Looking for classes in a specific city? Check out our lists of Fashion Design Schools in Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood.
Want to pursue a fashion design career in Colorado but don’t know where to start?
Discover the top fashion design schools in Colorado, offering unique programs, expert faculty, and the skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry.
RMCAD – Fashion Design Program
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) offers a dynamic Fashion Design program designed to help you develop an exceptional portfolio while mastering innovative techniques. RMCAD’s Fashion Design Program is known for its focus on:
- Trend Forecasting: Understanding future fashion trends.
- Target Market Analysis: Identifying and analyzing specific markets.
- Merchandising: Learning effective merchandising strategies.
- Concept Development: Creating unique fashion concepts.
- Color and Fabric Stories: Designing with color and textile materials.
The curriculum also covers fashion illustration, color theory, textile design, and CAD design. It incorporates the latest technology, including 3D fashion design software, enhancing your skills in computer-aided illustrations.
Personalized mentorship from industry-experienced instructors is a key feature, thanks to the small class sizes. Furthermore, the program fosters sustainable research and diverse design thinking. It’s about transforming artistic vision into coherent collections that reflect creativity.
RMCAD stands out by offering a flexible learning environment with year-round classes available both on-campus and online. On-campus students need specific equipment like an industrial sewing machine and a dress form.
The program prepares you for various fashion-related careers:
- Technical Design
- Product Development
- Fabric Sourcing
- Fashion Styling
Explore the ins and outs of fashion design at RMCAD and kickstart your career.
Colorado State University – Bachelor of Science in Apparel and Merchandising with a concentration in Apparel Design and Production
Colorado State University (CSU) provides a thorough Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel and Merchandising, concentrating on Apparel Design and Production. CSU’s program is structured to equip you with comprehensive skills to design and produce textiles and apparel. Key areas include:
- Aesthetics and Design: Creating visually appealing designs.
- Fashion and Trend Forecasting: Predicting future fashion trends.
- Fashion Illustration: Developing drawing skills for fashion.
- Pattern Development: Creating and modifying patterns.
- Material Selection: Choosing appropriate fabrics.
- Apparel Construction Techniques: Mastering garment construction.
CSU’s program is unique for its collaboration with industry professionals and award-winning faculty, guiding you through juried competitions. The program boasts a 90% placement rate within the textiles and apparel industry, reflecting its strong industry connections.
Students can also present their work at the annual CSU Fashion Show and at the Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising’s Gustafson Gallery. The department offers an accelerated master’s program for those interested in an advanced degree.
Support services like advising, career counseling, and scholarships are available to assist you. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for roles in design, marketing, production, and more. Internship opportunities also provide valuable, hands-on experience.
Start your journey today and find out more about CSU’s Fashion Design Program.
Fashion Design Schools in Colorado
Colorado is home to several prestigious fashion design schools, including the Art Institute of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College, Johnson & Wales University, Westwood College, and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. These institutions offer various programs from certificates to advanced degrees in fashion:
- Art Institute of Denver: Focuses on fashion retail management and merchandising.
- Emily Griffith Technical College: Specialized courses in professional sewing.
- Johnson & Wales University: Unique courses tailored to different aspects of fashion design.
For example, the Art Institute of Denver offers hands-on programs that aim at different facets of fashion. The average in-state tuition cost in 2013 was $16,722. Various financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, are available.
Likewise, Emily Griffith and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design offer focused programs on sewing, alterations, pattern drafting, and design. Colorado State University offers unique student showcases and has a vast collection of fashion items.
Internships are plentiful in Colorado, both locally and internationally, offering real-world experience. Fashion Denver hosts events like the Fashion and Creative Enterprises Business Symposium and various fashion weeks to help you network with industry leaders.
Fashion designers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $58,000, with those in Denver earning over $68,700. From 2006 to 2012, the industry in Colorado grew by 150%, promising a bright future for graduates.
For more details, explore Fashion Design Schools in Colorado here.
How to Choose the Best Fashion Design School in Colorado
Selecting the best fashion design school in Colorado requires careful consideration. Begin by assessing the curriculum to ensure it matches your areas of interest. Look for programs that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills:
- Curriculum: Should cover design, merchandising, production, and sustainability.
- Faculty: Industry experience and mentorship abilities are crucial.
- Facilities and Resources: State-of-the-art labs and software enhance learning.
- Internship Opportunities: Schools with strong industry ties provide valuable experiences.
- Alumni Success: Check alumni career placements for insights.
Financial aid, extracurricular activities, and the school’s location also play significant roles in your decision. Colorado offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships and loans, to support your education.
Use this comprehensive guide to find a school that aligns with your academic and professional goals, providing the skills and experience needed in the fashion industry.
Start exploring fashion design schools in Colorado to begin your creative journey.
Fashion Design Schools in Colorado
When it comes to pursuing a career in fashion design, Colorado offers a variety of reputable institutions. Schools like the Art Institute of Denver, Emily Griffith Technical College, Johnson & Wales University, Westwood College, and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design provide a range of fashion-related programs.
- Art Institute of Denver: Offers programs in fashion retail management and fashion merchandising.
- Emily Griffith Technical College: Specializes in professional sewing, apparel alterations, and pattern drafting.
- Johnson & Wales University: Offers unique courses tailored to various aspects of fashion design.
- Westwood College: Provides technology-driven fashion design programs.
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design: Focuses on innovative techniques and sustainable practices.
Each institution has its strengths, whether it’s hands-on learning, specialized education, or industry connections. For example, the Art Institute of Denver’s tuition in 2013 was $16,722, with financial aid options like grants and scholarships to ease the financial burden.
Internships play a crucial role in gaining industry experience and building professional networks. Colorado’s fashion schools often have strong relationships with local and international brands, offering you ample opportunities to apply your skills in real-world settings.
Industry events hosted by organizations like Fashion Denver also help you connect with professionals and showcase your talents. These events include the Fashion and Creative Enterprises Business Symposium and various fashion weeks.
Fashion designers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $58,000, with those in Denver earning over $68,700. From 2006 to 2012, the fashion industry in Colorado grew by 150%, highlighting the state’s potential for new graduates.
For more details, explore Fashion Design Schools in Colorado.
How to Choose the Best Fashion Design School in Colorado
Selecting the right fashion design school in Colorado involves several key factors. Here’s how to make an informed decision:
- Curriculum: Ensure the program covers your areas of interest, including design, merchandising, production, and sustainability.
- Faculty: Research the instructors’ experience in the industry to find out if they can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
- Facilities and Resources: Check for state-of-the-art design labs and software that will enhance your learning experience.
- Internship Opportunities: Look for schools with strong industry ties that offer internships aligning with your career goals.
- Alumni Success: Investigate where graduates work and their positions to understand the school’s reputation and network.
- Financial Aid: Consider tuition costs and available financial aid options, including scholarships and loans.
- Extracurricular Activities: Evaluate opportunities for student organizations, fashion shows, and industry symposiums to gain additional learning experiences and networking.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a school that aligns with your academic and professional aspirations, equipping you with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the fashion industry.
Fashion Design Schools By State
Conclusion: Start Your Fashion Career in Colorado
Colorado offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring fashion designers, with top schools like Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design and Colorado State University leading the way. With a combination of innovative curricula, experienced faculty, and extensive industry connections, these institutions prepare you for a successful career in fashion design. Explore these programs and start your journey towards a creative and fulfilling career in fashion design today.