Is fashion art? The fashion industry has grown and expanded so much over the years that many have forgotten its core—the craft of making clothes. Fortunately, places like Paris, widely regarded as the “fashion capital of the world,” still understand this. More specifically, institutions like the
Paris College of Art. From the outside, the Paris College of Art looks like a typical art school that includes fashion among its many programs. In truth, however, it takes a complex and intricate approach to teaching students about fashion. From the craft to its commercialism, this well-developed education is why the Paris College of Art is considered one of the best fashion schools in Paris.
Source: Paris College of Art Facebook Page
History of The Paris College of Art
Established in 1981, the Paris College of Art is among the most prestigious art schools in
Paris. It was founded by the Parsons School of Design, offering a myriad of art and design programs in partnership with the American University in Paris. Through this association, the school also became one of the first
international schools in Paris devoted to art, design, and fashion. Up until 1995, the school operated under the name 'École Parsons à Paris,' but over time, the Paris College of Art became the respected higher educational institution it is today.
What Does The Paris College of Art Look Like?
The Paris College of Art has a fairly big campus on Rue Fénelon in the
10th arrondissement of Paris. Housed in a classic Haussmann building, it looks like your standard art college in the city. But apart from just a typical collection of classrooms, the school also boasts spacious studios and big ateliers, perfect for training a new slew of fashion designers to take on the industry. Don't let its old-world facade fool you either! The campus also has tons of modern facilities that further aid its students in learning more about the industry at large.
Source: Paris College of Art Facebook Page
The Paris College of Art Student Body
Despite being a non-profit, international art
college in Paris, the Paris College of Art has a surprisingly limited number of students. The school only accepts about 300 enrollees per year, including those returning to finish their multi-year programs. Nevertheless, the college truly upholds its international standing with its diverse student body. It's one of the very few Parisian schools that have more foreign than local students, with Europeans (including those beyond French) only accounting for 15% of the student body. The rest include Americans (49%), Asians (22%), Latin Americans (5%), and Middle Easterns (5%).
The Paris College of Art's Best Programs and Courses
Typically, art colleges that offer a fashion program only scratch the surface when it comes to its courses. This is fortunately not the case with the Paris College of Art. The school’s fashion programs span the various sectors of the industry. There's your standard Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, for example, which is the best start for anyone looking to work as a designer in the industry. There's also the Master of Art in Fashion Film & Photography, a relatively unique program that explores fashion media, an area that other
fashion schools in Paris rarely touch on.
Source: Paris College of Art Facebook Page
The Paris College of Art Prerequisites
Even as an art school, the Paris College of Art still operates as a traditional higher educational institution in Paris. Thus, its prerequisites are similar to those in other colleges and universities in the city. For those planning to enroll in the school’s undergraduate programs, you need a high school diploma to get in. For master's degree programs, on the other hand, you will need a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and acquired basic technical skills in your chosen field. You'd do well to show the latter through a well-curated portfolio.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at The Paris College of Art?
The tuition fees of the Paris College of Art change per school year. It also depends on the program you're taking and where you're coming from too. For example, all undergraduate programs cost around €29,800.00 per year, regardless of whether you're a local or foreign student. For postgraduate programs, on the other hand, the fees differ depending on your nationality. International students still have to pay the standard €29,800.00 per year, while EU/EEA/CH/UK enrollees only have to pay €14,900.00 per year. Fortunately, there's also the option to get financial aid, which can help lessen your tuition fee by around 45% to 88%.
Where is The Paris College of Art in Paris?
As already mentioned, the Paris College of Art is located on Rue Fénelon in the 10th arrondissement. It's one of the quieter
neighborhoods in Paris, a fair distance away from the city's liveliest districts. There isn't even a famous landmark nearby either. Far away from the tourist-filled spots, anyone can enjoy a fairly peaceful life in this part of the city. This is also what makes it one of the best areas to
rent a luxury apartment in Paris. Here, you can enjoy a quiet stay as you study fashion at the Paris College of Art.
Source: Paris College of Art Facebook Page
The Paris College of Art recognizes that fashion is an art as it is a business. This is what makes it one of the best fashion schools in Paris, perfect for those who want to focus on the artistry of making clothes as much as making money out of it.
