It pays, to get a fashion degree in all related fields connected in the vast world of fashion design, brand product merchandising, being a stylist, apparel store buyer and or a costume designer on the set of a major film production. To all those, who think they are the next fashion design star, I kindly share, place that creative genius mind at a neighborhood fashion school and, go get that fashion and or merchandising degree. As bloggers like http://www.midamcaps.org/ know, going to fashion school has many benefits and can be such an asset when starting a career in fashion.
I was introduced into the world of fashion as a young child. Both of my grandmothers were great seamstresses. It was a necessity back in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s for a majority of women to have a sewing machine in their homes. It was kind of like having a good pair of high heel shoes. If you could not find the style you desire in the store, you would create it from home. So having a home that allows you to perform such tasks, as well as one that displays your personality in the same way as your fashion does, is just as important. Who knows which people could turn up on your doorstep at any given moment? That’s why it doesn’t surprise me that many people tend to look at Torrance homes for sale when they make the move to one of the many fashion capitals of the world, so they can find inspiration all around them. And when it comes to your fashion, this is just the same. As long as you look good in public, no one ever knew, many of the designs worn, by little girls like myself in the 70’s and 80’s were designed by our grandmother’s, aunts and the help of creative little girl genius minds as the one I possessed at the age of 6. Where there was yarn, fabric and scissors, I was close behind the women learning and creating with not a care in the world….
To this day, I still cling onto my sewing machine. Yes, I as well, have not personally let go of my wonderful little sewing machine. Reflecting back on the creative novelty items I designed as a teen. The best news, prior to my high school graduation, was announcing to my family, I desired to go to fashion school, to be a fashion designer. The Fashion Institute of Fashion Design & Merchandising was my 1st choice. To this day, I must thank my father for believing enough in me, to take a chance and invest in my creative ideas that have open vast doors of greatness in my fashion career since the 1990’s.
I share this bit of advice to say, think about a school that fits your budget, visit a few schools and focus on what field of design you truly desire to get into and make your dreams become a reality. Fashion Designer and FIDM Graduate Kevan Hall is a perfect example of fashion design success who comes from humble beginnings and is a hot couture fashion icon.
Going to college after high school, be it a trade school or university is a necessity. Trust me, you will love the college experience (provided you know where to buy a fake ID so you can party your heart out!) Listed below are the Top Five Schools that you can research, visit their websites and go visit their campus to see what design school is a good fit for you. Make those student loans worth it. Last, do know you have the option of being a future interior designer, graphic artist and automobile designer.
The “Fab Five” Design Schools are as follows:
1. The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
FIDM is a specialized, private college dedicated to educating students for the Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design, and Entertainment Industries. FIDM offers a truly unique career-oriented and reality-based Fashion Design program taught by industry professionals. The program teaches students how to develop their own unique vision. Executives from fashion companies such as Juicy Couture, Guess Inc., Cotton, Inc., Mattel™, and Disney are guest speakers and mentors for Fashion Design students. FIDM utilizes the latest state-of-the-industry software and technologies in our Fashion Design Labs, where Project Runway: Season 6 was filmed. Link into their world at http://fidm.edu/
2. Otis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design is a non-profit (501(c)3 institution founded in 1918 by General Harrison Gray Otis, the founder and publisher of the Los Angeles Times, who bequeathed his L.A. home to the city for “the advancement of the arts.” The Colllege offers BFA and MFA degrees accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools. Among the outstanding professionals serving as mentors are Cynthia Vincent (’88), Claire Pettibone (’89), Billabong, Christopher Wicks, Halston with the Humane Society, Heather Brown (’04) for Urban Outfitters, EleVen by Venus Williams, Disney, Western Costume Company with Betsy Heimann, and Mary Jo Bruno. Link into their world at http://www.otis.edu/
3. Los Angeles Trade Tech Fashion Design School
The Fashion Center at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College offers instruction in all phases of the apparel industry. The 13 full-time instructors, along with a full compliment of part-time instructors, come to the classroom with a wide variety of industry experiences to introduce the student population to real work world situations. Classes are offered at convenient times to fit the needs of all perspective students. The full-time program is offered both morning and afternoon sessions. A full range of evening and Saturday fashion classes is offered to fit the schedules of industry professionals returning to the college to upgrade or learn new apparel skills. Link into their world at http://college.lattc.edu/fashion/fashion-design/
4. Woodbury University
Woodbury Fashion Design students learn the art of fashion design through the study of design process, aesthetics, and fashion history and theory. They are prepared through a sequenced curriculum that develops the expertise required to enter multiple areas of the professional design world. Students also have the opportunity to explore additional design categories like shoes or children’s wear. The culmination of their fashion education is the creation of an industry-level portfolio that will open doors to their dream jobs! Link into their world at http://woodbury.edu/mcd/majors/fashion-design
5. The Art Institute of Los Angeles Fashion Design Program
The bachelor’s degree program in Fashion Design at The Art Institute of California – Los Angeles, a campus of Argosy University takes a well-rounded approach to the fashion industry. It offers an expanded curriculum that allows students to develop the knowledge and skills in business, design, fashion, technology, and marketing to be competitive in today’s market. Technological trends in fashion design are also reflected in the curriculum. Link into their world at http://www.artinstitutes.edu/los-angeles/fashion/fashion-design-bfa-250712.aspx
Report By Lela Christine
