Leading Fashion Schools in the US

Last update on: 7:56 am November 18, 2024 by fashionabc

Leading fashion schools in the US, like Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Rhode Island School of Design combine innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and business acumen, producing iconic fashion designers, like Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford, who have transformed global fashion.

Fashion Institute of Technology offers degrees in fashion design, business, and technology. Image: FIT New York

The leading fashion schools in the US are creating a thriving environment that propels fashion designers, entrepreneurs, and influencers into successful careers, while also contributing significantly to its economy. These institutions foster innovation and provide access to cutting-edge resources that integrate traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, including 3D design software and sustainable production methods. 

A leader in the global fashion industry, the US is home to iconic fashion hubs such as New York City and Miami, each contributing unique styles and trends. From luxury and high-end fashion to streetwear, sustainable fashion, and inclusivity-driven fashion brands that challenge conventional norms, US fashion draws designers, influencers, and celebrities to global fashion events like the New York Fashion Week. 

Per Vogue – ‘Regardless of your ultimate goals, it’s important to take a holistic approach to selecting a fashion school that works for you. Look for a program that balances exploration, expertise, creativity, and discipline. This is college after all—it’s meant to be a time of discovery! The most important thing is that your experience aligns with your unique set of ambitions, interests, and values.’

To make the search for a suitable fashion school easier, we’ve compiled a list of leading fashion schools in the US, which receive top marks in specialised programs, diverse curriculums and internship opportunities. 

Parsons

Parsons- The New School for Design boasts 41 Forbes “30 Under 30” since its inception in 2011. Image: Parsons

Parsons The New School for Design in New York City ranks as the top art and design school in the United States, per QS World University Rankings 2024, and boasts 41 Forbes “30 Under 30” since its inception in 2011. Parsons embodies core values like curricular innovation, collaborative methods, and technology integration, aligning with shifts in global fashion.

Parsons’ reputation is shaped by the core values of curricular innovation, collaborative methods, pioneering uses of technology, and experimentation. As part of The New School, Parsons shares an institutional vision that aligns with shifts in the global economy, society, and environment. The New School’s legacy, as a nontraditional academic community, focuses on critical contemporary issues; prioritises humanity and culture in designing systems and environments, an approach that draws on design thinking and the liberal, creative, and performing arts; places project-based learning at the center of the educational experience; takes full advantage of our New York City location and connectivity to global urban centres. 

Helmed by faculty like Associate Professor of Fashion James Butler, Associate Professor of Fashion Design Carolina Obregon and Associate Professor of Fashion Design Anna Lerner-Zwick, the Fashion Design BFA program has trained six generations of designers. Employing design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies, students explore form, silhouette, material, and process — including social and environmental imperatives — to create beautiful, sustainable, responsibly produced fashion.

Emphasis is on balancing hand-craft and digital skills with an integrated approach to design. Students learn to design with a focus on innovation and diversity. In the AAS Fashion Design program, graduate students study the process, techniques, and language of fashion design from concept to production, using ethical and sustainable methods. They have the opportunity to design womenswear, menswear, and accessories, learning everything from drawing, draping, pattern-making, and sewing to tailoring and haute couture. Graduates bring fresh perspectives to the industry’s established firms and have even launched their own collections.

The fashion school organises curricular partnerships with leading companies including Kering, Tory Burch, Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, UNIQLO, and Woolmark and organisations such as Special Olympics, the United Nations, Goodwill, and the CFDA.

Notable Alumni: Parsons alumni such as Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Donna Karan, and Tom Ford have revolutionised fashion. Donna Karan’s practical yet sophisticated designs, particularly her iconic “Seven Easy Pieces” concept for the working woman, is legendary. Marc Jacobs brought a fresh, bold vision to his eponymous label and his tenure as creative director at Louis Vuitton. He was also the youngest designer to receive CFDA Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. Tom Ford, celebrated for his sleek, provocative aesthetic, is best known as the Creative Director who turned Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent into brands worth billions of dollars from 1994-2004 and 1999–2004, respectively. He founded his own Tom Ford luxury fashion label in 2004.

Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion Institute of Technology offers degrees in fashion design, business, and technology. Image: Fashion Institute of Technology

Located in New York City, the Fashion Institute of Technology offers degrees in fashion design, business, and technology, producing leaders in haute couture, ready-to-wear, and mass market sectors for over 75 years. FIT’s associate degree programs build a foundation in design and marketing, while bachelor’s and master’s programs specialise in areas such as textile development and global fashion management.

Fashion Design AAS provides an essential foundation in computer-aided design, sketching, draping, pattern-making, construction, sewing techniques, and textiles. The BFA program offers concentrations in children’s wear, intimate apparel, knitwear, special occasion, and sportswear. Students create designs informed by market research and inspired by history, art, and culture. Throughout, they will master advanced technologies, build presentation skills, and choose from a menu of design electives to customise their studies. The program culminates in a required internship and a senior collection guided by acclaimed designers who serve as mentors. 

The master’s programs emphasise sustainability, emerging technologies, and strategic innovation, preparing students for leadership roles. FIT’s curriculum integrates technology and hands-on experience, giving students access to industry-standard labs and software. Programs such as the Master of Arts in Fashion and Textile Studies or the Master of Professional Studies in Global Fashion Management emphasise sustainability, global market strategies, and the impact of emerging technologies on fashion. 

FIT focuses on industry collaborations, like the launch of UNIQLO RE.LIVE, an upcycling collection developed by FIT students in partnership with UNIQLO to reimagine new, creative solutions for unsellable products. Under the guidance of FIT’s DTech Lab, three Fashion Design BFA students and two Advertising and Digital Design BFA students from the Class of 2024 collaborated on the RE.LIVE project, from inception through to the campaign rollout. Fashion Design students, Sam Cho, Bridgette Schaeffer, and Nuo Cheng, created an 11-piece collection, while two talented Advertising and Digital Design students, MJ Park and Andrew Grechko, joined forces with RE.UNIQLO to create the RE.LIVE campaign and website to promote the collection.

The School of Fashion also offers online programs that can be fully completed online, allowing students from anywhere in the world to receive a top-quality accredited degree. these online programs mirror the on-campus curriculum. FIT offers over 200 courses taught by working professionals, options for learning in asynchronous formats and real-time virtual classrooms, and technical support. For students of fine and applied arts, assessment of work is as important as the work itself. The institution provides a collaborative space where they can share work, exchange constructive feedback with peers, and receive custom instruction, evaluation, and critique from leading industry experts.

Notable Alumni: FIT’s alumni boasts significant figures such as Calvin Klein and Michael Kors. Calvin Klein, a visionary known for his minimalist aesthetic and groundbreaking approach to branding, founded a coat shop in York Hotel, New York with just $10,000, and transformed into multi- million dollar brand Calvin Klein Limited, that envelopes menswear, womenswear, denim, underwear and fragrance. He is also famous for his provocative marketing campaigns. Michael Kors built a fashion empire characterised by his sleek designs that combine classic American style with global appeal. The designer was honoured with CFDA Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award — its youngest recipient. 

Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to art and design. Image: Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to art and design. The fashion school offers Bachelor and Masters of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing And Management, Textiles, Accessory Design, Jewellery, Luxury and Fashion Management. 

RISD’s Apparel Design BFA program emphasises sustainability and conceptual development, for example, encouraging students to reimagine fashion’s role and systems in society. Through immersive, studio-based practice, students establish a unique design language and creative process. 

RISD’s Textiles BFA is a popular program where students learn how to balance color, pattern, structure and material in 2D and 3D textiles, by advanced and traditional hand methods. The MFA in Textiles further develops an artistic vision based in research and knowledge of design principles. Here, students work with high-end equipment like multi-harness handlooms, computer-interfaced looms and an electronic jacquard loom—to master advanced weaving techniques, and both hand-operated and electronic knitting machines.

With a focus on traditional gold- and silversmithing and contemporary methods of making, RISD’s Jewellery + Metalsmithing BFA helps students develop their own aesthetic and interpretation of the art form. In the MFA program, students research, experiment and iterate to produce adornments and sculptural metalworks that reflect a personal vision grounded in social and environmental responsibility.

