Interview: Varvara Zotova
About ten years ago, anyone who dreamed of a career in fashion, I had to think about traveling to another country and scrupulously calculate the budget: Italy, France, Great Britain, the USA - it seemed that a good specialized education was possible only abroad. All this, of course, is not unreasonable, but now the situation has changed for the better.
Firstly, a lot of educational projects, special courses, open lectures appeared - fashion education became more accessible. And secondly, speakers from the countries of near and far abroad often came to Russia, and schools began to be opened on the basis of foreign universities. We decided to focus on four educational programs that are directly related to fashion design. What is their main difference from competitors - we were told by the curators of the programs, but the students shared their impressions and plans for the future.
Vyacheslav Zaitsev Fashion Laboratory
CONDITIONS:
full-time tuition this year -
300 thousand rubles. Evening - 100 thousand rubles.
"Laboratory of fashion" is something like a one-year postgraduate study for young artists with a bias in the practical part. The concept of the course was developed by Vyacheslav Zaitsev himself, who is directly involved in the learning process: once every three weeks he conducts face-to-face conversations with students, notes their results and makes appropriate recommendations. Vyacheslav Zaitsev approached the opening of the "Laboratory" responsibly: he traveled around the world's fashion design schools and, based on the information collected, opened his own in 1997.
The applicant can choose the form of study that suits him: full-time or part-time. At the full-time department, classes are held 5 days a week for 8 academic hours for one year, at the correspondence department - 4 days a week for 4 academic hours for 3 months. The program of both courses includes designing - a practical study of various methods of designing men's and women's clothing, a dummy method of clothing modeling, a special composition and more. During the learning process, all students can attend collection shows, use fashion literature, and also invite models from the Vyacheslav Zaitsev agency to take part in the graduation show.
Elena Viktorovna Rzhevskaya, leading teacher of the Vyacheslav Zaitsev Fashion Laboratory: “Laboratory is the only design school in the world with a personalized fashion house. We have a fairly rich training program and at the same time there are no extra subjects. We provide an opportunity for preferential participation in the largest fashion week in Europe - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia”.
Alexei Mikhailov, student of the Vyacheslav Zaitsev Fashion Laboratory, brand MIKHAILOV ALEKSEI: “In parallel with my college studies in Smolensk, I studied in Moscow at the fashion house at the Z’S Models agency. It was there that I learned about the Fashion Lab and got to the graduation show of its students. I was amazed by the collections of graduates, and then I knew exactly where I wanted to study. I was very worried at the interview, but it happened. I like that the whole process is aimed at individual work with each student, at revealing his talent. While still a student, I showed the collection as part of the MBFWR fashion weeks.”
British Higher
design school
CONDITIONS: program of Russian additional education "Design of clothes", 2 years - 330 thousand rubles a year.
The British Bachelor's program with a British diploma - the first compulsory stage, 1 year (Foundation Art and Design) - 380 thousand rubles a year, then the BA (Hons) Fashion course itself, 3 years - 475 thousand rubles a year.
The British Higher School of Design in Moscow was founded in 2003 on the basis of the educational program of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries of the University of Hertfordshire (UK). For those who want to experience European study without having to travel abroad, Britanka is one of the options. In addition, studying at BHSAD will help improve English - it is one of the main subjects, and in some courses, such as BA (Hons) Fashion, they teach exclusively in a foreign language. The British Higher School of Design has two long-term programs for future professional fashion designers.
The first is BA (Hons) Fashion, a British higher education, where classes are taught by British curators and teachers from Central Saint Martins. The training takes place over four years, as a result, students receive an international Bachelor of Arts diploma and can go abroad to continue their studies or work. The second program of additional professional education, “Fashion Design”, is focused more on the Russian market and trains specialists in two years, many of whom launch their own clothing brands by the end of their studies. In general, both programs train specialists with a wide range of skills: from design and 3D modeling to the principles of building marketing campaigns. For example, "Britanka" graduated from designers - the heroes of our column "New Brand".
Liza Romanova, BHSAD Communications Director: “The key difference of Britanka is its close connection with the industry. Most of our teachers are practicing designers and artists. The school constantly holds master classes and specialized conferences, we try to keep up with the times and train specialists who will be in demand on the market both now and ten years from now. Among our graduates are Kirill Richter, Dasha Selyanova (ZDDZ), Maria Dzhankoy (Jahnkoy) and many others. And the collections of our graduates can be seen every year at the autumn Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia”.
