Major Fashion Programs
Published: Mar 31, 2009
The Fashion Institute of Technology, or FIT for short, is a great choice for future fashion industry professionals. Its status as a New York state university makes it more affordable to the aspiring fashion virtuoso. FIT offers a wide variety of online offerings, including courses through the State University of New York Learning Network. The program includes courses in advertising and marketing communications, fashion design, and manufacturing management. Alumni include David Chu, founder of Nautica, and Andrea Jovine.
Otis College of Art and Design
Located in Los Angeles, Otis graduates work at Mattel, Guess, Puma, Levi Strauss, Wet Seal, BCBG and Abercrombie & Fitch. Todd Oldham, founder of Todd Oldham Jeans, says, "When I am asked what design school I would recommend, I always and wholeheartedly recommend Otis. Otis nurtures creativity in the most appealing ways: through support, encouragement, kindness and knowledge. Certainly the recipe for success. Otis rules!"
Parsons School of Design
Parsons School of Design, founded in 1896, is a division of the New School University. The curriculum includes fashion as well as architectural design, fine arts, graphic design, interior design, photography, product design, and many others. The alumni list includes Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Anna Sui, Steven Meisel and Norman Rockwell.
Philadelphia University, School of Textiles
Philadelphia offers undergraduate and graduate programs in textile design, textile technology, textile engineering, and textile materials science. Firms such as Liz Claiborne, Nike, Burlington, Milliken and DuPont provide co-op and internship opportunities to students and recruit graduates.
Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute, usually called Pratt, founded in 1887 and based in New York City, is known for a cross-disciplinary approach. Pratt is primarily an art school; only a small percentage of Pratt's student body study fashion. All students in the fashion department work as interns by senior year, many staying on at the same companies when they graduate. The school says, "The personal scale and exclusivity of the department play an important role in the success of its graduates." Pratt students get one-on-one attention from faculty and visiting professionals, such as Byron Lars and Mary McFadden.