Domus Academy is one of Milan's best training grounds for future fashion professionals. From design to business management to digital communication, the school's fashion curriculum has stayed as relevant as ever. Though primarily a design school, Domus Academy's fashion program has grown to encompass various areas in the industry. Beyond the usual fashion design courses, there are also courses in fashion management, digital communication, social media, fashion buying, and more. No matter what part of fashion you want to work in, Domus Academy will teach you everything you need to know to succeed.
Source: Domus Academy Facebook Page
History of Domus Academy
The Mazzocchi Family founded Domus Academy in
Milan in 1982. Around that time, the family owned and ran Editoriale Domus, a publication company that produced prominent design-related magazines,
Domus and
Quattroruote, among many others. The family opened the higher educational institution to broaden their exploration of design, which at that point only focused on architecture and industrial design. Upon opening the school, they hired fashion designer Gianfranco Ferré to help craft the fashion programs. The 80s were also Ferré's heyday, working on both his own namesake label and famously, as the creative director of Christian Dior.
What Does Domus Academy Look Like?
Domus Academy boasts an architectural marvel of a campus within Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, another of the most prominent design and
fashion schools in Milan. Located on Via Carlo Darwin, it's a symmetric modern building that's a stark contrast to the city's centuries-old structures. Thanks to how big it is, the school provides more than ample space for its design courses, including fashion design. The campus comprises big classrooms, spacious studios, expansive ateliers, and more. There are also designated spaces for exhibitions, student fashion shows, and more.
Source: Domus Academy Facebook Page
The Domus Academy Student Body
You can tell from its massive campus that Domus Academy has a huge student body. And you're right! The school welcomes over 4,000 students every year, including both new enrollees and returning students who have yet to graduate. Perhaps what's most impressive about Domus Academy's student body is how diverse it is. The school's enrollees come from 50 different countries around the world. Though Italian students make up the majority, the student body remains as multicultural as the fashion industry itself. It helps that the school is entirely accessible for international students, complete with a simple application process and ample assistance for foreign applicants.
Domus Academy's Best Programs and Courses
Much like other
European fashion schools, Domus Academy's fashion programs encompass the various fields in the industry. For the most part, fashion design courses are the most popular. Since Domus Academy is a design school, it makes sense that design-related courses reign supreme here. At the same time, however, the school also offers programs related to fashion marketing, visual merchandising, styling, and more. This allows students to go for specific fields beyond design, which only make up one part of the billion-dollar industry. But even if you go for any of these courses, design remains at the crux of the curriculum.
Source: Domus Academy Facebook Page
Domus Academy’s Prerequisites
Domus Academy doesn't ask much from interested applicants. For the most part, you only truly need a Bachelor of Arts degree or Academic Diploma in related fields and a Certificate of English language (with a minimum IELTS score of 5.0). Applying for a Master of Arts Degree, however, requires at least 15 years of education. All of these further prove how accessible the school is for all sorts of students, specifically those from outside of Italy. While other fashion schools require more (e.g. portfolios, work experience, video introductions, etc.), Domus Academy only requires those that you probably already have.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at Domus Academy?
Nevertheless, Domus Academy is far from an affordable institution. Much like the other great
fashion schools around the world, going here costs a lot. Its tuition fees alone range from a minimum of €15,900.00 to a maximum of €31,000.00 per year. These include a €3,000.00 pre-enrollment fee prior to starting your school year. Do take note that these don't include accommodation costs, student visa application fees, and
living costs in Milan. Not to mention additional costs for your materials, from design tools to fabrics and more. All of these add up to rather exorbitant costs
Where is Domus Academy in Milan?
You'll find Domus Academy on Via Carlo Darwin in the Navigli
neighborhood of Milan. Navigli is best known for the restaurant and cafe-lined canals in a central part of the city. The name “Navigli” itself refers to the canal system in the Italian fashion capital. Here, you'll find a fun place that maintains a healthy balance between its livelier, commercial areas and a residential district with ample real estate. Hence, it's a great place to find
a luxury apartment in Milan to rent while you continue your fashion studies.
Source: Domus Academy Facebook Page
Domus Academy will teach you practically everything about the fashion industry. From the craft to the business, its intricate lessons and extensive courses make it one of the best fashion schools in Milan.