Rhode Island School of Design is popular for its iconic collaborations. The partnership with Tiffany and Co., part of Tiffany’s efforts to develop a new generation of skilled craftspeople, involves a two-year, 4,000-hour apprenticeship program. 

Notable Alumni: Alumnus Liz Collins constantly invents new ways of challenging boundaries between painting, fibre arts and installations. In each phase of her fifteen-part Knitting Nation performance series, she collaborated with futuristically uniformed workers to create large-scale pieces using manually operated knitting machines to comment on technology, trade, labour and the fashion industry. Marcia Patmos, co-founder of M.Patmos, is known for her commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, creating eco-conscious, sophisticated knitwear. Both fashion designers exemplify the creative ingenuity and forward-thinking mindset fostered at Rhode Island School of Design, establishing themselves as influential figures who continue to shape the industry with their unique perspectives.

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design offers programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Luxury Management, Accessory Design. Image: Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design offers comprehensive programs in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Luxury and Brand Management, and Accessory Design. In Design For Sustainability, students learn the skills to pioneer organisational change, technological and material innovation, citizen advocacy, and more. They will benefit from the college’s collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, where revolutionary projects with local communities and partnerships with the biggest brands happen every day.

The institute’s fashion programs combine creativity with practical knowledge, and students gain hands-on experience through access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborations with industry leaders. SCAD’s fashion marketing and management program provides students with experience in product development, supply chain management for sustainability, fashion merchandising and retail buying, visual communication, content creation, and marketing for consumer engagement on-ground and online. It’s all directed at fostering the next generation of executives, creators, and entrepreneurs empowered to shape the future of fashion.

Collaborations and working relationships with factories, manufacturers, and suppliers prepare accessory design students for the professional practices of the industry. For example, Erika Lynn McKelvery (B.F.A., accessory design, 2012) discovered a love for fish leather and launched a unique accessory line using the fishing industry byproduct. SCAD’s innovative programs also include the world’s first sneaker design minor. Guided by expert faculty and industry partners, students develop creative vision, learn advanced skills including VR-assisted design, and discover how to translate brand DNA into desirable goods.

Per Vogue – ‘Their programs encompass a variety of tracks, but the design program reigns as a marquee program. In fact, their annual student-run fashion show is one of the largest and most notable in the country. Dirk Standen (previously of Style.com) took the reigns of SCAD’s School of Fashion in 2022 and since then, major industry players like Anna Sui, LaQuan Smith, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin have partaken in collection critiques to help the seniors fine-tune their collections ahead of the show.’

Savannah College of Art and Design’s master’s programs focus on sustainability, brand development, and global exposure, preparing graduates for careers as designers or creative directors. MA in fashion includes courses in contemporary art, fashion materials and structures, drawing and illustration, computer-enhanced fashion design, multimedia communication for fashion, and exploring multifaceted design aesthetics. MFA in luxury and brand management is another popular course that focuses on luxury disciplines including art criticism, strategic financial management, beauty, fragrance, travel and hospitality, and luxury tech.

Notable Alumni: Among Savannah College of Art and Design successful alumni, Kate Barton is award-winning founder and creative director of an eponymous brand, Julian Robaire is head of tailoring for Jean Paul Gaultier, Noyes created the luxury women’s clothing line Audra and Hsiang-Ting Yen launched HTY Jewellery.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The Department of Fashion Design provides an interdisciplinary experience Image: LinkedIn page of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is known for its avant-garde approach to fashion education, offering BFA in Fashion Design. The fashion school combines conceptual design with traditional craftsmanship and encourages interdisciplinary exploration, fostering innovation and individuality. One of the benefits of studying here is its strong connection to fashion, supported by faculty who are fashion designers and industry professionals. 

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. The curriculum and opportunities prepare graduates to excel as fashion and textile designers, creative directors, or influential contributors to major fashion brands.

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. What’s more, the art exhibits and research facilities of The Art Institute of Chicago are located one block from campus.