Nina Samokhina, a future graduate of the BHSAD 2017 Fashion Design course: “Before entering Britanka, I had been interested in its graduates for a long time, followed their progress, read about how great the creative process was. I really wanted to come here for the sake of the atmosphere. I like that all the subjects and all the information that they give us is up-to-date and connected with the realities of the profession. In the future, I plan to develop my Secret Garden brand and freelance in the field of fashion design.”
HSE School of Design, Fashion category
CONDITIONS: bachelor's degree - 300 rubles per year of study; magistracy: fashion - 300 thousand rubles, communication design and design - 330 thousand rubles.
The School of Design is part of the National Research University Higher School of Economics. Education here is carried out according to the European program: bachelor's, master's, preparatory and open courses are also held here. The “Fashion” direction is suitable not only for those who want to become a designer, but also for all future art directors of a brand or store, stylists, merchandisers and buyers: graduates receive knowledge from various areas of the fashion industry and in the future will be able to find themselves in many related areas . Unlike many other commercial schools, teaching here is conducted only in small groups.
Ekaterina Pavelko, curator of the bachelor's degree program Fashion, stylist: “We teach not so much sewing as design and creative thinking, we immerse students in a modern context. At one time, the Higher School of Economics was created as an outpost of advanced education, and the School of Design, which appeared only four years ago, sets itself the task of providing the best and most progressive education in various areas of design (communication design, animation and illustration, environmental design, game - design, design and programming, design and contemporary art, design and photography, theater and film artist, fashion) at the world level. Our Fashion program is guided by the innovative experience of international fashion schools and uses up-to-date educational technologies. And the project-based learning system allows students from the first year to think in terms of practical problems and solve them based on current industry trends.”
Dasha Belousova, fourth-year fashion student at the School of Design of the Higher School of Economics: “As an introductory task, I had to prepare a creative project on a more or less free topic and pass an interview in art history. Despite the fact that I passed both stages of the exam rather on a whim, in the end I entered, being in the very first, experimental set of the school. In the first year, everyone had a common direction: we learned to think like a designer, mastered basic design skills and worked in the main design programs. To be honest, it was not easy for me.
Then the second year began, and I chose the direction "Fashion". Here we have already worked on our projects, prepared moodboards, embroidered, photographed - in general, we did everything that I love the most. For four years of study, in addition to classes at the university, we did internships in Moscow brands, participated in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia - so now I perfectly understand what to expect from the "adult" fashion world. In the future, I plan to continue my studies at the Master's program at the School of Design - and at the same time work for the Inshade brand with our curator Masha Smirnova. In the future, I would like to create and develop my own brand - I hope it will work out.
Russian State University
them. A. N. Kosygina
CONDITIONS: The price for this year has not yet been set. Last year, full-time education cost 141 thousand rubles, correspondence - 40 thousand rubles. This year there are 115 budget places for full-time form, 10 for part-time.
The history of the Moscow State University of Design and Technology begins in the late 1920s. By a resolution of the Supreme Council of the National Economy of the USSR, it was decided to create a higher education institution with a light industry profile. In 2012, the State Textile University named after M.V. Kosygin. Just then, a new joint history of the two largest specialized universities in the country began.
Instead of faculties, there is a division into institutes. Thus, the Technological Institute of Light Industry offers training in three undergraduate programs: “Technology of light industry products”, “Design of light industry products” and “Commodity science”. Training takes place for four years, then optionally - a two-year master's program. Among other things, the Institute of Technology is famous for the fact that it gives students a chance of close contact with potential employers. In addition to the system of foreign internships, there is an industrial practice, where students work out practical skills and create industrial collections of products.
Anna Fokina, director of the Technological Institute of Light Industry: “Our university has preserved the system of fundamental, classical Russian education, constantly improving the educational process and introducing new learning technologies. We cooperate with the leading enterprises of the fashion industry and without fail send our students to industrial practice, where they learn the skill.
To promote talented youth, the university organizes competitions that take place at the best venues in the fashion industry and specialized exhibitions. So, literally on March 24, in Gostiny Dvor, within the framework of Fashion Week in Moscow, the final of the All-Russian competition “Tochka RU”, the founder of which is our university, was held. For students, this is a unique opportunity to speak before the jury on the main podium of the country.”
Yulia Shakhmatova, student of LKSh-214: “Since childhood, I have dreamed of sewing clothes. She sewed dresses for all her dolls, presenting them on the podium. Parents advised me to enter a university with a long history, and the priority was the Moscow State University of Design and Technology. Today it is the A. N. Kosygin Russian State University. I am very glad that I made the right choice: it is interesting to study here, there are many necessary subjects. The university helps to find contacts with potential employers, to get a good job while still at the university. In the future, I plan to continue my studies in the magistracy here.”
