To get into a fashion school, it is sometimes useful to take a fashion preparatory course (prépa mode), so that you have the necessary grounding to work in this field. Here's a closer look at fashion preparatory courses and what you need to know to enter a fashion school.
A fashion prep school after a general stream
Fashion schools offer technical courses, and general baccalaureate holders (ES, S and L) need to be trained in the basics of fashion. This is in contrast to students in the STD2A (sciences and technologies of design and applied arts) stream, who have already acquired a solid grounding in fashion and product design.
This refresher course generally lasts one year, and enables students who have not completed specialized studies to discover the world of luxury, ready-to-wear and accessories.
General courses include art history and English. Specialized courses (artistic and professional) include fashion design and sketching, computer graphics, flat cutting, sewing, molding, visual communication...
Fashion preparatory courses offer creative workshops and, usually, an internship to help you take your first steps in the world of work - and more specifically in the fashion industry.
To enter a preparatory school, you need to submit a portfolio clearly explaining your career plans. Entry is selective, and students are chosen on the basis of their project and motivation. An interview follows the application if it has been selected. While a pre-prep program in fashion offers skills for training in pattern-making, it remains an excellent springboard for entering a fashion school.
Why join the ISAL Paris fashion preparatory program?
Before enrolling in a fashion school, it's always a good idea to take the time to choose your course of study. ISAL Paris offers a fashion preparatory program for French and foreign students.
This preparatory year is ideal for reinforcing your fashion skills and building up your self-confidence. By taking these preparatory courses, you'll be able to take the time to mature your project and validate your initial choice of course, or reorient yourself according to your new choice, without having to start all over again. That's real security. This way, you can find out about the different fashion schools and their specialties, according to your preferences and skills (creative, technical, etc.).
The preparatory year ISAL Paris is beneficial because it provides you with a comprehensive training in the fashion sector and gives you a clearer idea of what you want to do. Thanks to this training, you'll have a better understanding of how the fashion world works, and you'll be able to easily orient yourself towards a school suited to your career plans, whether in design, styling or even fashion business!
The Fashion Prep year ISAL Paris is by no means a wasted year: you'll have acquired a very good grounding, which will be taken into account for direct entry into the second year of a fashion school (depending on the school and your results, of course).
Fashion Prep ISAL Paris opens doors to all students, whether French or foreign, who wish to embark on a career in fashion. It's an enriching year that allows you to discover or rediscover your talents, and then enter the fashion school that suits you best!
Do you dream of working in fashion? Find out with our quiz which fashion profession is right for you. I also invite you to consult our Preparatory course in fashion design to find out more.
