Last Updated: September 03, 2022
11 Recommended Fashion Design Programs in Paris
France is one of the most popular destinations for international students who wish to take programs in fashion design. This is mainly because the French have influenced this field of study dating back to the 16th century. Candidates can study fashion design at an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level here, with the master's programs being the most popular. They will also be able to take up certification programs in the field, especially if they are working professionals seeking to advance their career options.
The programs here are primarily experimental and practical-based, focusing little on theory. Candidates will be able to attend workshops conducted by international designers, and the best universities also allow candidates to be part of their shows, thereby providing them with an opportunity to showcase their works in front of professionals. Depending on the candidate's interest, one can focus on specializations while taking this program, including branding, modern couture, accessory designing, etc.
Best Fashion Design Schools in Paris
While almost all the fashion design schools in Paris are excellent regarding the quality of the content and career opportunities they offer, a few remain outstanding over the years. A few of the best fashion designing schools from which one can choose include-
- Institut Francais de la mode- IFM
- ENSAD
- LISAA ecole de mode
- Esmond International
- ENSAAMA- Olivier de Serres
- Atelier Chradon-Savard
- International Fashion Academy-IFA Paris
- Paris College of Art
- Istituto Marangoni
List of Recommended Programs in Fashion Design
| Program | Institution | Fee for EU Nationals | Fee for non-EU Nationals |
| MA in Fashion Design | Institut Francais de la mode- IFM | €12,800 per year | €19,200 per year |
| MA in Fashion Design | ENSAD | €15,000 per year | €15,000 per year |
| BA in Fashion Design-Pattern Making | LISAA | €9,000 per year | €9,500 |
| BA in Fashion Design | Institut Francais de la Mode/IFM | €14,000 per year | €21,000 per year |
| Fashion Designer Undergraduate Program | ESMOND | €11,500 per year | €12,500 per year |
| BFA in Fashion Design | Paris College of Art | €14,500 per semester | €14,500 per semester |
| BA in Fashion Design | Atelier Chardon-Savard | - | - |
| MA in Fashion Brand Designer | Atelier Chardon Savard | - | - |
| MA in Fashion Film and Photography | Paris College of Art | €29,000 per year | €14,500 per year |
| MA in Contemporary Fashion Design | IFA | 13,000 | €13,000 |
| BA in Fashion Business | Istituto Marangoni | - | - |
MA in Fashion Design-IFM
The Institut Francais de la Mode/IFM offers this program, which lasts two years, during which candidates can focus on Parisian fashion design. Candidates can choose from 4 pathways in the field of fashion, which include accessory design, fashion design, knitwear design, and fashion image. They will also be able to present their collections at a graduation show at the end of their program. 80% of the program will involve practice-based specialization courses, whereas the remaining part is based on cross-disciplinary courses.
The fee for this program is different for EU and non-EU nationals. The first-year fee for EU nationals is €12,800, whereas that for non-EU nationals is €19,200. The fee for EU nationals in the second year is around €9,000, whereas that for non-EU nationals is around €13,400.
MA in Fashion Design-ENSAD
This program is taught entirely in English and lasts two years. Candidates will learn about the design and crafting of clothing, accessories, materials, and textiles. At the same time, candidates will learn about the business aspects of fashion design, including marketing, strategy, law, etc. Candidates can also take up internships in the program, with departments inviting international designers and creators. The elective courses that one can choose from include color, prints, leather garments, etc.
The program fee is around €15,000 per year, but EU students receive a grant that reduces the fee to around €6,000.
BA in Fashion Design-Pattern Making- LISAA
This program is taught in both French and English. It has a duration of 3 years, and candidates will mainly be focusing on the creation of garments and accessories. They will also be able to design and present their work at shows and showrooms in front of professionals as part of the program. The program will have subjects dealing with creative studios, the history of fashion, interpreting fashion, the business of fashion, fashion & IT lab, etc.
The fee for EU candidates for fashion design programs taught in English here is around €9,000 for the first year and around €9,500 for the subsequent years. The fee for non-EU candidates is around €10,000 for the first year and around €11,500 for the following courses.
BA in Fashion Design-IFM
This program is offered only in a full-time format for three years. It is taught in French and English by designers currently working in international studios. The basis for the program will be experimentation and technical practice more than theory, with candidates familiarized with cutting-edge techniques and artisanal craftsmanship. Year 1 will deal with content that can enhance creativity and experimentation skills. Year 2 will deal with content relating to consolidating and developing previously acquired skills. Year 3 will have candidates focus on the conceptualization and realization of their ideas.
The fee is different for EU and non-EU nationals, with the former paying around €14,000 per year and the latter paying about €21,000 per year.
"Fashion Designer" Undergraduate Program-ESMOND
This program has a duration of 3 years and is a combination of two areas under fashion design. These areas are design and pattern-making. Candidates will learn about the design and creation of both clothing and accessories as part of the program, and they will also be able to specialize in any market at the end of the program. The program is taught in both French and English.
The program fee is around €11,500 per year for EU nationals and €12,500 per year for non-EU nationals. Candidates must also pay an additional €1,400 as an academic material fee.
BFA in Fashion Design-PCA
This program lasts three years, and candidates will take an additional year as their foundation year for undergraduate programs. The foundation year will include drawing, a city as a studio, art & design, digital media, etc. They will learn other subjects in the fashion design program, including fashion drawing, pattern drafting, 3D fashion design, design studies, junior studio, fashion reality, fashion collection management, etc. They will have to complete 120 credits as part of the program.
The fee for candidates per semester is around €14,500.
BA in Fashion Design-Atelier Chardon-Savard
This program has a duration of 4 years, and it is taught in both English and French. Candidates will mainly learn about apparel design as part of this program, including analyzing brands, decoding trends, and illustrating personal ideas while defending them. Candidates will deal with menswear, womenswear, and accessories as part of this program. In their 3rd year, they will be able to specialize in pattern making for chains & welts, pattern making for mesh & textiles, accessories, or trends.
The fee for the program is provided only upon request.
MA in Fashion Brand Designer-Atelier Chardon-Savard
This program lasts two years, with candidates learning about personal collections and brand designs. They will focus on a design point of view for personal collections and place them in the business world.
The details and fee information of the program are only available upon request.
MA in Fashion Film & Photography-PCA
This program lasts one year and is focused on fashion photography and film. As part of the program, candidates will learn about market trends in fashion advertising, online marketing, etc.. Classes will mainly include studio classes and workshops, with practical aspects of the program being emphasized more than theoretical ones.
The fee for international students is around €29,000 per year, whereas that for EU nationals is around €14,500 per year.
MA in Contemporary Fashion Design-IFA Paris
This program lasts two years and is taught entirely in English. Candidates will learn about creative culture, fashion environment, marketing & management, image & communication, business issues, etc., as part of the program. The subjects that are offered include intellectual property, fashion press, branding, positioning & pricing, fashion distribution, fashion ethnography, etc.
The tuition fee for the program is around €13,000.
BA in Fashion Business-Istituto Marangoni
This program has a duration of 3 years, and it is taught in English. Candidates will learn about handling and organizing fashion businesses as part of the program. This will include production, marketing, retail, etc. They will also have to learn about trends, branding, fashion marketing, retail operations, etc., as part of the program.
The fee information and other program details are only available on request.