St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design
Conditions: for a year of study in the direction of "Design" (full-time form, 4 years) - 94 thousand rubles, "Graphics" (full-time form, 4 years) - 70 thousand rubles, "Design" (part-time form, 5 years) - 66 thousand rubles.
10th place Drexel University Drexel University, USA
The fashion course at the university has earned the title of the best, according to students, and entered the top 10 programs in the United States. Every year, students undergo internships at the London College of Fashion University of the Arts (London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London). Students rave about the program: "I could not have dreamed of such an experience! Thanks to my studies at Drexel University, I became more motivated, hardworking and creative."
Works by students of Drexel University
9th Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology building
The university's School of Fashion and Design ranks highly across almost every level, with the Master's program in the same ranking, for example, ranking sixth.
Common area at the RMIT site in Melbourne
However, like many universities, RMIT students complain that little attention is paid to employment issues. "We wish there were more design-themed events and more advice on how to build a career in the fashion industry."
Graduation Show in the Masters at RMIT
8th place London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UK
One of the stages of work on the LCF student's collection
Also known as the LCF, the College of London is one of the most influential institutions in the rankings. The university has the highest rates of admission of applicants - 98% of applications are approved, of which 44% come from foreign students. But there is another side to the coin: as students report, after graduation they do not receive enough support from the university, help in finding a job or contact with other graduates.
Working with color and texture - the basics of creative courses at LCF
7th place University of Westminster University of Westminster, UK
Westimster University students consult with fellow stylists before a show
The university ranks second in terms of overall satisfaction, 90% of students are satisfied with the teaching staff, and 86% - with the composition of students. The university approves only 9% of all incoming applications, is in the top three in terms of price and quality. With all this, the university can hardly boast of international regalia and recognition - it has very few of them.
Memorable 2012 Undergraduate Alumni Show at the University of Westminster
6th place Polimoda Polimoda, Italy
Graduation show at Polimoda
Polimoda is one of the most famous schools in Italy and the world for fashion design and marketing. 87% of the students surveyed are absolutely satisfied with the conditions of study on campus, but, like in many other institutions, the lack of support in finding a job after graduation is one of the minuses. Students' complaints do not go unnoticed - Polimod actively develops projects that are aimed at helping startups of young graduates.
Collaboration of Polymoda students and H&M brand in 2014
5th place Fashion Institute of Technology Fashion Institute of Technology, USA
2014 futuristic display hosted by FIT alumnus Calvin Klein
The design program has been taught at the university for nearly seven decades. The campus is located in Chelsea, a suburb of Manhattan, and students also annually travel to Italy for exchange programs. The university ranks third in two significant indicators: reputation and influence, second only to Central Saint Martins College in England and the American Parsons.
4th place Parsons, the New School for Design, USA
Parsons has been one of the best art and design schools ever since its inception.
After opening the Paris campus in 1921, Parsons became America's largest art and design university with a presence abroad. Of all applicants admitted to the university, 44% are foreign (3rd place). Despite the high rankings, students admit that they are not very satisfied with the value for money and the overall impression of their studies.
Parsons students from Ukraine, Korea, USA, Germany, Georgia and Australia with their iconic works
3rd place Kingston University London, UK
Megan Burmeister Graduation Show at Kingston University
According to the rating, students are almost completely satisfied with the conditions of study - the library (96%), technology (91%) and the student body (94%), and courses in technology were positively assessed by 90% of students. To a lesser extent, Kingston University students were satisfied with courses in marketing, business and sustainable development.
The Nightingale Learning Center Library has an outstanding collection of books on business and fashion
2nd place Bunka College of Fashion
Works by Morio Deguchi presented in the competition from the famous Japanese magazine the Soen
Bunka College became the first educational institution in Japan to specialize specifically in fashion. Those who already have a first higher education come here. The performance of the university is impressive: 100% of the surveyed graduates are completely satisfied with how they were prepared to start their careers. College graduates include Kenzo Takada, Junya Watanabe, Takeo Kikuchi and other fashion industry stars.
Women's collection 2015
1st place Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London, UK
The interior of the legendary college is simple and ascetic.
CSM is not unreasonably considered the most influential school in the ranking and, perhaps, in the world: the university's reputation is impeccable, and in terms of the number of awards and prizes, CSM graduates easily outperform any others.
