Meet the best “fashion school in the world” in France

Every year since 2010, the website Fashionista publishes an ambitious ranking of the best fashion schools in the world, and every year well-known institutions like Parsons, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion tend to dominate the list. But the new university that promised to give these hard-line schools a run for its money has just opened in France.

The renovated Institut Français, which opened today, is the result of a merger between two Parisian fashion schools: the Institut Français de Arte and Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino Garavani, André Korrig, and Issey Miyake are among its esteemed alumni.

In a speech at the opening of the school, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire announced: “Today I opened the best fashion school in the world, and this means to raise the flag of French excellence, and that means that attracts talents from all over the world, from Beijing to Los Angeles or San Francisco. . “

Although Paris has long been considered a global fashion capital, it lacks the stature of a famous educational institution. Although fledgling designers may flock to Paris to launch their careers, they don't necessarily flock there to get an education.

“It seems to go without saying that the best design school in the world should be in Paris,” said Ralph Toledano, president of the International Federation of the Fashion Industry in France.

"French fashion represents the best country in the world, and it tempts foreigners to come to Paris," Toledano said. “And through education, training, and knowledge transfer, our sector will continue to shine across the world.”