After decades of fashion education, I often find myself reflecting on what is truly important to an aspiring designer. As I was considering new topics to share with my community of subscribers and followers, one idea stood out. Why not pass on some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past 25+ years??
He taught the classroom at the Fashion Institute of Technology for 17 years, served as chair of the fashion design department for three years, and then taught graduate level fashion design at the Academy of Art for six years. I have a front row seat to students’ journey into the fashion industry. I saw firsthand how they navigated everything from the application process to making the most of their education after acceptance.
Part 1 of this two-part series focuses on guiding prospective students through the process of selecting and applying to a fashion college. In Part 2, we turn to supporting educators, providing insight into how to help students grow and create meaningful and positive experiences once they begin their fashion school journey.
How to Choose a Fashion College
UoF’s free list of global fashion schools – 2-year and 4-year fashion school options. (Image source: University of Fashion.com)
Choosing the right fashion college is one of the most important decisions in your life’s journey. As you explore your options, take the time to ask yourself a few key questions:
- How far can I go to school from home?
- Should you pursue a two-year program or a four-year degree?
- Which schools offer the strongest programs for my specific interests? For example, if you are passionate about costume design, which universities specialize in that field?
- Which famous fashion designers graduated from this university?
- What are the admission requirements, and can they realistically be met? Consider factors such as minimum GPA, standardized test scores, and most importantly, portfolio expectations.
- How much is tuition and do you offer scholarships and/or loan options?
After researching and narrowing down the schools you like, the next step is to apply. Schedule a visit to our top picks whenever possible. Walking around campus and experiencing the environment firsthand helps you imagine life there. For example, some students who were accepted to FIT later realized that living in a fast-paced city like New York wasn’t for them.
Fashion College Application Process
Fashion University classes, Portfolio Tips for Admission to Fashion College (Image source: University of Fashion)
In a recent conversation with Tina, a high school senior in Chicago applying to fashion schools, she described the process as anxiety-provoking and overwhelming. Her high school did not offer sewing classes and the art program lacked guidance on building a fashion portfolio, so she had to navigate the requirements on her own. Many of the schools she applied to expected both sewing clothing and a strong portfolio of fashion illustrations. Surprisingly, wasn’t that exactly why she had to go to fashion school in the first place?
Fortunately, Tina had an early advantage. During her second year, her aunt gifted her a ticket to the University of Fashion. Through her classes, she learned how to sew, draw fashion figures, and develop a cohesive portfolio. The platform also provided valuable resources, including a global directory of fashion schools, guidance on writing compelling admissions essays, and insight into what makes a portfolio stand out. lesson, Portfolio Tips for Admission to Fashion College An amazing guide that takes you through the entire process and is currently taught by a FIT professor.
Tina also discovered that different schools have different expectations. Some programs require original fashion design work, while others allow artwork as part of the portfolio.
When preparing materials, it is important for applicants to ask the following questions:
- Does my personal statement clearly express my passion for fashion?
- Am I knowledgeable about fashion history, current industry trends, and key sectors such as couture, luxury, and sustainable fashion?
Fashion college admissions teams want to ensure that applicants are fully committed and truly invested in the pursuit of fashion.
Fashion College Do’s and Don’ts Essay
Your portfolio is important, but your essay should reveal who you are as an artist. Some schools require an artist affidavit. Use it to describe your work, philosophy, aesthetics, and perspective. Universities are looking for fresh, exciting and innovative jobs. Show us what your voice means in fashion. Read the essay requirements carefully. Because you want to answer questions and not just talk about what you want to talk about.
essay dos
From UoF’s costume history class series, 100 Years of Fashion Rebels and Revolutionaries – Part 1. (Image source: University of Fashion).
Immerse yourself in fashion through clothing history, magazines, blogs, fashion shows and exhibitions, and connect with broader culture, from museums to pop and emerging artists. We know both established and new designers, and we understand fashion history well enough to refer to it carefully (e.g. Chanel’s legacy, New Look, punk and grunge).
Write with a clear sense of the impact you want to have on the industry. You’ll also discover how the internet and digital culture are reshaping fashion, from early adopters to contrasts with traditional big-budget fashion houses.
What not to do in an essay
Avoid cliché essays, such as claiming you want to be a designer because you’re good at dressing or claiming you want to become a designer because you’re taking over the family fashion business. Be careful about questions about negative work experiences or strengths and weaknesses. Always balance your weaknesses with your corresponding strengths. For example, missing a deadline may be framed as a result of efforts to produce high-quality work.
Take your essay seriously. Be concise, avoid repetition, and remember that longer is not always better. Have a teacher or mentor review your work and allow time for revisions. Powerful writing is a process. AI essays are always searchable.
5 Essential Principles for a Great Portfolio
Example fashion college admissions portfolio – includes inspiration/mood images, fashion sketches, flat sketches, clean fabric swatches, and clean, clear signage. (Image credit: Nancy Kwan, University of Fashion)
When preparing your portfolio, there are five essential principles to keep in mind, no matter which school you are applying to.
firstStart with inspiration and ensure your portfolio is cohesive with a clear and consistent visual direction.
secondPresentation is important. Avoid anything that looks sloppy or spotty. If you include fabric swatches, make sure they are cleanly cut, properly labeled, and carefully aligned with your design.
Example fashion college admissions portfolio – includes inspiration/mood images, stylized fashion sketches, neatly cut fabric swatches, and clean, clear signage. (Image credit: Ziyon Gong, University of Fashion)
third, Don’t rely on croquis templates from books or the Internet. Develop your own sketching style to reflect your unique design voice and blend with your aesthetic.
fourth, Focus on the technical accuracy of your sketch. Demonstrate understanding of structure by clearly labeling details such as darts and clothing openings.
How to Feature a Clothing Design
This is an example of how to be creative with clothing design. (Image source: University of Fashion)
If you include examples of your work, create the best format for them. For example, a model’s outfit is photographed and then artistically placed against a background that lists design descriptions and fabric choices. Or display it artistically in the form of a dress. You can kill your portfolio with images you didn’t put any time into. Professionalism is important.
as a resultTake the time to curate a visually appealing portfolio that is innovative, forward-thinking, and truly reflects your passion for fashion. A carefully crafted presentation will resonate with the entire admissions team. Aim for a portfolio that clearly communicates your creativity, dedication, and promise that you will represent the organization well.
