BFA in Fashion Design
Design by Kelly Hsieh, BFA Fashion Design, class of ’24 and photography by Brookelynn Glandt, MA Fashion Film & Photography, class of ’24.
Complete your BFA in Fashion Design!
Applications for Fall 2026 are open!
At PCA, Fashion Design courses are both intimate and immersive, enabling students to collaborate closely with instructors. Our classrooms mirror the workflow of a professional design studio, guiding students through every stage—from conceptual sketches to color and fabric selection, draping, pattern-making, and the construction of final garments.
As a fashion design student at PCA, you’ll gain expertise in tools, materials, construction techniques, and textile design, allowing you to express your unique creative vision. Intensive concept development, design courses, workshops with industry professionals. You’ll also gain valuable insights into the business side of fashion through practical studies Exposure to trade fairs, designer shows, and museum exhibitions sharpens your knowledge of the European market.
In your final semester, you’ll engage with industry professionals and work on real-world fashion projects, preparing you for the challenges of the industry. The program culminates with the creation and presentation of a personal collection and design portfolio, turning your ideas into reality.
Fashion is creative, seductive, always changing and a form of art, to some it is a religion. We need to find answers to the challenges we face through innovative solutions. Only through exploration, in-depth research and investigation can we find creative answers. Observing, analyzing, interpreting and starting to tell a story are core elements to explore creativity.
– Lucas Maethger, Chair of Fashion Design
Key Features of the BFA in Fashion Design
- Location in Paris – Global Fashion Hub:
Paris is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world. Studying fashion design in Paris provides direct exposure to global fashion events, top designers, and fashion houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. The city offers unmatched opportunities to experience high-end fashion culture firsthand. - International Network and Community:
PCA boasts an international student body and faculty, creating a rich, multicultural learning environment. Students benefit from a network of creative professionals from across the globe, fostering collaboration and inspiration. As Paris is a magnet for fashion professionals, you’ll have opportunities to connect with top industry figures, building a global network early on. - Industry-focused Curriculum:
PCA’s BFA in Fashion Design program is highly practical and industry-focused. The curriculum includes courses on technical skills like pattern-making, draping, and garment construction, combined with design innovation, trend forecasting, and sustainability in fashion. The program emphasizes both craftsmanship and conceptual development, helping students develop a distinctive personal style while staying relevant to the current market. - Internship Opportunities:
Being in Paris opens doors for internships at world-renowned fashion houses, studios, and events such as Paris Fashion Week. These experiences are crucial in gaining real-world experience, building a portfolio, and securing a foothold in the competitive fashion industry. - Experienced Faculty and Guest Lecturers:
The faculty consists of experienced professionals who have worked in leading fashion houses and studios. Additionally, guest lecturers from the industry frequently hold workshops, providing students with insider knowledge and practical tips from the fashion world. - Sustainability and Ethical Fashion Focus
PCA is increasingly focused on the future of fashion, including sustainable practices and ethical production. If you’re passionate about eco-conscious fashion, the program offers the chance to explore and incorporate sustainable design principles into your work. - State-of-the-Art Facilities
PCA provides access to well-equipped studios, fashion workshops, and other resources necessary to develop your technical skills. The school emphasizes hands-on learning, giving students the opportunity to work on real-world projects. - Showcase and Portfolio Development
Students have the opportunity to showcase their work in fashion shows, and in front of an external jury. PCA’s focus on portfolio development ensures that students graduate with a strong body of work to present to future employers or clients. - Cross-Disciplinary Opportunities:
At PCA, students have the chance to collaborate with peers from other design disciplines such as photography, fine arts, and communication design, enhancing their creative and problem-solving skills in a broader context.
Outcomes and Testimonials
By joining PCA’s BFA in Fashion Design program, you’ll gain the skills, exposure, and connections needed to thrive in the competitive world of fashion design, all while being immersed in one of the most dynamic fashion capitals on the planet.
I was very aware of the importance of having an international background to develop a career in fashion, which made me look at schools providing an English-medium education and international degrees. In addition, I wanted to study fashion in Paris as it is one of the most renowned cities in the world for fashion and couture craftsmanship. It was important for me to have access to the French “Savoir-Faire.”
– Nirina Metz, BFA Fashion Design, class of ’16