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 multibrand corporation in 1973. Halston’s success soared during the mid-1970s and so did his fame. And, an article in Esquire magazine asked the question: “Will Halston take over the world?” PS few know that he designed the pillbox hat worn by the First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy for the 1961 presidential inauguration of her husband, John F. Kennedy.

Cornell University

Fashion Design Management focuses on the processes used to design, manufacture, and market apparel and textile products. Image: Cornell University

Part of the College of Human Ecology, Cornell University’s fashion program offers Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Management. The Fashion Design option within the major integrates conceptual design with apparel techniques and cutting-edge technologies. Following three semesters of apparel and textile foundation courses, the student is ready to begin the collections studio sequence, during which they will develop their individual vision of fashion, to be expressed in a final collection.

Fashion Design Management focuses on the processes used to design, manufacture, and market apparel and textile products. Students will explore design, materials, production and supply chain, marketing, communications, and entrepreneurship, as well as the impact of developing technologies and fashion sustainability. The Fashion Design Management curriculum is interdisciplinary, with a mixture of classes in the Department of Human Centred Design and other departments. This allows flexibility in scheduling.

Notable alumni: Cornell University boasts an alumni network that includes industry leaders who have made notable contributions to the industry, excelling in diverse roles such as fashion design, product development, and brand management. Many have gone on to work for fashion houses, retail giants, and innovative startups.

The School of Fashion at Kent State University

The university offers two undergraduate degrees: Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. Image: The School of Fashion at Kent State University

The School of Fashion at Kent State University offers comprehensive bachelor’s programs that prepare students for careers in the fashion industry. Consistently ranked among the best fashion programs worldwide, the university offers two undergraduate degrees: Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. While Fashion Design helps students build the skills to create their own pieces, fashion merchandising develops their knowledge in the business side of fashion.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design develops students technical skills, explores creative problem solving and grows an understanding of the challenges in the fashion industry and how to overcome them. During the major degree, students learn about conceptual, technical and production in fashion design. Key topics instructors cover include colour, design, and trend research; technical sketching and rendered illustration; pattern making and garment construction; fit and fabric; and industry standards on production specifications for different markets.

The Fashion Merchandising major is a Bachelor of Science degree. It gives students in-depth knowledge of the business of fashion. During the course students learn about fashion theory; retail operations; management and buying; fashion forecasting and promotion; merchandising for manufacturing; and the development and marketing of products.

The main campus offers state-of-the-art technology and access to minors and clubs in other colleges, too, offering opportunities to sharpen business skills or write in Kent State’s fashion magazine. In addition, The Fashion School has a satellite campus in New York and international programs in Florence, Paris, Hong Kong, and London.

Notable alumni: Celebrated alumni Oscar de la Renta is famed for his couture-inspired ready-to-wear collections. Oscar De la Renta started out in 1965 when he launched his eponymous label before going on to develop a successful bridal, fragrance and homeware range that cemented his reputation as one of the most respected and successful designers in the fashion industry. Stephen Baum, Leonardo Ferragamo, Carol A. Cartwright, Cynthia Rowley, Jade Frampton, Dr. Elizabeth A. Rhodes, John V. Frank, Michael Weiss, R. Scott French and Scott French exemplify the impact of the school’s rigorous training. Additionally, Stephen “Suede” Baum competed on Project Runway and Project Runway: All Stars.

Pratt Institute

The design studio is at the core of the educational experience at Pratt. Image: Pratt Institute

The Pratt Institute offers bachelor’s programs in fashion that are tailored to developing the creative and technical skills necessary for success in the fashion industry. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Pratt is acclaimed for its emphasis on innovation and sustainability. Here, students contextualise fashion within a social framework, forming a strong point of view on the issues we face today and challenging them through their craft.

The Fashion Design curriculum fosters development of indivi­dual identity in a collaborative environment, inform­ed by self-reflection and engaged critique. Students are expected to apply an informed understanding of materiality, fashion history, theory and contemporary culture to their design decisions, producing collections that engage with issues of sustainability and social responsibility.

The Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Collection and Communication offers a trans-disciplinary pedagogical approach that spans design, theoretical analysis, and critical examination. The program provides a holistic, advanced fashion design education with non-studio courses in research practices, critical theory, and the study of global fashion systems and their impacts. The pedagogy strengthens and fortifies students’ creative visions and design language, highlighting both traditional methods of making and emerging design techniques. The MFA inspires students to form a conceptually purposeful practice that is in meaningful dialogue with critical inquiry in fashion and through trans-disciplinary engagement across Pratt Institute.

The Fashion Department’s mission speaks to current global fashion inquiries, emphasising experimentation and exploration as well as theoretical analyses framed by materiality, sustainability, social justice, gender, race, and others. With that in mind, emphasis on conceptual development and making creates continuity between the BFA in Fashion Design and the MFA in Fashion Collection + Communication; this confluence is the hallmark of both undergraduate and graduate study programs in Pratt Fashion.

The design studio is at the core of the educational experience at Pratt. The fashion school considers it a creative space and a community. The culture of the design studio is one of creativity, experimentation, and exploration. To prepare students to become leaders in the creative community, Pratt Fashion access to Shima Seiki 3D knitting machines and Framis NOSO technology, as well as a dedicated Textile Research Library within the department.

Notable alumni: Alumni include designers like Jeremy Scott, creative director of Moschino and owner of his namesake label. Since launching his brand in Paris in 1997, Scott has built a reputation as “pop culture’s most irreverent designer”. Alumnus Betsey Johnson has over sixty stores, including stores in London, Tokyo, and Toronto. These graduates exemplify the creative spirit that Pratt instils in its students. Their accomplishments showcase how the institute’s rigorous programs and emphasis on pushing creative boundaries prepare graduates for influential careers in global fashion.

Marist College

Three Marist fashion students were honoured with design scholarship awards from the CFDA. Image: LinkedIn page of Marist College

Marist College, Poughkeepsie President Dr. Kevin Weinman is recognised for his forward-thinking approach and commitment to enhancing student success. Recently, he earned spots on two prestigious lists: PoliticsNY’s 2024 Power Players in Education and Hudson Valley Power 100. Dr. Weinman is now leading Marist through the second year of its Marist 100 strategic plan, an ambitious roadmap guiding the College through and beyond its centennial celebration in 2029. The plan focuses on student centrality, academic vibrancy, and expansive community.

The Fashion Design major at Marist College relies on foundational courses such as Fashion in Culture and Commerce and Creative Process, augmented by technical and creative design courses to create a well-balanced curriculum. Here, students develop skills in design, textiles, draping, flat pattern-making, garment construction and computer-aided design, and present their collection at the annual Silver Needle Runway Fashion Show.

The Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising equips students with the business knowledge and analytical skills for fashion buying, retail management, and product development. Students engage in real-world learning opportunities, including running MPorium, the on-campus retail boutique, creating an issue of Marist’s fashion magazine, and producing the annual Silver Needle Runway Fashion Show by Marist.

Marist College also offers Masters of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication, which, while not solely focused on fashion, provides advanced training that is valuable to those seeking leadership roles in fashion marketing and branding. This program allows students to refine their strategic communication skills and apply them to fashion-centric campaigns and branding initiatives, bridging the gap between creative design and business strategy.

Marist is determined to provide not only the educational but the physical tools to promote student success and preparedness to enter the fashion industry. Marist has equipped the Steel Plant, the academic building in which fashion students spend much of their time, with the facilities like Textile Design Lab, Fashion Design Studios, Creative Resource Center, The MakerLab equipped with 3D printers, Fashion Exhibition Gallery and MPorium fashion retail space. 

Notable alumni: Three Marist fashion students were honoured with design scholarship awards from the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2022, winners Tara Sears ’23, Allissa Divak ’23, and Marina Matozzo ’23 earned three of a total of 26 CFDA scholarships available across the country that year. The awards were $25,000 scholarships, funded by sponsors, for undergraduate juniors and first-year graduate students graduating in 2023, who are enrolled in a fashion design program at an American college or university.Marist’s Fashion Program Director John Bartlett had high praise for the students. “As a longtime member of the CFDA, I am so grateful that such opportunities exist for our students to excel and represent the College and the Program,” said Bartlett. “Allissa, Tara and Marina are such strong ambassadors of Marist and speak to the strength of our Program and faculty.”

