Costume design is a fun and creative field that lets you bring stories to life through clothing.
If you’re interested in making costumes for movies, TV shows, or theater, you might want to check out some top programs to learn the craft.
The best costume design programs teach you both the artistic and technical sides of creating costumes. You’ll learn about fashion history, sewing, and how to work with directors and actors.
These programs also give you chances to work on real productions and build up your portfolio.
Let’s look at some great options for studying costume design.
1) Fashion Institute of Technology
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City is a top choice for aspiring costume designers.
FIT is part of the State University of New York system and has been around since 1944.
At FIT, you’ll find a bunch of cool programs to help you become a costume design pro.
The Fashion Design BFA is a great place to start.
It offers different concentrations like special occasion wear and sportswear.
You’ll get to work with cutting-edge tech and learn how to make killer presentations.
Plus, you can pick from a menu of design courses to fit your interests.
FIT also offers some neat minors that can boost your costume design skills.
You might want to check out their Accessories or Textiles minors.
With over 9,000 students and tons of programs, FIT gives you plenty of chances to learn and grow.
You’ll be surrounded by other creative folks who share your passion for fashion and costume design.
2) Savannah College of Art and Design
SCAD offers a top-notch costume design minor that’ll teach you to tell stories through clothing.
You’ll learn to bring characters to life with fabrics and accessories.
Want to work on real film sets? SCAD’s got you covered with their 139,000-square-foot Hollywood-style backlot.
You’ll get hands-on experience in a pro setting.
SCAD’s fashion program is also highly ranked.
You’ll master new tech and trends, preparing you for a killer career in style.
The school has campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste, France.
This gives you a global perspective on fashion and costume design.
SCAD’s even stepping into the future with an XR Stage for virtual productions.
You’ll learn to design costumes for both real and virtual worlds.
With SCAD’s programs, you’ll be ready to rock the costume design world, whether it’s for stage, screen, or digital realms.
3) Parsons School of Design
Hey, want to learn fashion design in the Big Apple? Parsons School of Design in New York City might be your ticket.
They offer a Fashion Design BFA that’s all about pushing boundaries and celebrating diversity.
You’ll get to explore four different pathways in this program.
It’s not just about sketching pretty dresses – you’ll dive into industry collaborations and work on your own thesis projects too.
But wait, there’s more! Parsons also has some cool costume design courses.
In Costume Design 1, you’ll learn the basics of designing for theater, film, and opera.
You’ll get to break down scripts and bring characters to life through their clothes.
Ready to level up? Costume Design 2 takes things further.
You’ll work on projects for different types of performances and really dig into character analysis.
Parsons is all about hands-on learning.
You’ll be right in the heart of NYC’s fashion scene, surrounded by inspiration and opportunities.
It’s a great place to kickstart your costume design career!
4) California Institute of the Arts
Hey, want to break free from traditional costume design? CalArts might be your perfect fit! Their MFA in Costume Design program is all about shaking things up.
You’ll get to explore new ways of dressing performers and reshaping their physical space.
It’s not just about making pretty clothes – you’ll dive into how costumes connect with art, architecture, and even science.
CalArts takes a global approach to costume design.
You’ll learn about different modes of dress and adornment from around the world.
Plus, you’ll get to play with new media and see how it relates to the body.
The program is part of CalArts’ School of Theater, but you’ll have chances to work with other departments too.
This cross-pollination helps you think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas.
Heads up – CalArts is ranked among the top 10 costume design schools worldwide.
So you’ll be in good company if you choose to study here!
5) Central Saint Martins
Want to study costume design at one of the world’s top fashion schools? Check out Central Saint Martins in London.
This famous art school is part of the University of the Arts London.
Central Saint Martins offers an MA in Fashion that starts in October 2024.
The program lasts 17 months if you go full-time.
You’ll learn from top designers and get to show your work at big events.
Looking for something more specific? They also have an MA in Costume Design for Performance.
This program teaches you how to create costumes for theater, film, and other types of shows.
At Central Saint Martins, you’ll be in good company.
Many famous designers studied here.
The school is known for pushing boundaries and encouraging new ideas in fashion and design.
You’ll get to use great facilities and work on real projects.
The school often teams up with big fashion brands, giving you a chance to make industry connections.
6) London College of Fashion
Hey fashion lovers! Looking to make your mark in costume design? Check out the London College of Fashion.
