LIM College announced a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Fashion Design and Business in collaboration with ESMOD Paris. The program begins in Fall 2027.
Until now, students have typically had to choose between a school known for fashion design or one known for business. The LIM x ESMOD program combines both, with students spending two years in New York City and two years in Paris.
Four years, two fashion capitals
- Year 1, New York City: Students start at LIM College, building a foundation in marketing, management, communication and critical thinking. They study conversational French if needed and complete their first internship.
- Years 2–3, Paris: Students move to ESMOD Paris for atelier-based creative and technical training in couture craft, patternmaking and design. Instruction is in English.
- Year 4, New York City: Students return to LIM to deepen their business knowledge, complete a second internship and present a final capsule collection.
Creativity and commerce
LIM College President Ron Marshall said the global fashion industry increasingly needs professionals who can move between creative development, product creation, branding, finance, sustainability and strategy. In his words, the future of fashion “belongs to people who understand both creativity and commerce.”
Two schools, one degree
LIM College, founded in 1939 in New York City, focuses on the business of fashion and lifestyle. Its alumni work at brands including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, L’Oréal and Nike. ESMOD, founded in 1841, is Paris’s first fashion school. Its alumni work at houses including Dior, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and Balmain.
Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles such as fashion designer, technical designer, CAD artist, production manager and brand founder, with a path toward creative director, design director and chief creative officer.
How to apply
The program is open to incoming first-year students based in the United States. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA, high school transcripts, a creative concept exercise and an in-person interview. French proficiency is strongly recommended. LIM offers merit-based scholarships; federal financial aid is not available for the program.
Learn more and apply at fashion.limcollege.edu/bba-fashion-design.