I'm really interested in fashion and considering attending a college in Los Angeles for it. What are some great fashion schools in LA? How do they compare to each other in terms of programs and opportunities?
Los Angeles is definitely a great place to be if you're interested in studying fashion, as the city is an international hub for fashion and design. Some of the best known and top-rated fashion colleges in Los Angeles are:
1. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM): FIDM offers a wide range of specialized fashion-related programs like Merchandising & Marketing, Fashion Design, and Textile Design. They boast a strong alumni network in the industry.
2. Otis College of Art and Design: Otis is known for its BFA in Fashion Design. The curriculum at Otis is unique because the school collaborates with fashion and design companies to develop projects for its students, giving them real-world experience.
3. The ArtCenter College of Design: Although more famous for its programs in industrial and graphic design, ArtCenter also offers classes in fashion and costume design, particularly through the lens of entertainment.
When comparing these colleges, it helps to consider your specific career goals. For example, FIDM might be a great choice if you're interested in all-encompassing knowledge of Fashion including Marketing and Merchandising, whereas Otis might be better fit if you're keen on developing strong design portfolios through their industry wide collaborations.
Beyond coursework, do consider the networking opportunities provided by each college, as they can be crucial to landing internships and jobs post-graduation. All these schools are well connected to the LA fashion scene and offer opportunities to intern or work with established brands and designers.
To further compare these options, it could be beneficial to talk to current students or alumni about their experiences and outcomes related to internships or employment after graduation. Attending open houses or reaching out to admissions offices to speak with a counselor might help you gain more detailed insights.
If you're interested in a comprehensive study of Fashion, you might want to also explore other renowned fashion schools outside LA like Parsons and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, or Central Saint Martins in London. They each have unique offerings that can broaden your perspective and provide further opportunities in the vast field of fashion.
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