Master of Arts in Fashion Design

Led by French and international fashion professionals and prominent faculty in the field, the Master of Arts allows students to expand their knowledge and practice while investigating innovative solutions to the challenges currently faced by the fashion industry.
During their two years in Paris, students acquire a high level of expertise and are provided with networking opportunities through forward-thinking collaborations with Parisian fashion and luxury Maisons.
It is the only program with an annual Graduate Show programmed within the official calendar of the Paris Fashion Week®.
The MA is a project-based program strongly rooted in the Parisian fashion context with its multitude of companies and realities. Students choose one of four pathways: Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, Accessory Design and Fashion Image.
In each Design pathway, the program consists of a combination of short masterclasses and longer purpose-driven projects in partnership with leading fashion brands. Some of these Maisons such as Balenciaga, Celine, Chanel, Chloé, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton or Saint Laurent are active members of the school’s Foundation. In Year 1, while the Exploratory Project involves highly experienced guest designers, the Collaborative Project focuses on a 4-month creative work with the designers of major Maisons in Paris and other European fashion capitals.
In the Image pathway, the program is articulated around a series of seminars, workshops and projects in partnership with leading fashion agencies and brands. In Year 1, students work primarily in groups on intensive projects led by high-level professionals with a focus on visual artistic direction, visual identity, editorials, visual merchandising, fashion shows and window design. Some projects involve independent art directors, others rely on the participation of partnering Parisian Maisons.
For all students, the second year of the MA focuses on the capstone project, the culminating expression of every designer’s personal sensibility, experience, skills and areas of interest. During this extensive project, students have the opportunity to work with designers, research mentors and industry advisers, gaining experience in a real-life context. They present their work to a panel of guest professionals, including talent acquisition experts who support their transition to professional life after graduation.
After the Graduate Show, students can intern for six months in a Maison. They choose their internship following their skills and objectives. Beyond the many Maisons participating in the IFM Foundation, students can join the studios of all fashion and luxury companies in Paris, Milan, London or any other city, as well as independent fashion studios.