Many people have the perception that there are no major differences between the fashion design schools in this country. The reality is that there are many unique qualities that make up the top tier schools. And its no surprise that the quality schools are on the eastern and western coasts. In fact, some of the best fashion design schools are located in Los Angeles. Located in the center of the entertainment and fashion industries, schools in Southern California focus on providing the best education in fashion design, because the industries need talented young designers.
A few important things to look for in a fashion school are accreditation, a diverse curriculum that includes subjects that complement fashion design courses, and the opportunity to explore all aspects of the fashion industry.
Accreditation is very important when choosing a fashion school. Look for a school that has accreditation status from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). You may also want to look for accreditation from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and College Arts Association (CAA).
The fashion school you choose should, of course, place the main emphasis on fashion design, but also offer other courses that will help further your career. These can include courses in business, communications, and even computer courses that specifically address fashion design, such as computer aided design (CAD).
The fashion institute you choose should allow you to explore other areas such as fashion merchandising and coordinating. It should not lock you into one area; rather, it should focus on exposing you to all the potential opportunities available in the fashion industry.
Clearly, the location of a fashion college can be very important. Fashion schools in Los Angeles are some of the best known in the world, so, be sure to tour the fashion schools in that area. If you end up attending, it will put you a lot closer to the action. Whether you want to see a real live fashion shoot or see the latest collection of designer clothes, you can do all of this and more in LA.
Finally, you need to consider the faculty. Who teaches at the school? What’s their background? In order to receive a quality education, you want to be educated by the best minds in the business. Look for professors who have a long teaching tenure and who have experience working in the industry.
If budget becomes an issue, consider other options that will allow you to attend a fashion school in Los Angeles. What should you consider? Financial aid to cover the costs of the school itself, placing ads stating you are interested in sharing a house or apartment to take care of your living situation, and perhaps finding a part-time job that would fit around your schedule.
