The fashion industry is highly competitive, requiring creativity, passion, discipline, and technical skills to succeed. Attending a top fashion design school can help you develop these skills and gain insights from industry professionals.
In this guide, we highlight the best fashion design schools in the world based on international rankings, focusing on the four major fashion capitals: New York (US), London (UK), Milan (Italy), and Paris (France).
Best Fashion Design Schools in the US
The United States has produced legendary designers like Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. With New York City as a major fashion hub, the US offers world-class fashion education, hosting New York Fashion Week, one of the most influential fashion events.
Top fashion schools in the US include:
- Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York
- Parsons School of Design, New York
- Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Philadelphia
- Stephens College, Columbia
- Kent State University, Ohio
Best Fashion Design Schools in the UK
The UK has a rich fashion history, producing designers like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Vivienne Westwood. London, as a global fashion capital, hosts London Fashion Week and is home to the British Fashion Council, which supports emerging designers.
Top fashion schools in the UK include:
- London College of Fashion, London
- Central Saint Martins, London
- Royal College of Art, London
- Manchester School of Art, Manchester
- University of Westminster, London
Best Fashion Design Schools in Italy
Italy is synonymous with luxury fashion, home to Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana. Milan stands as a global fashion hub, hosting events like Milan Fashion Week and Pitti Immagine Uomo.
Top fashion schools in Italy include:
- Istituto Marangoni, Milan
- Polimoda, Florence
- Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Milan
- Koefia Academy, Rome
- Accademia Costume e Moda, Rome
Best Fashion Design Schools in France
Paris is considered the fashion capital of the world, famous for its Paris Fashion Week and legendary designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, and Hubert de Givenchy.
Top fashion schools in France include:
- ESMOD International, Paris
- Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), Paris
- L’IFM Ecole de Mode IFM Paris, Paris
- Studio Berçot, Paris
- Paris College of Art, Paris
Global Fashion Design Rankings
CEOWORLD Magazine Ranking (2025)
CEOWORLD Magazine ranks fashion schools based on academic experience, job placement, international reputation, and recruiter feedback.
Top-ranked fashion schools globally:
- Fashion Institute of Technology, US
- London College of Fashion, UK
- Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, US
- School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Finland
- Central Saint Martins, UK
- Parsons School of Design, US
- Istituto Marangoni, Italy
- Bunka Fashion College, Japan
- National Institute of Fashion Technology, India
- Savannah College of Art and Design, US
View the full CEOWORLD ranking
Business of Fashion (BoF) Ranking (2025)
The Business of Fashion (BoF) ranking evaluates universities based on global influence, learning experience, and long-term value. It includes feedback from students, employers, and fashion education experts.
Top-ranked fashion schools globally:
- Aalto University: School of Arts, Design & Architecture, Finland
- Accademia Costume & Moda, Italy
- Bunka Fashion Graduate University, Japan
- Central Saint Martins, UK
- Domus Academy, Italy
- Donghua University, China
- Drexel University, US
- ESMOD International, France
- Institut Français de la Mode, France
- Istituto Marangoni, Italy
Online Fashion Design Programs
If you prefer remote learning, consider pursuing a fashion degree online. Several universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fashion Design through online platforms, including:
- University of South Wales, UK
- University of Boras, Sweden
These programs allow students to gain professional skills and certifications while studying at their own pace.
Choosing the right fashion design school can set you on a successful career path in the fashion industry. Whether you study in New York, London, Milan, or Paris, these schools provide world-class education, mentorship, and opportunities to showcase your designs. For more details, explore official rankings and university websites to find the best program that suits your fashion aspirations.
Stay updated with the latest student resources and insights from My School Portal! Subscribe to our newsletter for fresh content delivered straight to your inbox—no spam, just value 😊