Drexel University

Founded in 1891, Drexel now engages with students and communities around the world. Image: Drexel University

Founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, Drexel now engages with students and communities around the world. Highlights include three Philadelphia campuses and other regional sites; The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the nation’s oldest major natural science museum and research organisation; research partnerships including China and Israel; and Drexel Online Education, one of the first and most successful providers of online degree programs.

Interim President Denis O’Brien leads Drexel as the institution undergoes a leadership change and academic transformation, while ensuring student and faculty success in an evolving era. O’Brien, a 1987 MBA graduate of Drexel’s LeBow College of Business, and a member of Drexel’s Board of Trustees for more than two decades, previously served as senior executive vice president of Exelon and CEO of Exelon Utilities, where he led the nation’s largest family of electric and natural gas distribution companies. Prior, he was the president and CEO of PECO Energy, one of the nation’s most profitable utility companies, where he began his career as a field engineer.

Drexel University offers MS in Fashion Design, a maker-focused program, teaching both traditional and cutting edge technical creative processes. This pre-professional program emphasises the development of the aesthetic and philosophical concepts of fashion design and emphasises technical skills to support research and experimentation. The curriculum integrates 2D and 3D design while studio, laboratory, and classroom work give the graduate student experience in the study of aesthetics, criticism, and contemporary art; historic art and design; fashion technology; the discipline of drawing; and the making of art. A required internship affords the student invaluable work experience and a thesis or capstone collection is required, which dovetails with the professionally critiqued, annual Drexel Fashion Show.

The Fashion Design Technology certificate program provides students with an introduction to current fashion design technologies in Virtual 3D Design and Weft Knit Product Programming. In the final quarter, students have the option to focus on an advanced, self-directed project to complete their studies. This certificate is suitable for industry professionals looking to expand their skill set, as well as current students.

Notable alumni: Drexel University boasts alumni who have made significant contributions to the fashion industry. Among the alumni are Nancy Volpe-Beringer, or Ralph Rucci, who is known for his fashion label Ralph Rucci. The success of Drexel alumni showcases the university’s commitment to nurturing creativity, technical expertise, and professional acumen, empowering graduates to achieve influential roles and leave their mark on the global fashion stage.

Academy of Art University

Academy of Art University in San Francisco offers nine BFA degree programs, including Fashion Design, Textile Design, Knitwear Design, Costume Design, Footwear and Accessory Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Visual Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, and Fashion Marketing. Students may choose an emphasis in Fashion Design or 3D Design Pattern-Making. Course work combines design, artistic production, and innovative technology to provide students with the skills necessary to realise their creative visions.

Fashion Design combines foundational courses such as “Fashion Illustration” and “Pattern-making” with advanced classes that teach students about garment construction and fashion sustainability. Students have access to 3D printers and sewing labs, which enable them to experiment with innovative techniques and materials. The Graduation Fashion Show serves as a platform where students present their collections to professionals, getting feedback that helps bridge the gap between academia and the real world.

Academy of Art University also offers the world’s first AI Art and Design Degree. The fully accredited STEM Master of Arts in Artificial Intelligence Design degree in their School of Communications and Media Technologies is one-of-a-kind. In addition to the foundational art and design skills required for any creative career, this course teaches them to excel in AI-driven creative environments and thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Students will learn to Utilize AI for research, strategic planning, editing, and crafting compelling narratives; Optimise AI functionality to create dynamic, engaging content; Integrate AI technologies into the creative design process; Build a professional portfolio showcasing real-world projects; and Lead projects that incorporate AI to push the boundaries of traditional design methods.

For those seeking to elevate their expertise, the Academy of Art University offers a Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, Costume Design, Footwear and Accessory Design, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Merchandising and Management, and Fashion Marketing and Brand Management. Studio courses hone students’ knowledge of industry standards, combining design excellence with the mastery of the latest digital tools. Graduate candidates are guided through Directed Study which culminates in the production of a final collection, portfolio, or project.

