Chicago Fashion School Just May Be Your Smartest Career Path

Thinking of attending a Chicago fashion school may be a smart move on your part. Chicago has been known for its multicultural population as well as its dramatic architecture and love for the arts. Chicago is also a fun place to live and study with its large population and tons of harbors, parks, beaches, clubs, and ethnic restaurants. And you’ll never be bored with twenty-nine miles of lakefront, in addition to lots of museums, neighborhood festivals, and cultural attractions.

Chicago is a very creative city with the multicultural aspects of the city that spur creativity among people who visit or study in Chicago. It seems natural to have fashion schools within a city that has a good time and supports the arts and vitality of diverse culture.

Let’s take a look at a few fashion design schools in Illinois.

1. The International Academy of Design and Technology is located in Chicago. 

The fashion academy offers the following degree programs:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, Major in Fashion Design and Marketing
• Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Design and Marketing

The curriculum of fashion and design assimilates the study of new trends and innovations in the thriving international industry of fashion with the mastery of traditional skills, thus providing a holistic background to both fashion amateurs and masters alike when it comes to designing.

• Bachelor of Arts, Major in Merchandising Management
• Associate of Applied Science in Merchandising Management

The program of Merchandising Management provides students and professionals as well as with the opportunity to contend within the job market by integrating theoretical concepts with practical implementations. However, students can rest assured that after graduation their skills on developing suitable visual displays, and utilizing appropriate business practices and scales are honed to help them achieve profitability in the long run. 

2. The Illinois Institute of Art offers degree programs that vary by location.
In the Fashion Design program, you’ll develop skills in design and patternmaking. You’ll learn both traditional and computer generated design as you develop your own sense of design and style. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as costume designer, assistant fashion buyer, fashion designer, or seamstress.

In the Fashion Marketing program, you’ll fine-tune your fashion buying and marketing skills. The program prepares you to choose your own direction as you learn from fashion professionals and study merchandise presentation, visual merchandising, retailing, and buying. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as assistant fashion buyer, fashion merchandiser, retail store manager, or runway coordinator.

In the Fashion Merchandising program, you’ll study the business that moves the world’s fashions from designers’ showrooms to retail sales floors, and finally into the hands of consumers. This fast-paced industry revolves around individuals who exhibit strong business skills and an eye for style. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as fashion coordinator and stylists in retail department stores, boutiques, wholesalers, importers, designers, and manufacturers.

The process of taking a garment from pattern to production involves both creativity and business know-how. In the Fashion Production program, you’ll gain knowledge in patternmaking, sketching, fabric selection, and industry-related computer software. You’ll also learn the business behind fashion production, including how to work with manufacturers and distributors. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as costume designer, fashion buyer, or fashion designer.

3. School of Art Institute of Chicago

Located in the heart of Chicago, the School of Art Institute of Chicago is part of a thriving art community with access to world-class resources. As a leader in art education for nearly 140 years, SAIC provides the inspiration for those who grasp the complexity of our culture and strive to make a contribution of their own.

These three schools in Chicago are only the start of your research when looking for a Chicago fashion school. Use the Internet research and find more, along with researching you local library. Good luck in your quest.