In one of the posts on the best fashion schools , there is a mention about top schools to attend in order to get a leg in the door. How does one make it in the competitive world of fashion without an expensive ivey league design degree? Im currently working towards a 2 year diploma program in Toronto Canada . I wouldn't mind moving to LA or NYC when im finished. But the cost of obtaining a degree at parson's scares me , although it would be my dream to go there. So what would any one suggest for a canadian with a 2 year diploma ?
Can You Make It in the Fashion Industry Without a Top Fashion School?
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NicoleRenee
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I don't think it as much about what school you go to, but who you know. If you can make connections with people, you can work your way in, and, if you're good at what you do, you can do well.
dior_me_not
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I dont think there are graduate degrees offered at Parsons... only undergrad (I think..)
Its my dream to go there but my parents wont fork out the cost and they wont let their only daughter go to *gasp* New York when she's 17.
Its my dream to go there but my parents wont fork out the cost and they wont let their only daughter go to *gasp* New York when she's 17.
fashionicon
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Bel said:
I'm sure they meant figuratively, not literally.
I agree, it's not about what school you attend. It's about the connections you have and also, overall luck.
The only thing I can think of is getting an internship with a company that you want to work for, and get in that way. Networking should always be your mind. Or ask your teachers,counselors, etc, etc if they know anyone that can help you.
without visas and that sort of thing, i think that it would impossible for you to work in the US if you're Canadian.
in that sense, attending an American school might be helpful since you can make connections, and are allowed to work for 1 year after graduation in the US legally (after that you'd still need to be sponspored).
what about doing a BA at Ryerson in Fashion Communications or Design?
in that sense, attending an American school might be helpful since you can make connections, and are allowed to work for 1 year after graduation in the US legally (after that you'd still need to be sponspored).
what about doing a BA at Ryerson in Fashion Communications or Design?
I think thats when she said Ivy League that she meant Ivy league as far as fashion schools go such as Central Saint Martin and Parsons, Otis, etc..
But although these schools make it a little easier to get a foot in the door, I have met many people who have worked and are currently working for "big" fashion brands that didn't go to these schools. Many people on this board will discourage you from going to these trade/propietory(sp) schools such as FIDM, Art Institutes, or those International Academy of Design schools but they teach you the same skills. It depends on what you make out of it and how bad you really want to do well in your career like networking and etc... Just my opinion that I've put together from MY experiences...
But although these schools make it a little easier to get a foot in the door, I have met many people who have worked and are currently working for "big" fashion brands that didn't go to these schools. Many people on this board will discourage you from going to these trade/propietory(sp) schools such as FIDM, Art Institutes, or those International Academy of Design schools but they teach you the same skills. It depends on what you make out of it and how bad you really want to do well in your career like networking and etc... Just my opinion that I've put together from MY experiences...
when i mean ivy league schools , i mean the top rated schools for fashion design in the US, thats all .
I think interning while you are in school is the most important...between summer breaks (either abroad or here in the states)...It is about networking, you can learn all the basics at any school but finding people in the business is the key. I think that is a good rule of thumb for any industry...fashion, hair or beauty-Good Luck...
BetteT
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To avoid confusion, I've changed the title of this thread ... because the original poster states that she is actually speaking about top fashion schools, not about "Ivy League" schools as she originally posted.
She is asking if there is a viable alternative to spending so much money to attend a top fashion school, such as Parsons.
She is asking if there is a viable alternative to spending so much money to attend a top fashion school, such as Parsons.
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^ okay now it's clearer... first of all Fashion Schools are private and not state funded. You will shell out regardless.... Katherine Gibbs was a cheap fashion school but since they expanded it may not be as cheap as it once before. but this is in the NYC area. Depending on where you live, check out other smaller fashion schools like Katherine Gibbs, but don't expect to intern or work in High profiled fashion houses... not that i'm saying you cannot , it's just a highly competitive field where premier design schools and nepotism and who you know usually gets first priority.
fashionicon
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That may pertain to fall/spring applicants but not so much for the summer. I'm interning at high-end design house and I go to a no-name school in the midwest.
I was told that during the summer, non-NY applicants are preferred because they come to NY only for the internship. Whereas NY applicants may have a job/school/another obligation to attend to. Not to say that there aren't people from FIT and Parsons there, but they tend to be part-time interns.
Also, I had no problems receiving offers from other big design companies. Ultimately, it has to do with your talent, how you present yourself, and as I said before, overall luck. Top schools may have connections, but it's nothing you can't do yourself.
Just my experience....
well.. FIT is a public school, so it wouldn't be tooo costly to go there with out of state tuition. I just finished up my second degree at Parsons in the AAS program for fashion marketing. Honestly, i don't think it really matter that much where you went to school, its really about the internships. Of course I wouldn't have gotten my interships with out school, but there are plenty out there. I went to Parsons b/c i got my undergrad in Atlanta, and while i was in atlanta, no one would even look at my resume without 1) a new york address or 2) a major company that is well known in the fashion biz.
So.. its def possible to get far without the degree. but it helps alot when you have the resources.
just my 2 cents.
So.. its def possible to get far without the degree. but it helps alot when you have the resources.
just my 2 cents.
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