedaris is also an alumni.
Columbia College
Columbia College
Columbia College Chicago offers BFA in Fashion Design focuses on developing the technical and artistic skills necessary for a career in fashion design. Merchandising focuses on the business side of the industry with courses in marketing, sales, and buying. Here, students learn how to spot trends and analyse consumers so they can bring products to market at the right time, gain experience in pricing, inventory, and supply chains and learn how to get ahead of the game.
Program Highlights: In Product Development, students transform a garment into a product, using the principles of design thinking and anthropology, refine the technical skills they’ll need to develop their own aesthetic and create products that fit brand standards and market needs.
At the master’s level, Columbia College Chicago offers an interdisciplinary approach through programs like the Master of Arts Management with a concentration in Fashion Studies. This program bridges the gap between creative industries and strategic business management.
Graduate students explore subjects such as “Global Fashion Management” and “Strategic Leadership in the Arts,” preparing them for leadership roles that require a deep understanding of both creative and operational aspects of fashion.
Notable alumni: Fashion professionals like Susan Alexandra, Shea Couleé, Delvin McCray and Azeeza Khan, illustrate the effectiveness of Columbia College Chicago’s comprehensive and innovative approach to fashion education. One of their star students is a womenswear fashion designer based in New York — Alexander Knox began his career as a designer at Marc Jacobs in Manhattan and is currently Senior Designer of Women’s ready-to-wear at Coach.
International Academy of Design and Technology
Image: Sanford-Brown College
The International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, now merged with Sanford-Brown College, was celebrated for its fashion design program that blended artistic creativity with practical skills. Known for its small class sizes and industry-driven curriculum, it offered students personalised attention and exposure to real-world fashion challenges. The academy’s connections with Chicago’s fashion community provided students with invaluable networking opportunities, helping them transition seamlessly into the professional world.
Program Highlights: The institute’s fashion programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical training, focusing on areas such as fashion design, fashion merchandising, and fashion marketing. Students are taught essential techniques in garment construction, pattern-making, and textile selection with insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and branding strategies. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members, students receive a comprehensive education that bridges the gap between creativity and business acumen.
The school’s fashion programs also emphasize hands-on experience, encouraging students to showcase their creativity through fashion shows, portfolio projects, and internships. The academy fosters a collaborative environment, allowing students to work alongside peers and mentors. Moreover, the curriculum incorporates the latest technological advancements, such as computer-aided design software, to prepare students for the evolving demands of the fashion industry.
Notable Alumni: The International Academy of Design and Technology has produced alumni who have significantly contributed to fashion. A prominent graduate is Elda De La Rosa, a bridal and eveningwear designer based in Chicago. Her designs have been praised for their intricate craftsmanship and elegance. Elda’s success underscores the academy’s role in nurturing talent with emphasis on quality and innovation.
The University of Illinois In Chicago
The University of Illinois In Chicago
While not exclusively a fashion school, the University of Illinois at Chicago offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to design that includes emphasis on fashion. The design programs focus on sustainability, technology, and human-centered design, enabling students to explore the intersection of fashion with other creative industries. The school’s urban location provides students with direct exposure to Chicago’s vibrant cultural scene, inspiring their designs with the city’s rich artistic heritage and diversity.
Program Highlights: The Bachelor of Design Graphic Design or Industrial Design program provides a professional education within the broader context of liberal arts courses offered by the University. With a deliberate balance of the practical and the visionary, the programs celebrate the expertise of design making and emphasise the role of skilled designers in the strategic realm of design thinking.
The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies is an undergraduate major that embraces the collaborative and comprehensive design process through hands-on and thought-provoking exploration. Combining methodologies and processes from graphic design and industrial design, it focuses on the human experience in the design of communications, objects, and/or services. The BA program introduces design making and design thinking in a studio environment and engages students in various forms of cultural production.
The Master of Design in Graphic Design or Industrial Design prepares designers to make substantive contributions that advance the profession and improve our world. Focused on independent research projects, students explore a topic of inquiry with the potential to inform and shape disciplinary knowledge. Applicants from any background are welcome in the MDes program.
Notable Alumni: The University of Illinois graduates often pursue careers that combine fashion with other creative disciplines, reflecting the school’s emphasis on innovation. Notable alumni include Christina Liedtke, a sustainable fashion advocate whose work focuses on eco-friendly design practices. Her achievements highlight the institute’s ability to produce forward-thinking fashion designers who address critical issues like sustainability.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
