The Top 10 Fashion Schools To Help You Score Your Dream Job
More and more schools are offering fashion programs for young adults that are hoping to be the next Anna Wintour or Karl Lagerfeld. But which schools are the best?
Business of Fashion comes out with a yearly ranking of the top fashion schools, and they recently released their list for 2016. Whether you’re applying to schools yourself, have a little sister who wants to work for Sophia Amoruso, or are hiring interns for your own company, you should check this list out.
1. Central Saint Martins, London, UK
Alexander McQueen, 2010
There’s a reason why Central Saint Martins is the fashion school of all fashion schools, just check out their alumni list. Some exceptionally notable graduates include Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, John Galliano, and Zac Posen. M.I.A. also went there, and even though she’s not quite in the fashion industry, she’s kind of a big deal.
2. Kingston University, London, UK
John Richmond, 2015
John Richmond is one of Kingston’s most notable alumni, and he loved Kingston partly because of the parties, which is chill.
“You were expected to work unbelievably hard, which I enjoyed,” said Richmond. “The competition was fierce; the tutors were passionate, tough and encouraging. The friends I made and the special moments we had, I’ll never forget. I loved every minute – so many good parties!”
3. Aalto University, Helsinki, Finland
Rolf Ekroth, 2016
Aalto University was founded in 2010, so they haven’t quite churned out any of fashion’s big names yet. But they’re quickly gaining notice for their modern methods and their current design students, and they must be legit if they made number three on the list after only being around for six years.
4. Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Kanye West in Vetements
Demna Gvasalia may not be a household name, but you’re sure to have heard of Vetements. He’s their creative director, and he has previously worked at Maison Margiela and Louis Vuitton.
5. Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
Katy Perry in Michael Kors at the DNC
Although FIT may be farther down the list than you expected, they still boast an impressive alumni list. Maybe they just need to get more with the times? Some notable grads include Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Ralph Rucci, and Carolina Herrera.
6. London College of Fashion, London, UK
Taylor Swift for Wonderland
While it seems that many of LCF’s grads are killing the game, their alumni are particularly doing well in the writing realm of the fashion world. Some of their recent alumni includes the content director of Net-a-Porter, the editor of Wonderland magazine, the fashion features editor at Vogue, and the senior fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar Indonesia…the list goes on. I also spent three months studying there and now I work as a writer. Coincidence? I think not.
7. Bunka Gakuen, Tokyo, Japan
Rihanna in Kenzo
Kenzō Takada is one of many famous Japanese designers that has emerged from Bunka Gakuen. And if you’re a lover of Kenzo but broke, he’s collaborating with H+M in the fall.
8. Polimoda, Florence, Italy
Aquazzura
If you weren’t aware, Italy is the place to be if you’re interested in leather and footwear, so it makes sense that one of Polimoda’s most notable graduates is Edgardo Osorio, head designer for Aquazzura. Amazing leather products for cheap is just another reason to visit Italy if you weren’t already sold on the pasta and pizza.
9. Shenkar College, Ramat-Gan, Israel
Alber Elbaz at Lanvin
Alber Elbaz, graduate of Shenkar, worked as Lanvin’s creative director for 15 years before being unexpectedly fired last year. The NY Times viewed his dismissal as shocking, but a reflection of the division between fashion house’s creatives and management. It’s unclear what’s next for Elbaz, but considering how many women obsessed over his work at Lanvin, we’re sure he’s doing just fine.
10. Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Johanna DiNardo’s designs from Drexel’s Senior Show, 2016
Drexel’s Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising programs have gained serious momentum in the last 5 years with their new building designed (and sponsored) by Urban Outfitters, which is where many of their graduates go to work after school. They may not have any big names on their alumni list, but expect big things from them in the near future, like this one chick named Ashley Uzer who graduated in 2016, perhaps?
