Dezeen Magazine

MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment at the School of the Art Institute Chicago

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The MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago challenges students to explore fashion in a broader context.

The Master of Fine Arts in Fashion, Body and Garment degree provides a unique, interdisciplinary experience that challenges students to bring an artistic and theoretical approach to their work.

School: School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Course: MFA in Fashion, Body and Garment
Location: Chicago, United States
Type: Postgraduate
Course dates: August 2026 to May 2028 or 2029
Application deadline: Continuous enrolment, accepting applications

Find out more about the course and apply ›

a photograph of a person wearing an abstract fashion garment
The course challenges students to approach fashion through broader societal contexts

What will I learn during this course?

– Students undertake a deep individual investigation of fashion within the broader context of community, sustainability, technology and the industry. Uniquely situated within a vibrant contemporary school of art and design, this programme builds on the innumerable connections and relationships between art, design and fashion.

What are the requirements?

– Students must have an undergraduate degree and fill out an application and submit an e-portfolio
– Students can apply for the two-year MFA programme, designed for those with prior fashion experience looking to build on their existing foundations and elevate their portfolios to new heights, or the three-year MFA programme

What facilities and resources are available?

– Industrial and specialised sewing machines
– A fully equipped footwear lab
– Dye facility
– Knit lab and knitting machines
– Fur machines
– Plotter for computerised pattern-making
– Computer lab
– Remote access to Gerber digital pattern making
– 3D modeling software
– Fashion Service Centre with check-out access to dress-forms
– Grommet presses

a photograph of people wearing white garments atop a body of water, surrounded by greenery
Students are encouraged to look to design and art for reference and inspiration

What career prospects can I expect upon graduating?

Graduates of the programme go on to work in design studios, to create their own lines or to display their work in galleries, installations, performance or theatrical settings.

Who teaches this course?

– Students work directly with SAIC's internationally renowned faculty of fashion innovators, including visionary Nick Cave and designer Liat Smestad. Students are exposed to professional practices from both art and design, engaging in studio visits, networking and the development of individual student career trajectories through professional practice seminars.

a photograph of a person holding garments, surrounded by clothes rails
The course takes place in Chicago, USA, and can be completed across two or three years

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