Fashion Design program Semester Program

Program Overview

The semester program is a concentrated, intensive experience of our three-year Fashion Program, which prepares aspiring designers by giving them a firm foundation in design techniques as well as the professional skills needed to succeed in the fashion industry. Students learn tailoring, embroidery, draping, flat pattern, and fashion drawing. Students may also participate in the internship program, which will give them practical experience with a range of fashion and design applications, from concept to finished garment.

Students in the fashion program have the opportunity to focus on one of three specializations: Couture Techniques, Design Process, or Fashion Merchandising & Communication. Coursework will be tailored to the students’ specializations, along with shared coursework in core areas.

Course Details

FA 201 – Sewing & Haute Couture Techniques

This course encompasses both theory and practical demonstrations in couture techniques. Students will be guided through a variety of exercises and case studies to explore different construction methods, which may then be practically applied to garment construction in other courses.

FA 202 – Flat Pattern & Draping

This course is designed to utilize Flat Pattern and French draping techniques in exploring a variety of garments and elements such as sleeves, collars, frills, pants, and shirts. Students will utilize both flat pattern techniques and French draping techniques in development of garments.

FA 203 – Fashion Design & Design Process

Students will continue to explore the process of designing their own collection, from project development to the last conceptual phase. Students will look at the actual production of samples, with special attention given to sketching, proportion, style, shapes, textiles, accessories, and rendering. Students will continue to develop their digital drawing and rendering skills through programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revvit, and Rhino 3-D Modeling.

FA 204 – Textiles

This course considers the study of different techniques that can be used to decorate or create a piece of clothing. The use of embroidery, sequins, beads, ribbons, pleats, fringes, and other textiles will be examined in the context of decoration and embellishment, as well as in the construction and realization of a new garment. Students will study the different types of fabric and the techniques associated with each, ultimately creating a book of fabric samples to use as an individual catalogue. A in hat construction and decoration workshop will also be included.

FA 205 – Costume Research

The aim of this course is to build on the student’s knowledge and experience of historical costume research. Students will gain the ability to produce a full costume, the model of which is chosen by the student, by applying the techniques they’ve learned and adhering to the historical rules of reconstruction. The process will include documented research, sketches, final drawings, fabric samples, color, pattern cutting techniques, toile, and the finished costume and appropriate undergarments.

FMD 203 – Luxury 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.

FMD 208 – History of Brands

This course is designed specifically for students in the merchandising track. It will cover the history of well-known French fashion brands, enhancing the student’s understanding and knowledge of the fashion industry and its foundations.

GE 208 – Art History (fall only)

This course traces the major developments in architecture, sculptures, painting, and fashion design from the 17th century through to the 19th century. This course considers historical events as well as stylistic changes and different movements in art. Students will be taught in depth the study of the major arts of this period through both lectures and off-site visits to various museums such as Musée du Louvre, Musée Cluny, Château de Versailles, etc.

FA 208 – Fashion History (spring only)

This course traces the history of haute couture and the major fashion developments from the 17th century (Baroque period) through the 19th century (the Bustle). The curriculum considers historical events as well as stylistic changes in fashion. Students will be taught the basics of fashion history through both lectures and off-site visits, according to availability.

FR French Language

This program is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. 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, since the principal objective of these courses is to encourage communication in correct French.

Structure

Tuition

Spring Term 2024 (1 term only)

Program Dates: January 10, 2024 – May 10 2024

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,450€

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

Fall Term 2024 (1 term only)

Program Dates: September 2 2024 – December 20 2024

Application Fee: 70€

Tuition: 8,875€

Please note that supplies are not included.

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