It’s part of the University of the Arts London and has some cool programs.
Want to go all in? Try their MA Costume Design for Performance.
You’ll learn to design and create costumes for theater, film, and TV.
Plus, you’ll get to work with real clients!
Not ready for a master’s? No problem! The BA (Hons) Costume for Performance might be just your style.
You’ll learn both digital and physical design skills.
The best part? Graduates from these programs often land jobs at big names like Netflix, Amazon, and the BBC.
Some even work on major film productions like Harry Potter and Spiderman!
Understanding Costume Design Programs
Costume design programs teach you how to create characters through clothing.
You’ll learn both creative and technical skills to bring stories to life on stage and screen.
What Makes a Great Program
A top costume design program gives you hands-on experience.
You’ll work on real productions and build a strong portfolio.
Look for schools with industry connections and internship opportunities.
Great programs have well-equipped costume shops.
You’ll need access to sewing machines, fitting rooms, and fabric libraries.
Faculty expertise matters too.
Seek out programs with teachers who have worked on big shows or films.
Skills You Will Learn
In a costume design program, you’ll master both artistic and practical skills.
You’ll study fashion history and learn to sketch designs.
Technical skills are crucial.
You’ll practice sewing, pattern-making, and fabric dyeing.
Many programs teach you how to use design software too.
You’ll also learn about budgeting and time management.
These skills help you work efficiently on real productions.
Collaboration is key in theater and film.
You’ll practice working with directors, actors, and other designers to bring a unified vision to life.
Career Paths for Costume Design Graduates
Costume design graduates have exciting job options in entertainment.
You can work on big movies or create looks for TV shows.
Your skills can take you far in these creative fields.
Working in Film and Theater
In film and theater, you’ll bring characters to life through clothing.
You might design costumes for blockbuster movies or Broadway shows.
Your day could involve sketching ideas, picking fabrics, and working with actors.
You’ll team up with directors and other designers.
Together, you’ll create the visual world of the story.
Sometimes you’ll make costumes from scratch.
Other times you’ll shop for just the right pieces.
Theater work often means quick changes between scenes.
You’ll need to think about how actors move on stage.
Film allows for more detail, as the camera gets up close.
Opportunities in Television
TV costume design is fast-paced and fun.
You might work on sitcoms, dramas, or reality shows.
Each type of show has different costume needs.
For scripted shows, you’ll create looks that fit characters’ personalities.
You might design for period dramas or futuristic sci-fi series.
Reality TV often involves styling contestants or hosts.
TV work can be steady, with shows running for multiple seasons.
You’ll get to develop characters’ styles over time.
This job also lets you stay current with fashion trends.
You might even become known for creating iconic TV looks.
Think of the bold outfits in shows like “Friends” or “Stranger Things.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Picking the right costume design program can be tricky.
Let’s tackle some common questions to help you find your perfect fit.
What are the top colleges for studying costume design?
Top schools for costume design include Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Parsons School of Design.
These programs are known for their hands-on approach and industry connections.
California Institute of the Arts and Central Saint Martins round out the list.
They offer unique perspectives on costume design across different media.
Can I get a degree in costume design online, and if so, where?
Yes, you can get a costume design degree online.
Some schools offer fully online programs, while others have hybrid options.
Check out UCLA’s online courses for a taste of remote learning in this field.
They’re a great way to dip your toes in without committing to a full program.
What makes a costume design program considered among the best?
The best programs have a mix of theory and practice.
They offer chances to work on real productions and learn from working professionals.
Top schools also have great facilities, like costume shops and theaters.
They often have partnerships with local theater companies or film studios.
Which universities are renowned for their costume design programs?
Carnegie Mellon University is famous for its costume design program.
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best in the country.
Other standouts include Yale School of Drama and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
These schools have a track record of producing successful graduates.
How do I choose the right costume design school for my needs?
Think about what kind of costume design you want to do.
Some schools focus more on theater, while others lean towards film and TV.
Look at the faculty’s background and the school’s facilities.
Visit if you can, and talk to current students or recent grads.
What are the career prospects after graduating from a costume design program?
Graduates can work in theater, film, TV, or even fashion.
You might start as a design assistant or wardrobe technician.
With experience, you could become a lead costume designer for big productions.
Some grads also go into teaching or start their own design businesses.