Fashion: Design & Merchandising program Semester Program

Fashion Program Semester Overview

The semester program is a concentrated, 4-month intensive experience of our three-year Fashion Program, which prepares aspiring fashion professionals by giving them a firm foundation in merchandising, product design, design process, luxury and couture techniques as well as introducing professional skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry.

Students can explore the professional fashion career paths, including merchandising, styling, and promotion, as well as fashion design through coursework around the design process, including tailoring, embroidery, draping, flat pattern, and fashion drawing. On-site visits to contemporary exhibitions enhance the study of fashion history and art history, enhancing the student’s holistic cultural experience. Practical French language prepares students for daily life in Paris.

Students may also participate in the internship program, which will give them practical experience with a range of fashion applications, from concept to finished garment to marketing, promotion, and boutique design.

Course Descriptions

Fashion Design

FA 201 – Sewing & Haute Couture Techniques

This course encompasses demonstrations and exercises of haute couture sewing techniques. Students will be guided through a variety of exercises and case studies to explore different construction methods. The practical application of these methods to garment construction in a range of garment categories will be investigated. Studio.

Prerequisite: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Clothing Construction or equivalent. 

FA 202 – Flat Pattern & Draping (moulage)

This course is designed to utilize French flat pattern and draping (moulage) techniques to explore a variety of silhouettes, garment types, and elements such as sleeves, collars, frills, pants/trousers, and shirts. Focusing on skill development in the first part of the class, students will then learn how to combine flat pattern and draping to develop patterns for original designs. Studio.

Prerequisites: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Flat Pattern or equivalent. Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Draping or equivalent.  

FA 203 – Portfolio: Design Process and Collections

This course emphasizes the partnership between critical thinking and the realization of cultural messaging in design. Centered on PAA’s multifaceted curriculum, students will build upon the skills and thought processes developed in prior years of study. The unique context of the PAA experience and the Paris fashion ecosystem serves as the backdrop for developing a personal and professional body of work presented in a digital portfolio format. Students will attend the major textile trade fair, Premier Vision. Seminar.

Prerequisite: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Fashion Drawing or equivalent. 

FA 204 – Textile Techniques

This course considers the study of different textiles and techniques that can be used to create or decorate a piece of clothing. Specialized French techniques for embroidery, sequins, beads, ribbons, pleats, fringes, feathers, among others, will be explored. Students will also examine different fabric types, finishes, to enhance their textile vocabulary, ultimately creating a personal reference book of samples. A hat construction and decoration workshop will also be included. Material resources in the city of Paris will be presented, and students will visit the major textile trade fair, Premier Vision. Studio.

Prerequisite: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Textiles or equivalent.

Fashion Business

FMD 203 – Luxury Fashion Industry

This course is designed specifically for students in the merchandising track. Students will study the nature of the international luxury industry and its modern-day media from both an organizational and a merchandising perspective, with a view into how journalism and trend-forecasting are used by luxury brands today. A comprehensive practical research project is required, enhancing the student’s understanding and knowledge of the fashion industry and its foundations. Seminar.

Prerequisite: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Fashion Business or equivalent.

FMD 204 Merchandising Planning and Buying in France

This course focuses on the French and European approach, practices, strategies, and techniques for merchandising and buying found in multi-brand luxury retailers from department stores, independent concept shops, e-commerce, to own-brand boutiques and concessions. The use of European and global case studies and white papers will see students apply entry-level retail math skills through practical exercise. The first 12 weeks will focus on the fundamentals and case studies followed by a design project in correspondence with the final Boutique Project.

Prerequisite: Basic Microsoft EXCEL and completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Fashion Business or equivalent.

FMD 205 Product Development 

This course focuses on the French and European process of developing products for the luxury market. Students will understand current market trends and supply chains along with forecasting and analysis of silhouettes, colors, concepts, construction, prints, and patterns through a series of projects and case studies. The final project will see the students develop a product line. Seminar

Prerequisite: Completion of a foundational course with a grade of C+ or better in Fashion Business or equivalent

FMD 206 / ID 206 French Luxury Boutique Analysis and Design

This course, taught to both interior design and fashion merchandising students, will analyze, develop, and design a fashion boutique. Students will examine the relationship between a company’s aesthetic and the layout of the space, including lighting, organization, materials, and color schemes. This course focuses on French and European approaches, practices, strategies, and techniques for luxury retail boutique/gallery, focusing on emerging strategies for experiential retail, such as integrating art galleries, popup stores, and coffee shops. The first half of the semester will focus on retail analysis and fundamentals followed by the final Boutique/Gallery Project. Seminar.

Prerequisite: None

General Courses

GE 208 – Art and Fashion History 

Building on Louis the XIV’s foundation for French aesthetics, this course traces the major developments in the arts, architecture, interiors, and fashion. Highlighting the period from the introduction of the haute couture, the 1850s, to the present, students consider historic and stylistic developments and different artistic movements. This kaleidoscope of influences results in an aesthetic evolution, traced through both classroom lectures and site visits to various museums and exhibitions, such as Musée Palais Galliera, Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Musée du Louvre, Château de Versailles. Seminar.

Prerequisite: None

FR 101/201/301 French Language

This program is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced, according to results of a placement test. Each level uses a program based on a series of lessons, with one lesson covered each week that delves into grammar, thematic vocabulary, and practical application on both an oral and written level. Oral skills are emphasized, as the principal objective of these courses is to encourage communication in correct French. Seminar.

