Fashion Education

By W. Randy Hoffman, FashionSchools.com Contributing Writer

Haven't a lot of fashion's biggest names lifted themselves into the business by their own cleverly designed bootstraps? The truth is that for every marquee designer who has skipped higher education and made a fortune, there are dozens who've succeeded because they sharpened their skills and gained greater knowledge with a fashion education -- and dozens who haven't succeeded because they didn't do so.

While you're in high school or studying for your GED, how can you best prepare yourself for a higher education in fashion? What should you learn and do, and what skills should you acquire?

Tara Draper, Director of Admissions for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, agrees that sketching is important and that you should try to learn the basics of sewing with a sewing machine: "Even a straight line is fine -- we're starting from scratch here." She also says that "bilingualism in English and any other language is helpful," though Mandarin Chinese is particularly good because so many apparel companies manufacture or source goods in China.

David Schmida says that "two skills stand out: computers and art or drafting (both creative and practical)." Simon Ungless, Director of Graduate Fashion at Academy of Art University, says to "do as much drawing as you can," and amplifies with this controversial suggestion: "Try to take any available course/classes in nude figure drawing at high school or community programs".

Where Can I Study Fashion?

There are a large number of schools where you can study fashion. Many community colleges offer full certificate or degree programs in fashion, while fashion baccalaureate degrees from traditional and career colleges are available around the world.

See FashionSchools.com for a full listing of fashion programs.

A note of caution: If you want to be a fashion model, be very wary of attending "modeling schools" that purport to prepare you for a modeling career. You don't need any education other than on-the-job training to work as a model! Modeling schools are neither normally regulated nor accredited; many are fronts for scams; and modeling agencies don't regard their certificates and diplomas as having any value. Even the more established modeling schools function largely as "charm schools" or "finishing schools" rather than providing true career education. This site has more information on the topic.

Things You Might Not Have Considered

The Costume Society of America's spokesperson recommends choosing a school in an area where you think you'll want to work after you graduate; that way, you'll be able to establish local contacts while you're still in school.

Schmida suggests investigating the school's faculty to be certain that the "people teaching have been practitioners in the industry." Ungless agrees: "Make sure the faculty are still current with the industry; are they really working professionals?" He goes on to say, "Check to see if courses are hands-on rather than all lecture and book study. Also look at the job-placement statistics for the programs."

It's also very important to attend an accredited school -- that is, a school whose facilities, faculty, finances, curricula, and procedures have been investigated and approved by an educational standards body. Most schools in the USA will be accredited by one of the recognized regional accreditation organizations. Similar provincial organizations accredit schools in Canada, and many Canadian career schools are accredited by the Canadian Education and Training Accreditation Commission (CETAC). In the UK, many schools are accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). A few American fashion programs are specifically accredited for fashion education by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

As a fashion student or professional, you might want to investigate the numerous professional associations that will be open to you. A small sampling of these includes the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Fashion Group International, Custom Tailors and Designers Association (CTDA), and the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA); many others can be found with a little searching, although a surprising number of them don't yet have their own websites.

For more information on fashion education and financial aid, visit FashionSchools.com.