Fashion design schools vary in size, quality and course offerings so it’s important to thoroughly research all your options before enrolling in any institution. The better fashion design schools will offer you quite an extensive range of courses, with something suited to your unique requirements. Here is what you can expect from the more prestigious fashion design schools.
Fashion Design School Courses
Short Courses in Fashion Design
If you don’t have the time or budget to enroll in a full diploma or degree in fashion design, then it’s worth considering some of the short courses available. These fashion design courses will generally be held in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate working students, and they run for several weeks. Some of the short fashion design courses offered by schools include:
- Fashion Design
- Garment Construction
- Pattern Making
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Non-Degree Short Courses in Fashion Design
For potential fashion design students looking to pursue an area of academic interest without the need for a full degree, then most fashion design schools will run non-degree short courses. These are great for adding to a CV, or just for some personal development. Some fashion design courses to expect:
- Fashion Design Concepts
- Fashion Operations Management
- Culture of Fashion
- Fashion Retail Management
- Garment Engineering
- Business Studies and Management
- Fashion Events
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Diplomas in Fashion Design
If you’re looking to establish yourself as a fashion designer, then you will want to enrol in a school that offers either a diploma or degree in fashion design. A diploma will cover a wide variety of fashion design principles from fabric knowledge to business management with a strong focus on entrepreneurship.
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Degrees in Fashion Design
While there is still a strong business grounding in fashion design degrees, the schools will also ensure that the individual talent and originality is nurtured. Social, economic and cultural factors influencing fashion design will be touched on, and you will exit the course with a strong understanding of the fashion design industry in its entirety.
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Certificate in Fashion Design
This certificate in fashion design qualification is ideal for those seeking a foothold in the fashion industry, such as entry-level fashion roles or a start-up in fashion-related ventures. It’s also the ideal starting place for someone looking to eventually pursue a diploma or degree in fashion while working in the fashion industry. The type of person looking to pursue this certificate is a creative with a real passion for style, fashion and clothing design. They will also need a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent.
Careers in Fashion
Ultimately, a good fashion design school will offer you the chance to enter the fashion industry with the skills to succeed. The school will open you to a world of opportunity with fashion, and some of the careers you can explore include:
- Fashion Designer
- Retail Store Owner
- Buyer
- Planner (forecasting sales)
- Fashion Editor
- Stylist
- Visual Display (in-store displays)
- Brand Representative
- Brand Consultant
- Product Developer
- Costume Designer (theatre and film)
- Fashion Show Production Manager
Read more: 7 tips to starting a career in fashion
The opportunities within the world of fashion design are endless, however, it’s important that you start off on the right foot. This means choosing a reputable fashion design school that will enhance your passion for the industry, while teaching you all the relevant and latest skills needed for the trade.
Villioti Fashion Institute is an accredited tertiary institution that takes pride in making the ordinary extraordinary. Led by Spero Villioti, who has run a successful fashion brand for more than 30 years, Villioti Fashion Institute prides itself on being “extraordinary in the details”, which is what sets their students apart from others and secures them a future in fashion.
