Fashion School Myths: What It’s Really Like to Study Fashion Today

When most people imagine fashion school, they picture something straight out of a movie montage: students in couture-level outfits, sketchbooks overflowing with perfect croquis, sewing machines humming at all hours, and a teacher dramatically shouting “Make it work!” And while that version makes great TV, it’s not exactly reality—especially today.

Fashion school, at least the way we approach it, is far more expansive, far more accessible, and far more aligned with what the modern fashion industry actually needs.

Here are the misconceptions we hear the most—plus the truth.

Myth #1: “You have to dress up every day.”

Fashion school is not a runway, and your outfit is not an entrance exam. Students dress for comfort, creativity, practicality—all of it. Some come in fully styled because it’s fun for them. Others show up in sweats with a latte and a to-do list. Both belong.

Fashion is about expression, not performance. If anything, you find your style at fashion school—you don’t need to arrive with it fully formed.

Myth #2: “You must already know how to draw.”

This is one of the biggest fears prospective students bring with them. The truth? You don’t need to sketch like a designer before you begin. Drawing is a skill we teach—not a prerequisite.

And more importantly, today’s fashion world uses many tools beyond the pencil: digital sketching, AI-assisted ideation, mood boards, 3D modelling, photography, styling, merchandising, and visual communication.

Creativity is not measured by how well you can illustrate a sleeve.

Myth #3: “You have to know how to sew.”

Nope. Sewing is valuable—no question. But it’s one part of a much larger toolkit. You can be a stylist, merchandiser, retail strategist, trend forecaster, buyer, brand developer, art director, creative producer, or designer who outsources production—all without being a sewing expert.

Our philosophy:
Learn enough sewing to be literate.
Master the areas where you shine.
Outsource the rest if it makes sense for your career.

Myth #4: “Fashion school is only for future designers.”

Design is only one slice of an enormous, fast-growing industry.

Many of our students arrive thinking they have to choose “designer or nothing.” But once they're exposed to everything fashion touches—sustainability, retail, marketing, tech, business, forecasting, styling, production, branding—they often discover completely new passions.

One student told us that while he hopes to become a designer one day, he’s equally drawn to retail, merchandising, and trend direction. That openness is gold in today’s industry.

What People Are Actually Curious About

Here are the real questions prospective students rarely say aloud but always feel:

“Will I fit in?” Yes. Fashion attracts every personality—quiet thinkers, bold experimenters, analytical planners, chaotic creatives. There is no one “fashion student type.”

“What if I’m not artistic enough?” Artistic ability does not equal fashion potential. Observation, problem-solving, curiosity, and taste matter just as much. Sometimes more.

“Is there a career for me if I don’t want to run my own brand?” Absolutely. Most fashion jobs are behind the scenes and deeply creative, but not necessarily design-focused. The industry needs storytellers, strategists, communicators, planners, creators, organizers, and innovators.

“Will AI replace designers?” No—but AI will replace people who don’t know how to use AI. Our program incorporates AI literacy so students learn how to use these tools for ideation, visual development, market research, design refinement, and communication. It makes you more employable, not less.

“Will I get lost in the crowd?” Not here. Our class sizes are intentionally small so that mentorship is not a buzzword—it’s a daily experience. Students get personalized guidance toward whatever path they want to explore.

The Real Truth About Fashion School Today

Fashion school is no longer a niche creative program reserved for theatrically glamorous prodigies. It’s a multidisciplinary training ground for thinkers, makers, innovators, strategists, and dreamers—people who want to shape an industry that is evolving faster than ever.

You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly who you are or what you want to be.

You come here to discover that.

Want to explore if our Business of Fashion & Design Program could be a fit? Read more here.