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Where Top Fashion Designers Went to College for Their Education (and How It Shaped Them!)
- Qui Joacin
- Apr 3
- 7 min read
Discover the academic paths of 21 legendary Fashion designers and how their education influenced their iconic styles.
Some of the world’s most celebrated fashion designers built their brands without a college degree, but many did pursue higher education—sometimes in surprising fields! From architecture to political science, these creative minds took diverse paths before making their mark in the fashion industry. Whether their studies directly influenced their careers or they found fashion later, their stories prove that inspiration can come from anywhere.
US News' 21 legendary designers went to college and how it helped shape their futures.
1. Ralph Lauren
College: Baruch College (dropped out)Before defining American style with his classic, preppy designs, Ralph Lauren studied business at Baruch College in New York. He dropped out to join the U.S. Army but soon found his way into fashion—starting with designing men’s ties. His brand now embodies the rustic charm of New England, the glamour of Hollywood, and the elegance of classic tailoring.
2. Miuccia Prada
College: University of Milan (Ph.D. in Political Science)Fashion wasn’t Miuccia Prada’s first career choice—she initially wanted to go into politics! After earning a Ph.D. in political science, she trained as a mime before taking over her family’s luxury goods business. Her background in intellectual and cultural studies has heavily influenced Prada’s unique blend of minimalism and high fashion.
3. Tom Ford
Colleges: New York University, Parsons School of DesignBefore becoming one of the most glamorous names in fashion, Tom Ford studied interior architecture at Parsons. His keen sense of aesthetics and attention to detail helped him reinvent Gucci in the '90s and later build his own ultra-chic brand known for its sleek sophistication.
4. Tory Burch
College: University of Pennsylvania (Art History)Tory Burch didn’t start as a designer—she worked in PR and marketing for brands like Ralph Lauren before launching her own line. Her signature ballet flats and tunics became instant hits, and she now runs a billion-dollar empire while championing women entrepreneurs through her foundation.
5. Zang Toi
College: Parsons School of DesignBorn in Malaysia, Zang Toi moved to New York to study at Parsons. His elegant, show-stopping gowns have graced red carpets and runways worldwide, and he’s become a favorite among celebrities and royalty.
6. Tracy Reese
College: Parsons School of DesignTracy Reese studied at Parsons and worked under top designers before launching her own label. Her vibrant, feminine designs have been worn by everyone from Michelle Obama to Hollywood stars. More recently, she’s focused on sustainable fashion with her brand Hope for Flowers.
7. Ralph Rucci
Colleges: Temple University, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)With a background in philosophy and literature, Rucci later studied fashion at FIT. He is one of the few American designers invited to show haute couture in Paris, known for his meticulous craftsmanship and architectural designs.
8. Stella McCartney
Colleges: Ravensbourne University London, Central Saint MartinsGrowing up with famous parents (Paul and Linda McCartney), Stella McCartney pursued fashion at Central Saint Martins. She’s known for her commitment to sustainable and cruelty-free fashion, creating high-end designs without leather or fur.
9. Christian Siriano
College: American InterContinental University, LondonA "Project Runway" winner, Christian Siriano studied in London and apprenticed under Alexander McQueen. His brand is all about inclusivity, designing for all body types and making high fashion accessible.
10. Marc Jacobs
College: Parsons School of DesignMarc Jacobs burst onto the scene with his edgy, grunge-inspired designs in the '90s. While at Parsons, he won multiple awards, setting the stage for his success at Louis Vuitton and his own brand.
11. Diane von Furstenberg
Colleges: Complutense University of Madrid, University of GenevaThe creator of the iconic wrap dress studied economics before entering fashion. Her brand celebrates powerful, independent women, and she has been a major force in the industry for decades.
12. Jimmy Choo
College: Cordwainers Technical CollegeThis legendary shoemaker learned his craft at Cordwainers in London. His handcrafted luxury footwear gained worldwide fame, making him a red-carpet favorite.
13. Vera Wang
Colleges: Sarah Lawrence College, SorbonneVera Wang studied art history and trained as a figure skater before entering fashion. She worked at Vogue and Ralph Lauren before launching her world-famous bridal brand.
14. Oscar de la Renta
College: San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine ArtsOriginally studying painting in Spain, de la Renta switched to fashion after an apprenticeship with Cristóbal Balenciaga. His feminine, glamorous designs made him a favorite of First Ladies and celebrities.
15. Kenneth Cole
College: Emory UniversityKenneth Cole studied law before launching his footwear brand. He’s known for blending urban style with social activism, using his platform for philanthropic causes.
16. Donna Karan
College: Parsons School of DesignDonna Karan started as an assistant at Anne Klein before creating her own brand, revolutionizing women’s workwear with her "Seven Easy Pieces" concept.
17. B Michael
Colleges: University of Connecticut, FITB Michael began in millinery (hat-making) before designing for Louis Feraud and Oscar de la Renta. His couture designs have been worn by Hollywood’s elite.
18. David Yurman
College: New York UniversityA sculptor-turned-jeweler, David Yurman’s artistic background influenced his signature cable jewelry designs, now a global luxury brand.
19. Carolina Herrera
College: Vassar CollegeWith no formal fashion training, Herrera transitioned from high society to high fashion, becoming famous for her elegant eveningwear and bridal gowns.
20. Dennis Basso
Colleges: Catholic University of America, FITA leading fur and eveningwear designer, Basso has dressed celebrities and royalty for decades with his luxurious, glamorous designs.
21. Perry Ellis
Colleges: College of William & Mary, NYUOriginally studying business and retail, Ellis pivoted to fashion, pioneering relaxed, stylish sportswear for men and women.
These designers prove that there’s no single path to success in fashion. Whether they studied business, architecture, or even mime, their unique journeys shaped the brands we love today. What do you think—does a formal education matter in fashion, or is raw talent enough? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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