The Academy’s programs are distinguished by a multidisciplinary approach that promotes collaboration between departments such as Fine Arts, Textiles, and Jewellery and Metal Arts. This cross-pollination of skills enhances students’ versatility and prepares them to work in various roles within the fashion industry, from design and production to marketing and branding. The integration of technology and traditional artistry in the curriculum ensures that graduates are equipped with both modern and classical techniques.

Notable alumni: Graduate Jason Sperling, MFA School of Advertising, is Executive Creative Director for Reality Labs at Facebook while Stephanie Thomas, MFA Fashion Journalism, is a Disability Fashion Stylist and Consultant. Beau Oyler, BFA Industrial Design, is CEO and ECD at Enlisted Design. His designs have received major design awards including Red Dot, Spark, IDEA, Wired Editor’s Choice, and more.

Otis College of Art and Design

Otis College of Art and Design is one of the oldest schools in LA. Image: Otis College of Art and Design

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is one of the oldest schools in LA. “The fashion design program stands out with its industry-centric curriculum, engaging students in exciting and elevated projects from activewear and digital runway to costume and eveningwear,” Department Chair Jill Zeleznik told Vogue.

In Otis’ Fashion Design program, students learn how to create and construct garments under leading industry professionals. The program has successfully prepared creative professionals for the rigours of the fashion industry. The program’s reputation is based on quality, relevance, and innovation. This has been accomplished in part by developing an extensive networking component into the program.

The Fashion Design program differentiates itself with emphasis on developing capable, innovative, and professional fashion designers with a comprehensive understanding of consumer markets. Sustainable design is integral to the program, encouraging students to create environmentally responsible fashion. Through upcycling, students transform existing garments into innovative pieces, while the use of eco-friendly fibres like hemp and organic cotton reduces environmental impact. Zero-waste techniques, such as pattern markers, minimise fabric waste during production. Additionally, students are encouraged to design heirloom-quality garments, promoting longevity and reducing the need for fast-fashion. By incorporating these sustainable practices, the program empowers future designers to develop creative solutions that contribute to reducing fashion’s footprint on the environment.

Central to the Otis experience are platforms and events that highlight student achievements, such as the Annual Exhibition. This provides a space for students to present their final projects to the public, industry professionals, and Otis community. The Design Lab offers a collaborative hub where students can engage with real-world challenges, working alongside peers and industry partners to create innovative solutions.

Notable alumni: Otis alumni include artists Kerry James Marshall and Judithe Hernández, fashion designer Rick Owens, Sonic Youth musician Kim Gordon, and floral artist Maurice Harris, among others. Rick Owens launched his fashion line in 1994, operating out of a store in Hollywood Boulevard. He shot to fame after supermodel Kate Moss was photographed by Corrine Day for Vogue Paris in one of his leather jackets. This attention led to Vogue America sponsoring his first runway. There was no looking back since.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising Management Image: Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design and Merchandising Management, providing comprehensive education in fashion design and business. The Apparel Design program focuses on equipping students with skills essential to moving an idea from concept to creation, including ideation, hand and digital sketching, fabric print design, paper and digital pattern-making, draping, garment construction, fit evaluation, development of factory specifications, and creating samples and prototypes.

Throughout this process, students will consider the aesthetic and functional needs of specific target consumers and apply design strategies for inclusivity and sustainability, all while using the latest 2D and 3D design technologies. Because of the apparel design program’s partnership with Browzwear, students have access to advanced 3D design tools that leading apparel brands use. PS Many students also choose to double major in merchandising management to gain complimentary skills centred around apparel assortment planning for apparel brands and retailers.

The Merchandising Management program combines fashion design with business acumen. It emphasises market research, retail, and strategic planning through courses like “Retail Merchandising” and “Consumer Behavior.” Students are encouraged to participate in internships with fashion brands and retailers, providing experience that reinforces classroom learning. This program’s multidisciplinary nature helps students develop the analytical and strategic skills necessary for roles in product development, retail management, and fashion marketing.

