Attention all creatives: Arizona State University’s fashion programs are now available at its Los Angeles location! Based at the ASU California Center, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising’s (FIDM) esteemed faculty, renowned reputation, and prime location makes it a perfect choice for those seeking an exciting career in fashion.
Here’s why studying in LA at ASU FIDM is the perfect place to earn a fashion degree.
Close-knit industry connections
In LA, you’ll be in the entertainment industry capital of the US, near to some of the biggest brands in the world and surrounded by creative minds.
ASU FIDM partners with well-known companies such as Disney, Nike, NARS, Victoria’s Secret, and Converse, along with many other leading production companies, film studios, media outlets, and fashion houses.
Through these partnerships, you can take on job placements, internships, or do embedded coursework. Previous FIDM students have gotten valuable work experience at companies like:
- L’Oréal
- ColourPop
- NBC Universal
- Warner Bros
- Dolce & Gabana
Top-ranked university with career-launching programs
ASU is a highly ranked university, attracting world-class faculty and a large international student body. You’ll get to take advantage of your professors’ expertise, grow your community, and graduate with a degree from a globally renowned university.
#1 in the US for innovation for 10 years
U.S. News & World Report 2016–2025
#1 public university in US chosen by international students
Institute of International Education 2024
Top 10 sustainable fashion schools in the world
The University Network 2021
As one of six schools within the renowned Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, FIDM will place you at the leading edge of fashion. You’ll get hands-on experience, build an impactful portfolio, and complete your program with a capstone project demonstrating the skills and expertise developed during your studies. You can choose from six bachelor’s (BA) and associate (AA) programs, including:
- Fashion, BA
- Fashion (Apparel Technical Design), BA
- Fashion (Design), BA
- Apparel Technical Design, AA
- Fashion Styling, AA
- Merchandising, AA
Getting a degree from FIDM will place you among a long list of successful alumni, including fashion designer Kevan Hall, Academy Award-nominated costume designer Trish Summerville, and Emmy Award-winning costume designer Marina Toybina.
Excellent resources at your fingertips
FIDM classes take place in state-of-the-art design studios, computer labs, and classrooms with industry-grade equipment alongside knowledgeable professors, whose expertise will be very beneficial to your academic success. Many FIDM faculty have led successful careers across fashion and retail — including at luxury brands like Moschino, Chanel, Dior & Jean Paul Gaultier — and continue to work outside of teaching. From award-winning fashion designers to creative directors and product developers, you’ll learn from some of the best in the business.
You’ll also get to study at the ASU FIDM Museum, LA’s only fashion museum with a 15,000-piece collection representing over 400 years of fashion history. ASU FIDM Museum also has a study collection of over 1,500 pieces from fashion houses like Versace, Dior, Lagerfeld, and more that students can visit by appointment.
The specialized library at ASU California Center Grand has been designed to fit the needs of FIDM students, with a whole floor dedicated to fashion, costume, visual arts, graphic design, and architecture. From books and periodicals to a swatch room and collection of sustainable products, it’s a great place to do research and expand your fashion knowledge.
California Center Grand is right next to Grand Hope Park, a large greenspace featuring art pieces from local creatives, a clock tower, and tons of space for community events, including fashion shows. It’s also a great place to enjoy the California sunshine in between classes!
A city that fits like a glove
Home to almost 140,000 international students, some of the best schools in the country, and famously sunny weather, it’s no wonder that LA is the #4 best student city in the US (QS Rankings 2025).
As an ASU student, you’ll have the opportunity to live at Broadway Palace, a majestic student housing apartment only a 10-minute walk from California Center Grand.
Living and studying close to the Fashion District means you’ll have easy access to amazing fabrics stores, stylish clothing shops, and arts and craft suppliers. You’ll also be near the Entertainment, Jewelry, and Financial Districts, so there will be lots to explore!
LA is a melting pot of communities, with thriving Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese communities. Home to one of only three Japantowns in the US, LA’s Little Tokyo is a hub for all things Japanese food, shopping, and culture. And Korea Town, also known as K-Town, is a major hot spot, with some of the most 24-hour restaurants and business in the country, plenty of shopping, and delicious Korean BBQ. Enjoy the tasty eats, fashion-forward stores, and all that these vibrant districts have to offer. LA is a city you’ll never get bored in!
Apply to ASU FIDM today
Kaplan is here to help every step of the way, from completing ASU FIDM’s admissions process and getting your visa to pre-arrival and dedicated international student support. Ready to apply now? Just follow the link below!
