New York City- Author; Dietmar Rabich- Wikimedia

5 Best Fashion Designer Schools and Colleges in New York


 

Fashion is like art and passion all combined together but one needs a bit of training to hack into this very competitive industry.  The truth is, no matter how talented one is, one still needs the basic trainings and logistics.

This is why we do have fashion institutions and schools solely set apart to help anyone interested in the fashion industry be able to understand deeply what this industry is really all about

1. Parsons School of Design | The New School

Parsons school of art and design, New York- Author; Joseph Cals- Wikimedia

Parsons school of art and design has been in play for more than a century now. This institution has actually been inspired by the very able and transformative potential of design, leading it to become an institution that offers groundbreaking academic programs meant to achieve and carry forward the school’s mission. This in turn has made Parsons school of art and design the number one design in the US and globally speaking, among the top three.

At Parsons, the next generation of creative leaders get this very huge opportunity to engage in the real world scenario and also along the way, be able to come up with critical thinkers and makers who strive to thrive in this industry.

On that note, their academic approach of design education and change making community has actually transformed creativity, culture and even commerce!

practical information:
Address: 66 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
Phone: +1 212-229-8900
Opening Hours: Everyday, 9am- 5pm (hours may differ depending on hlidays and black fridays)

2. New York School of Design

School Library- Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The mantra that New York School of Design goes by is: “Fashion starts here!” Indeed, for them fashion lessons really does begin the moment you register with them. 

Founded on a guiding principle that has continued to propel their reputation as an international hub when it comes to fashion design education, New York School of Design really does not disappoint. Whether it’s a technical, creative, single course or even multi-level certificate courses, their programmes will sure come through for you as they help you define your career options.

With a very intense, rigorous and hands-on training programmes, their students always manage to emerge as fashion designers, fashion technical designers or even fashion entrepreneurs, always armed with very impressive portfolios. It is for sure an institution to try out if fashion designing is really your thing and you would want to take it to the next level.

Moreover, this school in fashion career education such that, if your goal is to explore a particular  fashion interest, work for a fashion company, or even launch a fashion business, New York School of Design will meet your expectations at each step of this journey.

One will definitely get to learn processes, techniques and problem solving skills needed to create masterpieces and develop workplace competencies in the professionally-equipped fashion studios they have within the school’s premises.

Practical Information
Address: 1032 6th Ave 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10018, United States
Phone: +1 212-244-8882
Opening Hours: Everyday, 9am- 5pm (hours may differ depending on hlidays and black fridays)

3. Pratt Institute

The main building at the Pratt Institute campus in Brooklyn- Author; Jonathan Bowen- Wikimedia

Let me go ahead and just satisfy your curiosity with a bit of a background information. Okay, here we go. Pratt  institute is a private university that has its main campus in Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 1887, starting off mainly with programs in engineering, architecture and fine arts. 

When it comes to fashion designing, Pratt believes they are a force to reckon with. They are not playing! They believe that when a design is made at its really best, then it  is a force for good as it connects, enable, sustains, empowers and humanizes the whole process. As a student at Pratt, you will be presented with an opportunity to design messages, objects, spaces and systems and discover the power of your practice in order to creatively change the world you’re already in and the world surrounding you.

In essence, designing  is a process that connects people to the world such that they are able to operate with an aim and objective directed towards making it better. For them, better  is about creating things that are more sustainable, more beautiful, more responsible and  more inclusive.

In truth, when you step into the Design Center at Pratt, you’ll  be able to see this very diverse practice at work in a space that basically  bring all of these disciplines together under one ceiling

Practical Information:
Address: 200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States
Phone:+1 718-636-3600

4. Esaie Couture Design School

College buildings- Image by Marián Okál from Pixabay

Are you interested in joining a competitive fashion industry? Then Esaie will be the right destination for you. I know it takes hard work, creativity and passion to be a fashion designer which anyway by the time you decide to join a fashion class you already posses, but you can also get an opportunity to learn much more about the industry easily. 

Esaie is now partnering with one of the world’s top online learning institutes in order to ensure that their students get to learn the core fundamentals and essentials required to be a success in the fashion world. This institution gives you an opportunity to learn at your own pace and it doesn’t matter how old you are. Do you have the passion and the zeal to pursue a fashion career without looking back? Then at Esaie you will definitely be at the right place.

Moreover, during fashion weeks (which is the creme de la creme of anything fashion), Esaie gives you an opportunity to work like a typical New York designer. You will able to tour the garment center, visit a factory and even shop the fabric stores.

You get an opportunity to be behind the scene view of a famous retail giant where you can even visit a  fashion museum, find inspirational window shopping (or actual shopping if you got the cash) of New York’s famous shopping districts.

An exciting addition, you are also provided for with an opportunity to assist in model casting (you are the pro at this point duh!) and also fitting at either front of the house or back of the house at fashion show events.

practical information
Address: 38 W 32nd St 10th fl ste 1012, New York, NY 10001, United States
Phone: +1 (212) 564-2160
Opening Hours: Everyday (apart from Sundays), 9am- 9pm

5. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)- Author; Ajay Suresh- Wikimedia

Again a bit of a background information to get us started: The Fashion Institute of Technology is a public college in New York City. It is part of the State University of New York that mostly focuses on art, business, design, mass communication, and technology connected to the fashion industry. It was founded in 1944. So it has been in the game for quite a long time.

Their mantra is, “Where creativity is Currency,” and the question they have posed for the day is, “Can clothing comfort a grieving person?’ Hmm.. what do you think folks? Me? Oh absolutely! Just looking amazing like you’re straight from a magazine or a runway can sure improve your moods.

For about eight decades now, FIT’s Fashion Design programme has cultivated creative and innovative leaders who continue to disrupt an impress the global fashion industry.

Having the pleasure to learn at FIT, you will be able to gain exclusive industry access while still creating groundbreaking designs that are informed by market research and inspired by history, art, and culture.

Their very talented and well connected faculty guide their students to becoming not only designers with their own creative vision but also be professional ready so as to succeeding in this very challenging and competitive field.

In order to be convinced that this institution is pretty good, their fashion design program has actually been preparing students for success at every level, from haute couture to also ready-to-wear and to mass market, for 75 years. See? They aren’t new in this game.

Did you know? that their students have actually interned at Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Josie Natori, J. Mendel, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret?

Their graduates have even worked at Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Giorgio Armani. They may work as assistants or technical designers or head fashion designers for some of the world’s largest and most influential design firms.

Other of their graduates also manage and run boutiques or start their own lines. Goes to show that you won’t get a run for your money if you choose to study here.

Practical Information:

Address: 227 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

Phone: +1 212-217-7999