Master's course at CSM. Shoe design for those who are not afraid of risk and know how to shock
It is very difficult to enter here (6% of approved applications, which is comparable to Harvard), but 99% of students graduate from the university successfully.
One of the graduation shows at CSM
Business of Fashion is an online publication covering all aspects of fashion, from the latest trends on the catwalks to investments and interviews with entrepreneurs.
Photos by rmit.edu.au arcstreet.com drexel.edu drexelmagazine.org rmit.edu.au skyscrapercity.com university.which.co.uk pinterest.com youtube.com thedifferentblog.com findmeaconference.com jonbradley.co.uk polimoda. com flaviacarbonetti.com huffingtonpost.com newschool.slideshowpro.com/ fastcodesign.com myprettyrosetree.blogspot.com id.vice.com fashionbabylon.com ealuxe.com darkroom.baltimoresun.com tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com
The capital of fashion and design. Italy is home to leading design studios, the headquarters of fashion houses Prada, Gucci, Moschino, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as the key events of Milan Fashion Week, Fuorisalone, Pitti Uomo and others.
Close relationship between universities and industry. Outstanding representatives of the profession teach at universities, and educational projects are carried out for real customers. Lectures and workshops are held in museums, design studios and fashion shows. Students train in leading companies in the world.
Italy's dominance of the fashion industry began with a fashion show at the residence of Giovanni Battista Giorgini in Florence in 1951.
Career. Italian education in design and fashion is highly valued all over the world, and the leading universities have an excellent reputation among employers.
Availability. Education and life in Italy is cheaper than in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Switzerland and many other European countries. Many universities provide scholarships and discounts on tuition.
Culture. Italians are very open and friendly. Foreign students feel comfortable and adapt quickly. Italy has delicious food and a wonderful climate.
Studying design abroad is an opportunity to study at world art schools with eminent masters, practice in the most famous fashion companies and get one of the most sought-after professions in the modern labor market. A specialist in landscape design and interior design, a fashion designer, a master of graphic, industrial and product design - the list of professions that can be obtained at foreign schools is very wide and fully reflects the needs of employers.
If you dream of connecting your life with design, this material will be useful for you. We have selected 5 of the most prestigious universities abroad, studying in which will allow you to open the doors to the world of fine art.
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
- Country: UK
- Directions: architecture, product design, ceramic and industrial design, graphic design, culture and entrepreneurship, theater and performance, fashion history, fashion communication, space organization, jewelry and textiles.
- Notable Alumni: John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Giambattista Valli, Christopher Kane
- Rating: 1st place (“25 best fashion schools in the world” according to Fashionista magazine); 5th place (“QS ranking of the best universities in the world”, direction - art and design)
- Tuition: £17,230
Saint Martin Central College of Art and Design was founded in 1989. Despite its young age, the university managed to produce, perhaps, a record number of "stars" of the fashion industry.
In recent years, CSM has regularly topped the world rankings of institutes specializing in fashion and design. Among the teachers of the college are specialists who have worked on the creation of such iconic products as the famous London double decker "Rootmaster" and the iPhone from Apple.
Studying at Saint Martin's College is practice, practice and more practice. Only work on their own projects will allow the future designer to reveal his creative potential and achieve success in the profession, according to CSM.
Parsons School of Design
- Country: USA
- Programs: Bachelor's, Master's
- Directions: architecture, fashion design, interior design, urban design, product design, photography, design and technology, design and urban ecology, fashion marketing, design strategies and management
- Notable Alumni: Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang
- Rating: 3rd place (“25 best fashion schools in the world” according to Fashionista magazine); 4th place (“QS ranking of the best universities in the world”, direction - art and design)
- Tuition fees: Bachelor's - $45,080, Master's - $46,240
Mecca of American designers - Parsons School - is located in the heart of the fashion capital of America - in Manhattan.
Education at Parsons is built on the principle of integrated learning. Students from different disciplines meet regularly at seminars and workshops to work together on creative projects. This approach allows you to bring the study at the university as close as possible to the future professional activities of students.
The school maintains partnerships with the largest representatives of the fashion industry. Parsons students have the opportunity to do a summer internship with the LVMH group of companies (Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton) or volunteer for New York Fashion Week.
