Villioti Fashion Institute | Fashion Design School (2024)

If you’re passionate about fabrics, material, styles and trends, then a career in fashion design is likely for you. But you need to hone that natural talent and personal interest with some expert help. This means enrolling in a fashion design school that will propel your future prospects in the world of fashion. There are numerous great fashion schools across the globe, but it’s all about finding one that will best advance your career through professional instruction, exposure to industry talent and a sound grounding in the business requirements. Here’s a look at the best countries – and schools – to study fashion design.

1. The United Kingdom

If you’re serious about studying fashion at some of the best design schools in the world, then the first stop is London – the heart of the fashion world! The city is steeped in culture, with live theatre, musical shows and cosmopolitan residents creating an exciting vibe.

• The London College of Fashion (LCF)

This forms part of the University of the Arts London (UAL) boasting an alumnus that includes the likes of designer, Jimmy Choo. This is a top-end university for fashion design, with subjects including cosmetic science, 3D design and business communications keeping it at the cutting-edge of the industry.

• Central Saint Martins

Another member of UAL, this institute is strengthened by creative collaborations and also offers a really diverse section of undergraduate and post-graduate degree programmes. Some of the more well-known subject offerings include ceramic design, jewellery design, and product and industrial design – all with a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Read More: Finding the right Fashion Design School

2. The United States

As an international hub, it’s no surprise that the United States is home to some of the best fashion design schools in the world – with New York considered the heartbeat. The country delivers a high-quality education for international students, attracting some of the most influential designers across the globe.

• Fashion Industry of Technology (FIT)

FIT is an internationally renowned fashion design school boasting with the likes of Calvin Klein and Lisa Herbert proud alumni. FIT also houses a fashion museum which showcases incredible collections from the best designers across the globe.

• Parsons School for Design

Another New York-based fashion school – which has instructed Alexander Wang, Anna Sui, and Tom Ford – is Parsons. Operating for more than a century, this is considered one of the top three design schools worldwide, with a branch in Paris for international collaboration.

Read More: What are the best fashion schools in the world?

3. France

Haute couture is the pride of a country that elevates beauty and original thought. Paris Fashion Week is one of the biggest events on the global fashion calendar, which is why some of the best fashion design schools emanate from Paris.

• l’Ecole Supérieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD)

Established in 1843, this is the oldest fashion school in France and is renowned for its influence on the fashion world. It provides a quality education through 20 programmes and nine specialties in fashion design. These include women’s ready-to-wear, children’s fashion, menswear, lingerie, new luxury couture, new traditional couture, knitted women’s ready-to-wear, accessories and costume for film and theatre.

• Institut Français de la Mode (IFM)

Having merged with École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne (ECSCP) in 2019, IFM this is a fashion school that has become a world reference in the industry. Students can either pursue a fashion design or fashion management route, with majors in clothing, accessories and image. Graduates frequently go on to work at top fashion houses such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Dior.

Read More: Where can I study to become a fashion designer?

4. Italy

Host of the Milan Fashion Week – one of the ‘Big Four’ in the fashion world – Italy is undoubtedly a top contender when it comes to countries with the best fashion schools. In a country with such a rich history, architectural and artistic influence, it’s no surprise that designers are drawn to this spectacular space.

• Instituto Marangoni

This prestigious fashion school has its home base in Milan with nine branch campuses across the world. The school prides itself in cultural diversity while students enjoy studying an Italian-style course that celebrates the cosmopolitan appeal of fashion.

• Polimoda

Located in the beautiful city of Florence, this Italian fashion design school offers courses in fashion design, fashion business, art direction and fashion marketing management. Polimoda was also the first academic institute to join the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network hinged on sustainability.

Read More: Choosing the Right Fashion Design School

5. South Africa

A leader on the African continent, South Africa is home to a wealth of fantastic fashion design schools that fuse African influence with cosmopolitan flair. There is a strong focus on the details, craftsmanship and material sourcing as students discover how to interpret trends with a local eye, while remaining socially and environmentally conscious.

• Villioti Fashion Institute

This is an accredited tertiary education institution that takes pride in making the ordinary extraordinary. Led by Spero Villioti, who has run a successful fashion brand for more than 30 years, Villioti ensures every student is provided a strong grounding to secure a future in fashion. The institute has affiliations with Parsons New York, FIT and London College of Fashion so as to internationally benchmark all fashion courses.

• Cape Town College of Fashion Design (CTCFD)

This institute provides innovative education that is responsive to the ever-changing creative and technological developments in the fashion industry. Operational since 1965, CTCFD is found in the Mother City’s Mowbray suburb and provides students with a great tuition in all aspects of fashion design.

Talent and hard work will only get you so far in the world of fashion – a degree from a prestigious institution and a great grounding in the business side of fashion will ensure this is a lifelong career and not a passing interest.