Campus Couture: Canadian Fashion Programs That Actually Slay
Photo Credit: Freepik
With the fashion and beauty industry growing each day, there are now so many different schools that offer fashion and beauty-oriented programs for a successful career in the art of looking fabulous. From fashion design and marketing to makeup artistry and esthetics, there are endless career possibilities to pursue.
Ontario
Toronto Metropolitan University
Formerly known as Ryerson University, Toronto Metropolitan University offers the “Fashion at The Creative School” program. The courses specialize in fashion design, communications, and leadership, all with a heavy focus on sustainability and inclusivity. They have both the undergraduate Bachelor of Design program and the graduate Master of Arts program. This is a good option for gaining well-rounded experience in the fashion industry, with a broadened skill set.
Also located in Toronto, George Brown College offers in-depth education for any business or design-related fashion jobs. The programs offer classroom and hands-on experience, as well as growing opportunities for the students as they build their portfolios. There are three pathways consisting of the Diploma, Postgraduate, and Certificate programs.
Another popular college in Toronto is Seneca Polytechnic, known for its School of Fashion. There are various cosmetic programs offered, and four main fashion programs. For Advanced Diplomas, you can choose between Fashion Arts and Fashion Business Management. For a regular Diploma, you can take Fashion Business, and there is also a more generalized Fashion Studies Certificate program, which covers the foundations of all skill sets to have a career in fashion. Additionally, there is a Visual Merchandising Arts Diploma program for a different approach to the industry.
Toronto’s Fanshawe College provides courses in Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing and Management, both of which are co-op programs. While there are similar course selections to some of the previously mentioned schools, it’s nice to have options to choose from, depending on where in the city you are based.
Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy
Located in Ottawa, Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy teaches you everything you need to know about becoming a successful fashion designer. With glowing reviews and a five-star rating on Course Compare, the academy teaches everything from draping, sketching, marketing, textiles, and even fashion history.
Quebec
LaSalle College
With campuses located in Montreal and Vancouver, LaSalle College offers courses in design, styling, and marketing. Students have the opportunity to gain real-life work experience as they begin their journey in the industry.
Alberta
The University of Alberta, located in Edmonton, has a Fashion Business Management program that focuses on sustainability, production, and textiles; all while preparing students for a career in design or visual merchandising. If you want to become an entrepreneur in fashion, this is the program for you.
British Columbia
Vancouver, another city with a big fashion scene, has two strongly admired schools known for their beauty and fashion programs. They are both great options and popular picks for growing and gaining important skill sets.
While the programs vary from hair, makeup, and esthetics, Blanche Macdonald is best known for its fashion and makeup education. The Alumni students have given high praise for their learning experiences at the school, and many have gone on to work in marketing, styling, design, and film for luxury fashion brands.
JCI is recognized for smaller classroom sizes and personalized mentorship in fashion, makeup, hair, and esthetics. Graduates have landed careers with major fashion and beauty brands such as Vogue, Louis Vuitton, and GUCCI, to name a few.
Regardless of whatever suits you best and sounds like the best fit for you, know that there are endless possibilities and opportunities to learn in fashion and beauty, helping to achieve your dream career one step at a time.
Author: Daria Orth