Prerequisite: On-Site French Language testing to determine level

Couse plan

Tuition Semester Program

Fall Term 2026 (1 term only)

Program Dates: September 1, 2026 – December 16, 2026

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,875€

Please note that the tuition fees do not include housing, supplies or meals.

Spring Term 2026 (1 term only)

Program Dates: January 22, 2026 – May 13, 2026

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,875€

Please note that the tuition fees do not include housing, supplies or meals.

Richard Roy Scholarship

Applicants who have been accepted to study at the Paris American Academy may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from 1,000€ to 3,000€ off tuition, and from 300€ to 1300€ off housing.

Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 paragraphs) along with their application. This statement should emphasize the student’s personal and educational background, demonstrating why he / she is in need of financial assistance and how a scholarship might benefit the student’s professional goals.

FAQ

What’s different about the PAA degree program?

The Paris American Academy’s goal is to prepare students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers. The programs, policies, and teaching methods have been designed to implement this philosophy and are evaluated periodically and changed as necessary, to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing professional industries.

What kind of experience do the professors at PAA have?

At PAA, you’ll learn from professors with real-world experience in the fields that they teach. They’ll share accumulated knowledge and offer relevant, meaningful support as you focus on your future and prepare your post-graduate career.

I am in Paris visiting schools. Can I come tour the Academy?

We would be pleased to welcome you. If you are in the Paris area and would like to set up an appointment to tour the school, please email the Admissions department here: [email protected]

Which language is the curriculum taught in?

All of our programs are taught in English, as we receive students from all over the world. Students at PAA can benefit from French language courses integrated into their programs. We are proud of the bilingual tradition of our school, which often teaches students from more than 20 different nationalities in a single year.

What scholarships does PAA offer?

PAA applicants may apply for partial scholarships through the Richard Roy Scholarship Fund. These scholarships range in value from 1,000€ to 3,000€ off tuition, and from 300€ to 1300€ off housing.

Students wishing to be considered for a scholarship must submit a brief personal statement (1-2 paragraphs) along with their application. This statement should emphasize the student’s personal and educational background, demonstrating why he / she is in need of financial assistance and how a scholarship might benefit the student’s professional goals.

What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

FOR ALL APPLICANTS
• A copy of your high school diploma or equivalent
• A letter of motivation, outlining your previous experience and your goals in studying at PAA
• A resume of your career to date, including your name, date of birth, and contact information
• Samples of your work (portfolio)
Please note: the July Creative Writing Workshop has its own application form and does not require a separate letter of motivation, resume, or C.V. For more information, please contact [email protected].

What should I include in my portfolio?

Your portfolio will ideally show us a range of relevant work, from initial sketches and ideas to finished pieces. It showcases your ability to work with different materials, themes and techniques, as well as how you plan and develop your ideas. A typical portfolio includes moodboards, rough sketches done by hand, fashion illustrations and digital and/or technical sketches.

Is my deposit refundable?

The deposit is used to confirm your place on the course and is non-refundable. Tuition fees may or may not be refundable, depending on when the student withdraws. Please contact us for further information.

When are my tuition fees due?

50% of tuition fees are to be paid within a month of reception of your acceptance letter. This allows us to confirm your place. The other 50% is due a month before the start of your program. If are not able to respect these deadlines, please contact us at [email protected].

Do I need to apply for a student visa?

If you are an EU citizen planning to study in another EU country, you do not require a visa. Students from countries outside of the EU must obtain a student visa.
We advise that you check the French government travel website below to check whether you require one or not. The website also explains the process of obtaining a visa.
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en_US/web/france-visas/welcome-page

Where will I live during my studies?

If you would like to find out more about student accommodation in apartments near to the school and managed by PAA, please contact us at [email protected].
If you would prefer to find your own accommodation, we recommend that you take a look at the housing guide we have compiled.

Can I work during my studies?

This will depend on whether or not your student visa allows you to work. There are often restrictions on the amount of paid work you can carry out during your studies. If you don’t require a student visa, you will usually be able to work, as long as this doesn’t affect your studies.
It is important to keep in mind that all PAA students will have classes every weekday, from 9am or 10am to around 4pm (this will vary depending on the program). This would leave time for a weekend job.

When I arrive at the airport in Paris, how will I get to the school?

You can take public transportation from Charles-de-Gaulle airport to PAA. Take the RER B at Charles-de-Gaulle airport and stop at either Port-Royal or Luxembourg. You can also take a taxi or an Uber, or use a shuttle service via www.paris-shuttle.com.

What events, fairs, or professional exhibitions happen each year in Paris that relate to my field of study?

We try to encourage students to get involved in extracurricular activities to complement their learning. The following is a sample of the events students may attend during their program:
JANUARY: Meuble Paris, Maison et Objet, Couture Shows, Now Design, Menswear Shows, Who’s Next, Pret-a-porter
FEBRUARY: Premier Vision
MARCH: Women’s Ready to Wear Shows, Book Fair
APRIL / MAY: Foire de Paris
JUNE: Menswear Shows
JULY: Haute Couture women’s wear shows, 14th July Bastille Day celebrations, Paris Plage, open-air cinema festival
SEPTEMBER: Meuble Paris, Paris Design Week, Maison et Objet, Premier Vision, Now Design, Jour de la Patrimoine, Pret-a-porter, Who’s Next
OCTOBER: Pret-a-porter, Nuit Blanche, Les Puces du Design, Women’s Ready to Wear Shows
NOVEMBER: Batimat