Notable alumni: Oregon State University alumni work for apparel companies, launch their own design ventures, and contribute to sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Kristy Milien, Class of 2018, served as founding president of the National Retail Federation student club. One of her accomplishments through the group was organising a student trip to the retail industry’s biggest event in New York, The Big Show. Milien joined Macy’s New York for its 2018 Store Management Executive Development Program.

Columbia College

Columbia College Chicago developed the technical and artistic skills for a career in fashion design. Image: 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. 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.

University of Missouri

The curriculum focuses on leadership, global supply chain, sustainability, creativity, and technology.  Image: University of Missouri

The University of Missouri offers a Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Management. One of the top programs of its kind, it prepares students for merchandising, buying, sourcing, product development, technical design, e-retailing, or retail operations. The curriculum focuses on leadership, global supply chain, sustainability, creativity, and technology. Through course work, field study experiences, internships, leadership conferences, and student organisations, students develop the skills they need to be a top recruit for industry positions.

The Department of Textile and Apparel Management also offers Masters’ of Science in Textile and Apparel Management and PhD in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Textile and Apparel Management. It is one of a few programs in the country that offers a PhD degree in textile and apparel-related disciplines. The Department of Textile and Apparel Management also offers tGraduate Certificate in Digital Merchandising — 100% online — to meet the growing needs of digital merchandising knowledge. This ranks among the top programs in the country and offers students a strong faculty base, research expertise, library access, computer labs, interdisciplinary and intercollegiate research opportunities.

Both the bachelor’s and master’s programs at the University of Missouri are supported by robust facilities, including textile labs and design studios, which enable students to explore technologies and techniques. The university’s emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the fashion industry. The combination of practical coursework, internships, and research positions graduates for successful careers in fashion design, merchandising, and management roles.

Notable alumni: Graduates like Carolyne Roehm hold influential positions at fashion companies, lead innovative projects, or launch their own brands. Their successes reflect the comprehensive and forward-thinking education at the university, demonstrating how the programs cultivate creativity, technical skill, and business acumen.

Little known facts about the leading fashion schools in the US

What unique aspect sets Parsons School of Design apart in its approach to fashion education?
  Parsons School of Design was the first art and design school in the US to create a fashion design program that prioritised industry collaborations. These include partnerships with Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Prada, which have allowed students to engage in design projects, internships, and special events. The school has also collaborated with Nike for innovation in sportswear design and H&M for sustainable fashion initiatives. Other notable collaborations include work with Chanel, Alexander Wang, and Swarovski.

What pioneering technology does Fashion Institute of Technology integrate into its curriculum?
  The Fashion Institute of Technology integrates state-of-the-art fashion technology, including 3D garment simulation software and cutting-edge textile innovation labs, to ensure students are prepared for modern industry demands. This technological emphasis allows students to develop, visualise, and test designs in a virtual space, enhancing both their creative and technical skills.

What notable design competition originated at the Rhode Island School of Design?
  Rhode Island School of Design hosts its highly regarded annual Runway Show, which showcases innovative student work and attracts industry leaders and recruiters. This competition emphasises sustainable and innovative design, allowing students to create collections that push creative boundaries. It has gained recognition for spotlighting emerging designers and fostering groundbreaking fashion concepts.

How does Savannah College of Art and Design support sustainability in fashion education?
  Savannah College of Art and Design supports sustainability in fashion education by integrating eco-conscious practices and sustainable design principles into its curriculum. Students have access to projects on ethical sourcing, sustainable materials, and circular fashion. The college also collaborates with industry leaders on initiatives that promote sustainable innovation and reduce environmental impact.

Which fashion school is known for producing alumni who have led major luxury brands?
  Parsons has a rich history of producing influential alumni, such as Tom Ford, who revolutionised the fashion industry by leading Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent to unprecedented success. His transformative designs and leadership redefined luxury fashion. Ford’s legacy exemplifies the profound impact Parsons graduates have on global fashion.

Jasmeen Dugal

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.