Fashion Schools and Programs in France

Fashion Studies in France

Istituto Marangoni fashion school in ParisIf you are thinking of studying fashion design abroad, you have most likely heard of or have been advised to pursue your fashion degree in France. If that is the case, then read on to find out why France is viewed as the Mecca of fashion and why it is the best place to study fashion.

History of Fashion in France

To say that the flair for elegance and style runs through the veins of French people would most likely be overrated, but it is worth noting that France did make history in the fashion industry. Before Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior, there was a renowned fashion designer, King Louis XIV, who dominated in the 17^th century. He also initiated the first steps that put France at the top in the clothing industry. He was at times referred to as the ‘Sun King’ and he was bizarre in everything he did even the way he dressed. A lot of people began to admire his dressing style and this made him realize that luxurious goods could actually bring in a lot of benefits to the country’s economy. This, therefore, made him start the textile industry and trade in the country. In a short period of time, materials and fabrics of the best quality were to be found in the country. Other fashion houses also helped revolutionize the clothing industry. An example was in the 1920s when Coco Chanel eliminated the corset and in its place introduced the ‘flapper style’ which was a more comfortable and free style for women.

Such fashion houses have been at the forefront in the fashion industry over the centuries thus making France the best place to study fashion.

Studying fashion in France

Studying fashion trains future professionals to come up with their own unique pieces of clothing, related accessories, and at the same time stay true to the seasonal fashion styles or set their own. A fashion degree integrates artistic and technical capabilities that enable designers to convey a message via their work.

As a student pursuing a fashion degree, there are a lot of things that you will be supposed to learn. The first will be art theories and the history of art. You will then be taught everything about textiles and fabrics and you will be able to come up with your own collection and also define a product and brand strategy. Besides learning how to differentiate the different fabrics, students are also helped by their lecturers to develop their creative capabilities. Most of the lecturers believe that learning the technical characteristics of clothes creation should provoke the students to express their own ideas.

Within the fashion study program, there are a number of sub-specializations students can choose from. Some of these include accessories, costume design, modern couture, and so on. You can also decide to concentrate more on the business aspect of fashion. This will enable you to learn more about starting and running a business and the fiscal plan of a fashion brand or concept.

Besides the classroom sessions, students also get the opportunity to engage themselves in practical training. You get to attend workshops together with known professionals in the field, make contributions, or watch fashion shows that are often held in the universities. Students also get to do their internships in some of the fashion houses in the country or help designers in their work. The goal of these activities is to encourage networking which enables the students to create and maintain contacts that could be useful in the near future.

The lecturers in all the fashion academies and institutes are experts in the field. Students get the opportunity to be taught by lecturers who are living legends. The lecturers are usually the best designers of the best fashion houses, stylists, editors and photographers of fashion publishing companies, buyers, and representatives from other professions in the fashion and design industry. You will get the opportunity to be taught by lecturers who have been working with clients like Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, and Louis Vuitton.

Most of the universities conduct their teaching in English which is an advantage for international students. The undergraduate programs take 3 to 4 years to complete while Master’s programs run for one year or two.

There are a number of fashion institutes you can enrol in to pursue your study in fashion. Some of these include ESMOD France, Paris College of Art, Institut Français de la Mode Paris, École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne – ECSCP, New School Parsons, Paris Fashion Institute, Mod'spe Paris Fashion Business School, Paris American Academy, L'Institut Marangoni, International Fashion Academy – IFA Paris, Paris College of Art, and Atelier Chardon Savard just to mention a few.

 Despite the great insights mentioned above, it is worth noting that the fashion industry in the country is quite competitive thus making enrolment in a French fashion school a bit difficult. To increase your chances of being selected and admitted to a fashion school, you have to give your identification and portfolio. An analysis of your creative capabilities is also a huge step in securing a place at a university. If you are sure that fashion is your path, then nothing can stop you from being a fashion designer as long as you are determined and hardworking.

Job opportunities for fashion graduates in France

There are many job opportunities for fashion graduates in the country. You can get a job as a merchandiser, sales manager, creative director, fashion designer, retail fashion manager, store manager, import merchandiser, buyer, fashion marketer, stylist, photographer, fashion technologist, or as a fashion journalist among many others career options.

Grab this opportunity today to study fashion in France and get to learn from the best in the industry and start your career on the right path in the fashion industry. Browse through the fashion institutes and academies in the country to find one that suits your interests and select the program of your liking.