I see my role as a facilitator rather than a traditional top-down font of all knowledge. Courses have been developed to be world leading by drawing on the knowledge and experience of the outstanding academic and technical staff at Central Saint Martins, but I believe that the knowledge and experiences within the CSM fashion community of both staff and students are what makes studying at CSM truly unique.” — Adam Murray, MA Fashion Image pathway leader
What alumni say
“CSM was a place to experiment without worrying about final outcomes. I arrived there unsure of what I wanted to do, but the freedom to try, fail and rebuild taught me to trust my instincts. That mindset of embracing uncertainty and process became the foundation of how I approach my work today.” — Craig Green, eponymous designer
“CSM was a place where I could develop my intuition and throw things at the wall and see what stuck, which I think is so important as a young creative. It was also a place I found great like minded people, people who were so different in their ways of thinking. It helped me expand how far I could see my own work going.” — Jawara Alleyne, eponymous designer
The École Supérieure des Arts Et Métiers de la Mode (ESMOD)
Paris, France
Founded in 1841, ESMOD is the world’s oldest fashion school and remains one of the most influential. Based in Paris, it has built its reputation on a rigorous approach to fashion design, pattern cutting and garment construction, alongside a strong understanding of the business and cultural forces shaping the industry. Today, ESMOD’s teaching spans design, creative direction and fashion management, with a distinctive hybrid model that brings creative and strategic thinking together. Its graduates include some of fashion’s most recognisable designers — from Manfred Thierry Mugler to Alexandre Vauthier — as well as founders and executives shaping the industry behind the scenes.
Is it for you?
ESMOD is perfect for anyone seeking a strong hybrid approach between design and business, with teaching rooted in the school’s history as the oldest fashion school in the world.
Entry requirements
Academic: High school qualification (or equivalent) for undergraduate entry. Relevant undergraduate degree or professional experience for postgraduate programmes.
Portfolio: Required for fashion design and creative programmes. Expected to reflect creative identity, cultural awareness, and technical potential. Business programmes may focus on academic background and a written statement.
Additional tasks: Interview and creative or written assessment, depending on programme.
Fees
Annual tuition (BA): €12,790-€14,850 (fees vary by programme and year)
International fees: Included in tuition
Additional costs: Mandatory academic packages (€255–€1,080), application fee (€95)
Annual tuition (MA): €13,895-€17,375 (fees vary by programme and year)
International fees: Included in tuition
Additional costs: Mandatory academic packages (€255–€441)
Which courses is the university best known for?
BA Fashion Design (Styliste Designer Mode)
BA Fashion Marketing & Communication Strategy
MA Creative Direction for Fashion & Creative Industries
MA International Fashion & Luxury Brand Development
Notable alumni
Alexandre Vauthier, Dice Kayek, Franck Sorbier, JUUN.J, Manfred Thierry Mugler, Lisa Chavy (Livy), Sophie Hersan (Vestiaire Collective), Elise Girault (Cachí).
What sets the university apart?
“ESMOD is the world’s oldest fashion school and has built its educational model on a unique combination of heritage, innovation and excellence. Our Art, Culture and Heritage Department is a centre for academic and cultural research, with over 1,500 historical pieces and archives used as study resources. For more than 35 years, ESMOD has also developed a dedicated Fashion Business School, specialising in product development, merchandising, creative marketing and innovative management. The strong hybrid approach between design and business enables us to train profiles that are both creative and strategic.” — Véronique Beaumont, COO, ESMOD
How should you make your application stand out?
“We expect candidates to fully embrace their point of view, dare to offer a personal interpretation of the world, and demonstrate the ability to develop a distinctive creative signature rooted in a strong artistic culture. What truly makes the difference is the courage to think differently, the confidence to step beyond established frameworks, the ability to connect emotion, vision, and responsibility — and the desire to become a committed creative force shaping the future of fashion and the creative industries.” — Jacques Drujon, fashion business academic director, ESMOD
What alumni say
“My studies at ESMOD were a truly enriching experience. I spent two years at ESMOD Rennes before completing my third year in the New Luxury Couture programme in Paris. I had outstanding professors, including Gilles Rosier, who helped me push my creative vision further and innovate in the way I develop ideas. My studies enabled me to develop my own aesthetic, but above all, they taught me how to sustain a strong and demanding work pace.” — Elise Girault, founder of Cachí
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
New York City, USA
The college’s strengths in sportswear, knitwear, accessories and the business side of fashion are supported by technical training that reflects how products are actually made today — from digital pattern-cutting to production workflows and material innovation. Many faculty members work in the field, shaping a curriculum grounded in real-world skills, and alumni like Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Norma Kamali have each praised the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) for providing them with professional foundations that many other universities overlook.
Is it for you?
FIT is a standout choice for students who want an industry-facing education, plus its status as a public institution part of the State University of New York (SUNY) makes its fees far more accessible than others. If you want hands-on training and early exposure to internships, this is a smart place to start.
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