California’s Style Capitals: Leading Institutions Shaping the Future of Fashion
You don’t have to trot all the way across the globe to find some of the best fashion schools. Right here in the U.S., some notable fashion-based schools offer degree programs ranging from fashion design and merchandising to fashion journalism and public relations.
New York may be the first place that comes to mind when considering top fashion schools to head off to, but bet you didn’t know California is home to some pretty impressive colleges and universities if you’re looking for a career in fashion. Here is a list of the top 5 schools for fashion in California.
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising also known as FIDM, is a private college with campus locations throughout California. The Los Angeles campus has an interesting lineup of degree programs that you wouldn’t find at your ordinary fashion school, they include; Beauty Industry Management, Menswear, Film & TV Costume Design and Digital Media. www.fidm.edu
Interesting facts: The school has hosted Project Runway, HGTV’s Design School, and The Hills. FIDM is also home to the largest fashion library in the west coast.
Academy of Art University, San Francisco
The Academy of Art University, San Francisco has a reputation of being a cutthroat school where students who aren’t serious about a career in fashion need not apply. In addition to its core Art programs, the school is well known for its top fashion degree programs that feature faculty who have worked with some of fashion’s heavyweights including; Versace, Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein and Givenchy. www.academyart.edu
Interesting facts: The Academy of Art University, San Francisco is one of the few schools that offer fashion journalism concentrations, and is one of the longest running fashion schools in the country (since 1929)
Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design is one of the leading art-based colleges in California. The college has a reputable fashion design school that offers unique mentoring programs for fashion students. Some of the past mentors for the program include; Bob Mackie, Halston, and Urban Outfitters. The college offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees. www.otis.edu
Interesting facts: Cynthia Vincent is an Alumni.
California College of the Arts
California College of the Arts offers several fashion-related degree programs including; Fashion Design (BFA), Textiles (BFA), and Jewelry Metal Arts (BFA). The school is also among the very few fashion schools in the world that offers sustainable fashion design programs. With two campuses located in the Bay Area, students gain instant access to the many internships available in San Francisco. www.cca.edu
Interesting facts: California College of the Art ranks in at #10 on the list of Top 75 Fashion Design Programs in the US and #2 on the list of top 10 programs in the West Coast (fashion-schools.org)
Academy of Couture Art
Academy of Couture Art is a specialized fashion and design school dedicated to rearing students who will become the next leaders in the fashion industry. The school offers Associate and Bachelor degree programs in fashion design and pattern design with a focus on haute couture. To learn more about Academy of Couture Art, visit their website: www.academyofcoutureart.edu
Interesting facts: Each year Academy of Couture Art hosts popular fashion shows and galas that are attended by glitterati, and other celebrities.