PARIS EXCHANGE COURSE

Learn the richness of international sensibility and originality at ESMOD Paris

More than 300 graduates of the Paris Exchange Course have gone on to work for luxury brands in Paris and other cities, and many of them are also developing their own collection brands such as TOGA and HATRA. The school has also produced winners of international competitions such as the ITS, and has nurtured talents who have gone on to the world.

Course explanation

Admission Requirements

Graduates (including those expected to graduate) from high school or those recognized as having an equivalent level of education, as well as graduates, university students, vocational school students, and working professionals.
Study Period

3 years
Enrollment Period

April
Schedule

30 weeks throughout the year　From Monday to Friday　9am to 6pm
Tuition

Enrollment fees ¥300,000　Tuition fees ¥1,380,000　Insurance fees ¥12,000
French classes ¥60,000 (The information is based on the academic year 2024, but may change from year to year.)
For the third year, tuition fees are the same as those of the Paris Campus (please inquire for details).
Language

Japanese / English / French
Location

【1st and 2nd year】Tokyo Campus
【3rd year】Paris Campus
Selection Process

【AO Entrance Exam】Interview and self-expression work
【General Entrance Exam】Self-promotion essay, interview, and self-expression work
Other

Those with a basic level of fashion education may also transfer directly into the second year (transfer examination required).
International students are subject to conditions related to their status of residence and Japanese language proficiency for admission.
When studying abroad at the Paris campus, there will be a selection process conducted by instructors from the Paris campus to assess your level and language skills.
The third year at the Paris campus begins between late September and October.
We will provide support for the study abroad procedures to the Paris campus from the Tokyo campus.

Course contents

Educational Purpose

In the first and second years, students acquire solid skills and a rich sensibility through practical knowledge and innovative strategies at the Tokyo campus, studying fashion from multiple perspectives. In the third year, students study abroad at the ESMOD Paris campus.
At the Paris campus, students can choose from specialization (fields) not available at the Tokyo campus, such as luxury fashion, lingerie, childrenswear, unisex clothing, knitwear, and stage costumes.
Curriculum

▪︎Knowledge, creativity, and secret skills necessary to approach dressmaking from both the design and pattern-making sides.
▪︎The ability to establish a well-honed and solid individuality and concept.
▪︎The ability to understand fashion from a business perspective.
▪︎Understanding of the process from creation to production and sales, and marketing.
▪︎Flexibility, broad perspective, and innovative ideas.
1st Grade

A year dedicated to steadily acquiring the essential foundational knowledge and skills necessary for those aiming to succeed in the future fashion industry.

- Stylism (Design)
　- Personal worldview
　- Color studies
　- Basics of design drawing
　- Illustration
　- Creative process
　- Item research
　- Brand analysis
　- Portfolio creation

- Modelism (patternmaking + sewing)
　- Basic sewing techniques
　- Skirt creation theory to production
　- Shirt/blouse creation theory to production
　- Dress creation theory to production

- Liberal Arts Courses
　- Marketing
　- Visual design (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)
　- Textiles
　- Croquis
　- History of clothing

At ESMOD Tokyo, you can showcase your work in a fashion show starting from your first year.
As preparation for studying abroad at the Paris campus, French language classes are mandatory starting from the first year.
2nd Grade

Building on the foundational knowledge acquired during the first year, students will enhance their skills by applying advanced techniques to create complex garments, such as jackets, mastering the ability to handle a wide range of designs.
To deepen their understanding of the fashion industry, students will participate in industry-university cooperative projects and corporate partnerships.
These initiatives provide a chance to engage in practical collection creation from the perspective of managing a brand.

- Stylism (Design)
　- Self-creativity analysis
　- Item research
　- Visual research
　- Trend and media analysis
　- Group planning
　- Brand launch
　- Portfolio creation

- Modelism (patternmaking + sewing)
　- Tailored jacket creation theory to production
　- Luxury casual wear creation theory to production
　- Pants creation theory to production
　- Coat creation theory to production
　- Group project and collaboration project planning to creation

- Liberal Arts Courses
　- Marketing
　- Merchandising
　- Textiles
　- Croquis
　- CAD
　- French

From the second year, students can choose to specialize in Metawear, focusing on 3D design tools within the Stylism program, or specialize in menswear within the Modelism program (please contact us for more details on these specializations).

In the industry-university collaboration project, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the product life cycle and the practical aspects of the fashion industry, from planning and design to pattern making, merchandising, production, public relations, marketing, visual presentation, and sales, by launching a brand as a group.
Through collaborations with companies, students will also participate in projects related to SDGs and upcycling, gaining hands-on experience from planning to commercialization.

As part of studying abroad at the Paris campus in the third year, there is an advancement test conducted by the Paris campus instructors. Each student will present their portfolio and creations related to their chosen field in French.
3rd Grade

While studying abroad at the Paris campus, students will create their own collection brands in their respective fields of interest.
Additionally, company internships are mandatory, which broadens opportunities for employment in the fashion industry.

- Stylism (Design)
　- Photo shooting
　- Graphic design
　- Communication approach
　- Business planning
　- Graduation collection production
　- Corporate training

- Modelism (patternmaking + sewing)
　- Creation of work for graduation collection

- Paris Campus Major (varies from year to year)
　- Sportswear & Outdoor
　- Nouvelle couture
　- Artistic performance
　- Menswear
　- Contemporary womenswear
　- Luxury
　- Emerging designers
　- Child & Teen
　- Lingerie & Bodywear
　- Accessories

Since the academic year at the Paris campus starts in September, there is an optional program for supplementary French language courses available before that time.
Upon graduating from the Paris campus in the third year, students can obtain the French national university diploma equivalent qualification (Level 6).
Furthermore, it is possible to advance to a Master's level course (4th and 5th years) that trains students to become Creative Directors.