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ABOUT
The more than 180-year history of ESMOD began in 1841 with the opening of its first school in Paris, one of the fashion centers of the world. Since then, ESMOD has remained at the forefront of fashion education around the world thanks to its superior technical skills, creativity, and unique international network.
At ESMOD, students can comprehensively learn the creative process from concept to production, where stylism (design) and modelism (pattern-making) are taught together. Even those with no experience can acquire the creativity, knowledge, and skills necessary to become professionals.
International network
ESMOD'S network of 18 schools in 12 countries
The ESMOD curriculum, which has been developed over a long time, is used as a universal base for education, and is blended with the culture and know-how of each country and school. We hold regular international conferences to share information on the state of the world's fashion and the latest methods, which we then incorporate into our curriculum. In addition to taking classes in foreign languages, students are exposed to new values through short-term study abroad programs organized at ESMOD schools around the world.
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France
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Norway
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Japan
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South Korea
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China
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Indonesia
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Malaysia
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United Arab Emirates
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Türkiye
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Lebanon
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Syria
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Tunisia
ESMOD's history
In the 19th century, Alexis Lavigne, a dressmaker at the court of Napoleon III, founded the world's first fashion school in Paris, France. This was the beginning of ESMOD. He invented the couture mannequin and the measuring tape. Alexis Lavigne is also thought to have revolutionized fashion into an industry by proposing pattern-making theory and methodology.
More than 180 years later, his legacy and the spirit of innovation is carried on in 18 ESMOD schools located in 12 countries around the world.
Experienced Professional Faculty
Our instructors at ESMOD Tokyo have extensive experience working with collection brands and continue to be active professionals in the field. With diverse backgrounds spanning haute couture (custom-made) to prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), and hailing from various countries, ESMOD’s instructors bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom. Their multifaceted and effective teaching approach supports each student's unique goals, preparing them for success in the global fashion industry.
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Romain Urnel
Stylism
Romain Urnel
Stylism
Graduated from ESMOD Paris, with professional experience at Maison Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and Marithé + François Girbaud, Romain established his own brand in 2012. At Y/Project, he took on the role of designing menswear. He was awarded the Grand Prix in the men's category at the 2012 Dinard International Fashion Competition in France.
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Sachiko Toki
Modelism
Sachiko Toki
Modelism
After working at Comme des Garçons, she joined Trenta Co., Ltd. as a pattern maker and now also works as a freelance pattern maker specializing in wedding dresses.
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Shermeen Ahmed
Modelism
Shermeen Ahmed
Modelism
Graduating from the National College of Arts, Josai University, and ESMOD Japon, Shermeen worked as a graphic designer and set designer for the children’s TV channel Wicked, and as a marketing manager at Moody International.
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Teruhiko Sakamoto
Modelism
Teruhiko Sakamoto
Modelism
Freelance pattern maker. He has extensive experience in stage costume design and fashion shows.
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Thomas Vasseur
Art Director
Thomas Vasseur
Art Director
Graduated from ESMOD Roubaix, Thomas served as an assistant at Guy Laroche and Christian Lacroix before launching his own brand "Voir(e)" in 2016. He supported creative direction at ESMOD Roubaix and ESMOD Paris, and currently hold the position of Art Director at ESMOD Tokyo.
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Akemi Aoyama
Modelism
Akemi Aoyama
Modelism
Freelance pattern maker. After graduating from a fashion vocational school, she worked as a pattern maker at Yohji Yamamoto.
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Hiromi Harada
Western fashion and Textile history
Hiromi Harada
Western fashion and Textile history
Graduated from the Fashion Design Department at Toita Fashion Institute. After working as an assistant in the clothing department at a junior college, she lectures at both junior college and fashion vocational school, specializing in Western costume history and Western textile history.
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Ken Muroi
Visual Design
Ken Muroi
Visual Design
After graduating from the Department of Architecture and Design Engineering at Nagoya Institute of Technology, he enrolled at ESMOD Tokyo. While working as a freelance video producer, he contributed to the popupdress project and currently work at Études du Monde Co., Ltd.
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Kazuyo Kato
Modelism
Kazuyo Kato
Modelism
Pattern maker. Graduated from ESMOD Paris in Stylism and Modelism. Kazuyo worked in the planning department at Sanyo Shokai before serving as a lecturer in Modelism at ESMOD Beijing. She is currently the representative of Atelier Kato.
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Yoshiko Ogino
Modelism
Yoshiko Ogino
Modelism
Freelance pattern maker. After working as a pattern maker at Comme des Garçons, she became independent and now runs a personal atelier.
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Sadako Tei
Life Drawing
Sadako Tei
Life Drawing
Illustrator. In 1999, she founded L&T, and in 2014, became the representative of Crest Costume Co., Ltd. She specializes in design and illustration work for trend magazines and various corporate promotions.
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Hiroshi Goto
Modelism
Hiroshi Goto
Modelism
Graduated from ESMOD Tokyo, Goto has worked as a pattern maker at JUN Co., Ltd., However LLC, and Sanei-International CO.,LTD.
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Iwao Kawashima
Stylism
Iwao Kawashima
Stylism
Graduated from a fashion vocational school. He worked as a pattern maker at Yohji Yamamoto before moving to Italy. There, he worked as a pattern maker at Massimo Monteforte.
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Yota Toki
Modelism
Yota Toki
Modelism
Graduated from ESMOD Tokyo, Toki worked at High Bridge International before becoming independent. He is now the representative of TOKIS DESIGN and the director of YOTA TOKI.
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Elodie Burette
Stylism
Elodie Burette
Stylism
Designer and freelance illustrator. Elodie graduated from Studio Berçot. She have worked as a designer for renowned brands such as Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, Aritzia, and Beautiful People.
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Shoko Uematsu
Textile
Shoko Uematsu
Textile
Graduating from Tama Art University, she is currently based in Shanghai and Tokyo, where she is involved in the development of materials and products, contributing to both the creation and manufacturing process.
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Chieko Aoshika
Modelism
Chieko Aoshika
Modelism
Freelance pattern maker. She graduated from Japan Women's University and Hosono Fashion Institute. She also studied under renowned haute couture designer Hisashi Hosono. After working as a chief pattern maker for several prêt-à-porter companies, she became a freelance pattern maker, contributing to Tokyo Collection shows.
Career (Employment & Progression)
ESMOD boasts a strong track record of high employment rates both domestically and internationally. Through the cultivation of presentation skills, ensuring the accurate expression of one's ideas, and the development of exceptional technical abilities, ESMOD graduates gain recognition in the industry. Many secure positions in renowned companies and creative firms as designers, pattern makers and more.
Furthermore, a significant number of graduates have achieved success beyond Japan, particularly with prestigious luxury brands in France and other international markets. This global recognition of ESMOD’s professional education highlights its esteemed reputation within the global fashion industry.
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