School of Fashion

We Make Art Work

A model walking on a runway during a fashion show, wearing a shiny, elaborate red dress with exaggerated ruffles, while the audience watches and takes photos.

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Design Bold Looks. Build Brands.

At the School of Fashion, you’ll dive into design, merchandising, styling, journalism, product development and work with world-class mentors. Every project is hands-on—from runway shows to press launches to sustainability strategies. Join our student-run fashion club Beyond the Front Row, connect with San Francisco’s fashion scene, and graduate with the portfolio and network to land internships and launch your career.

Join us: On campus in San Francisco, online, or virtually via Zoom (select classes)

Companies that Employ Our Students

Students & Alumni

Always Creating. Always Moving Forward.

At the Academy, creativity doesn’t pause at graduation; it accelerates. Our students leave with portfolios that speak louder than résumés, catapulting them into creative careers.

This is where passion meets purpose—on campus, in studios, and on global stages.

Our alumni are out there now winning awards, leading teams, and shaping culture.

See More Success Stories
Veejay Floresca

Veejay Floresca

“Coming here with high expectations has been completely worth it. I’ve learned so much from all my classes and had the chance to meet talented students and passionate teachers who generously share their expertise. Studying here made me a better designer; I gained advanced skills in pattern making and clothing construction and was challenged to meet the school’s high standards.”

MFA Fashion Design Alumna, Founder of Floresca Fashion LLC, and winner of Project Runway Season 21

Shannon Major

Shannon Major

“Studying at Academy of Art has been such a positive experience. I feel very fortunate to have professors who encourage me to pursue my passions, push me out of my comfort zone, and bring compassion into fashion.”

MFA, Fashion Design Alumni, Founder of Gender Diversity Empowerment Network

Erica Tompkins

Erica Tompkins

“The Academy was competitive but in the best way—it pushed me to grow as a designer, prepared me for the realities of the fashion world, and connected me with inspiring professors I’m still in touch with today.”

Former designer for Victoria Secret. Current Founder of Roen Creative Studio

Alexandra Flores

Alexandra Flores

“The fashion show was incredibly rewarding—I got to see four years of work come to life, share it with influential people, and strengthen my portfolio. The Academy gave me the skills, guidance, and opportunities to step confidently into the industry.”

BFA, Fashion Desing

Facilities & Resources

Step into studios, labs, and closets built to match the pace and precision of the fashion industry. Every space is designed to turn ideas into tangible work and prepare you for the tools, technology, and environments you’ll encounter in your career.

    Three people work together on a large printmaking project at a table.

    Textile Print Lab

    The lab is fully equipped for screen printing with more than 700 silkscreens, repeat yardage tables, U.V. exposure units, pigments, dyes, and industry-standard tools that take concepts from vision to fabric.

    Woman working on fabric pattern in a sewing studio with mannequins in the background.

    Design and Patternmaking Studio

    Work with modern patternmaking systems, a fusing press, industrial and leather sewing machines, and over 120 dress and sportswear forms—plus a full complement of makeup and hairstyling equipment to complete each look.

    Woman examining fabric swatches and a dress on a mannequin in a design studio.

    Fabric & Material Resources Library

    Explore a tactile library of fibers, yarns, fabrics, trend books, and other resources that inspire and inform your work.

    Person operating an embroidery machine with a touchscreen display.

    3D Design & Patternmaking Studio

    Access the same cutting-edge technology used by top brands. You’ll use software like Gerber Accumark, PLM, and CLO 3D, as well as hardware like the Gerber Infinity Plotter and Digitizer. Transform your digital patterns into physical reality.

    Hats and bags displayed on a wall behind a rack holding a white dress.

    Styling Closet

    Choose from over 800 garments, accessories, and props—with new pieces added every semester—so you can complete your styling projects without renting or buying outside the school.

    A man operating a sewing machine in a factory or workshop environment.

    Knitwear Lab

    Our knitwear studios boast a suite of machines that parallel industry standards from domestic and punch card to double-bed and dubied. An extensive range of yarns and equipment allows the creative practice of knitwear design to professional standards.

    Computer Lab

    Computer Lab

    Our computer lab is built for performance with PC systems equipped with the latest software used across courses. A lab technician is available during business hours to keep your tools aligned with your workflow.