Introduction
Parsons School of Design in New York City – recently named the Best School for Art and Design in the US and ranked 2nd in the world – has offered innovative approaches to design education since its founding in 1896. Today, Parsons is the only major American art and design school within a comprehensive university: The New School. At Parsons, you can master establish established creative practices and spark new ones while studying across all university disciplines.
About
As you consider a career shift into fashion design, you’re probably aware that Parsons has launched the careers of many of the world’s most successful fashion designers. But the accomplishments of Parsons’ AAS Fashion Design graduates go beyond the boldface names. Program alumni are equally impressive for their contributions to the industry at all scales—from leading innovation in sustainable fashion technology to developing local businesses to building brands globally.
Explore the AAS Fashion Design community to see what students, faculty, and alumni are doing in NYC and around the world at parsons.edu/aasfashiondesign. This program is part of Parsons' School of Fashion.
Working with Leaders, Launching Your Line
AAS Fashion Design graduates apply the industry-focused perspectives they acquire in the program to positions with a variety of fashion companies. Graduates have joined the best-respected companies in the business: Chanel, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Eileen Fisher, Ralph Lauren, and GAP, to name a few. Other alumni—such as Jay Godfrey and Aimee Kestenberg—start their own lines right out of the gate. The program’s reputation for quality, industry relevance, originality, and comprehensiveness opens doors throughout the fashion industry.
Developing Your Vision
The program provides opportunities to have your final designs photographed, giving you documented work for your portfolio. Your work is promoted on a variety of platforms, and jury-selected work is presented during the end-of-year exhibition. Your design practice is developed under the guidance of Parsons’ faculty of industry professionals and reflects an awareness of factors connected to fashion, including global production, commerce, and sustainability.
Fashion Design from Concept to Production
In the program, you study the process, techniques, and language of fashion design from concept to production, along with the essentials of marketing and of designing with ethical and sustainable methods. You design womenswear, menswear, and accessories, learning everything from the basics of drawing, draping, patternmaking, and sewing to tailoring and haute couture. Class critiques and lectures organized by the School of Fashion at Parsons bring design professionals such as Narciso Rodriguez and Jenna Lyons and journalist Cathy Horyn to campus to offer their perspectives. Projects with external partners like Coach, Louis Vuitton, Under Armour, Swarovski, Allen Edmonds, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America provide opportunities to work with major industry and media firms while developing your own creative practice.
Curriculum
Core classes focus on research, fashion history, design thinking, and construction techniques relevant to work in the industry. Other courses offer you visual communications tools and familiarize you with industry software for ideating fashion collections, creating presentations, and documenting work for portfolios. Electives give you opportunities to specialize in accessories, tailoring, textiles, or knitwear. Depending on the number of transfer credits you bring to your AAS program, you can complete your studies in two to four semesters. Most students finish the program in about three semesters.
Alumni Work in the Following Positions and Firms
Senior Menswear Design Consultant, Tommy Hilfiger Senior Sweater Designer, Theory/Theyskens’ Theory Accessories Designer, Proenza Schouler Senior Swimwear Designer, Victoria’s Secret Founder and Principal Designer, J.F. & Son/Project 1281 Designer, Michael Kors Senior Designer, Women’s Sportswear, True Religion Brand Jeans Manager, Color and Concept Department, A|X Armani Exchange Associate Designer, Yigal Azroël, Inc. Associate Designer and Line Coordinator, Nicole Miller
Applicant Profile
The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program is most suitable for mature students with some college experience who are clear about their interests in the field of design and prepared for rapid immersion in a professional course of study. The typical student has a bachelor's or an advanced degree and work experience in a field other than design. Admission to the program is based on the prospective student’s maturity, desire to pursue further education, previous accomplishments, and potential for growth. Applicants must have graduated from high school at least two years before to be eligible to apply.
Degree Options
A professionally oriented course of study that provides essential foundation training and technical skills, enabling students to build a competitive portfolio and launch a new career in their chosen industry. Best suited to students who have previous college experience in an unrelated field and want to change careers.
