To become a fashion designer, it is recommended that you have at least a two-year college degree. What courses should you take? Which schools should you choose, and why ISAL Paris?

What high school diploma do you need to become a fashion designer?

The stylist is a true architect of clothing, playing with shapes, materials, and colors to define the artistic trends of tomorrow. He brings an original identity to each ready-to-wear or haute couture creation. 

This highly competitive profession seeks creative and passionate candidates with a wide range of skills. So, what studies should you pursue to become a fashion designer? Which school should you attend after high school? Let's find out more about the fashion design profession!

What does a stylist do?

The fashion designer creates the designs for each collection of a haute couture or ready-to-wear brand. Thanks to their extensive knowledge and skills in clothing design, they imagine the fashion pieces of tomorrow. These professionals in clothing, fashion, textiles, and sewing anticipate trends by analyzing social phenomena. They generally work under the supervision of a manager. style and works closely with a pattern maker who creates the prototypes. They may be employed by a company or design studio, or work as a freelancer.

Here are its main missions: 

  • Imagine and design collections of clothing, shoes, accessories, or other textile products.
  • Define the style, shapes, colors, materials, and prints for each model.
  • Translate your ideas into sketches and technical drawings.
  • Search for fashion trends. 
  • Select fabrics, accessories, and suppliers.
  • Make the necessary changes to the prototypes.
  • Oversee the production of collections.
  • Stay within budgets and meet deadlines.
  • Create presentation files for the collections. 
  • Participate in fashion shows and events.

The fashion designer profession is highly competitive. It is necessary to take the right training courses to acquire the techniques and tools needed to make a name for yourself.  

What courses are available after two years of higher education?

To become fashion designer, several training courses are available. 

After graduating from high school, it is advisable to pursue a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) such as: 

  • a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in fashion,
  • a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in clothing,
  • a BTS (advanced vocational training certificate) in textile innovation. 

Training at fashion schools is also highly recommended. Students can enroll in a course that“fashion designer and pattern maker” or even “fashion design, fashion accessories designer option”. 

In order to obtain numerous career opportunities, it is advisable to continue your studies.

What are the possible courses of study for those with a bachelor's degree?

To achieve your dream job, here is a wide range of degrees: 

  • one Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and Creation, offered at the fashion school ISAL PARIS,
  • a professional degree in fashion (pattern making and design, fashion product management and development, textile product creation and design, fashion marketing),
  • a national diploma in arts and crafts and design with a focus on textile fashion,
  • a fashion designer training course with an option in styling and pattern making.

What are the possible courses of study for those with a master's degree?

To specialize in a particular field or to progress to a position as collection director, a five-year degree is recommended. 

The Marketing and Strategy Masters offered at ISAL Paris has several objectives:

  • develop collaborative management, 
  • develop a genuine fashion culture,
  • consolidate its skills in the digital world,
  • discover careers in fashion
  • team manager, 
  • lead an organization's marketing and sales development strategy,
  • oversee the implementation of an organization's overall strategy, 
  • adapt to the generational and intercultural context. 

Thanks to the experience gained in companies, workshops, case studies, and projects, each student benefits from essential tools to build and develop their future network. They can access professions such as “product manager” or “collection manager.”.

Here are the other possible study options: 

  • a specialized Master's degree in Management and Innovation in Fashion,
  • a higher diploma in applied arts, specializing in fashion with a focus on textiles. 

Take a course at ISAL PARIS Graduate School

ISAL PARIS is the leading school for aspiring professional stylists. Located in the heart of the capital of fashion, luxury, and the arts, this school welcomes all students who have recently graduated from high school and wish to develop their artistic sense, understand how brands operate through digital tools, and discover careers related to the luxury sector.

Each student is supported in creating their dream career through several training courses ranging from Bachelor's degree à Master's degree. During their studies, apprentices will be encouraged to undertake an internship or work-study program in a company. This opportunity allows them to get a foot in the door of the working world and familiarize themselves with the profession of fashion designer. 

The Bachelor of Fashion Creation and Design is unique in training students for careers in fashion and luxury product design. Students who enroll in this program will strengthen their skills in fashion design, textiles, sewing, and pattern making. Upon completion of the program, they will have a strong understanding of the industry, which is ideal for advancing their careers in a high-level company. 

The designers Aspiring designers will be able to develop their own collections in the school's workshop or fabric library. The photo studio and showroom will be essential spaces for showcasing each garment they design. These spaces will fuel their desire to become designers or patternmakers and immerse themselves in the world of art.