Bunka Fashion College
- Country: Japan
- Programs: 4-year program of study, equivalent to a European Baccalaureate
- Directions: fashion design, fashion technology, fashion marketing and distribution, accessories and textiles
- Notable Alumni: Kenzo Takada, Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanabe, Hiroko Koshino
- Rating: 8th place (“25 best fashion schools in the world” according to Fashionista magazine); 2nd place (“World ranking of fashion schools” according to Business of Fashion magazine)
- Tuition fees: from ¥1,264,500 to ¥1,374,500, depending on the program
The Bunka College of Fashion is the only Asian institution that regularly ranks among the top 10 design schools in the world. The college was founded in 1923 as a sewing school for girls. It became the first educational institution in the country where the technology of tailoring European clothes was taught.
At first, neither male students nor foreigners were accepted in Bunka. But in the 60s everything changed. Fresh Blood gave a powerful impetus to the development of the educational institution. A couple of decades later, Bunka graduates - Kenzo Takada, Yoji Yamamoto - were talked about all over the world. Today, the name Bunka is synonymous with the unique Japanese style of clothing.
Marangoni Institute (Istituto Marangoni)
- Country: Italy
- Programs: Bachelor's, Master's
- Directions: fashion design, interior design, accessory design, shoe design, styling, buying, promotion in the fashion industry, brand management, history of art and culture, multimedia arts
- Notable Alumni: Franco Moschino, Domenico Dolce, Francesco Russo, Alessandro Sartori
- Rating: 4th place (“25 best fashion schools in the world” according to Fashionista magazine); 18th place (“World ranking of fashion schools” according to Business of Fashion magazine)
- Tuition: Bachelor's - €20,800, Master's - €30,900
Founded in 1935, it was Europe's first private educational institution specializing in fashion design. At that time, the monopoly on the creation of fashion trends was in the hands of Parisian couturiers. However, already in the 1940s, thanks to the efforts of the first graduates of the university, France had a strong competitor. The words "Made in Italy" quickly became synonymous with beauty and quality in clothing.
Giulio Marangoni, the founder of the institute, believed that fashion is not only an expression of the artist's creative intent. Clothing is a utilitarian item, it is designed to serve people. Today, the Marangoni Institute pays much attention to the technical training of students. Each of the university graduates knows all the nuances of the production process and can create a suit from scratch.
Kingston University
- Country: UK
- Programs: Bachelor's, Master's
- Directions: fashion design, interior design, photography, product design and accessories, art history, architecture, architecture and urbanism, cinematography
- Notable Alumni: Felipe Baptista, Helen Storey, John Richmond, Sophie Hulme
- Rating: 5th place (“25 best fashion schools in the world” according to Fashionista magazine); 3rd place (“World ranking of fashion schools” according to Business of Fashion magazine)
- Tuition fees: Bachelor's - £14,100, Master's - £14,100
One of the most prestigious universities in Britain, Kingston University is famous for its large-scale research activities. The Institute cooperates with the largest art centers in Europe and Asia: the National Gallery of China, the Kyoto Art Center, the RAF Museum, the British Film Institute, the Henry Moore Institute, the LABoral Art Center, the Tate Art Gallery, the Sandler's Wells Theatre, the South London Gallery.
Of course, university students are engaged not only in scientific work. University affiliate programs allow students to practice the laws of the fashion business in companies such as Inditex and Banana Republic.
Graduates of the institute get places in the largest European and American clothing companies: Burberry, Armani, Calvin Klein, Max Mara, Lacoste, H&M and Topshop.
How to enter design universities abroad?
The first stage of certification according to the British school curriculum, the equivalent of 8-9 grades of a Russian high school.
The main goal of the program is to prepare students for continuing their studies in the A-Level Senior British School program. At the end of the program, students take exams in 6-10 subjects and receive a certificate of incomplete secondary education of international standard.
When entering a foreign university, the GCSE international certificate relieves Russian students of the need to take exams to obtain an IELTS or TOEFL language certificate.
The program provides all the key knowledge in core subjects that will be necessary for the successful development of the A-Level program. For each GCSE subject, students take one to three exams.
Read moreA Level
A full-fledged program of the senior British school Advanced Level, the equivalent of 10-11 grades of a Russian school.
The main goal of the program is to prepare students for direct admission to an English-language undergraduate degree at a foreign university, including the best universities in the world.
At the end of the program, students take exams in 3 selected subjects. The choice of subject depends on the requirements of a particular university and the student's future specialization. Exams are taken face-to-face.
In RBS "Algorithm" A-level exams can be taken 3 times a year: in October, January and May-June. The number of exams that must be passed depends on the subject studied and varies from four to six. Exams can be taken not only by students of the school, but also by external candidates.