While some of fashion's biggest names are self-taught, many influential designers started with a college education, often in fields far removed from fashion itself. Here's a glimpse at the academic backgrounds of some notable designers:
- Ralph Lauren (Baruch College): The iconic designer behind the Polo brand dropped out of Baruch College but his knack for style led him to creating a timeless style with influence from all over the world.
- Miuccia Prada (University of Milan): The head of the luxury leather goods empire didn't begin with fashion. Instead, she earned a Ph.D. in political science before stepping into the family business.
- Tom Ford (New York University & Parsons School of Design): After a brief stint at NYU, Ford transferred to Parsons to study interior architecture, leading him to successful career in the fashion world.
- Tory Burch (University of Pennsylvania): With a degree in art history, Burch worked in fashion communications before launching her own brand.
- Zang Toi (Parsons): Though he originally loved to draw and sketch, Zang Toi made it in the fashion world by opening a New York City atelier in 1989.
- Tracy Reese (Parsons): After attending a summer program and later completing an accelerated program, Reese has worked with popular brands and eventually launched her own.
- Ralph Rucci (Temple University & Fashion Institute of Technology): Rucci has made a name for himself by creating womenswear.
