Accademia Costume e Moda
Accademia Costume e Moda stands as one of Italy's most prestigious fashion institutions, founded in 1964 in the heart of Rome. The academy has earned international recognition for its rigorous approach to fashion education, seamlessly blending Italian craftsmanship traditions with contemporary design innovation. As an officially recognized institution by the Italian Ministry of Education, the academy awards legally recognized academic degrees equivalent to university qualifications, positioning graduates for successful careers in the global fashion industry. The institution's philosophy centers on nurturing creative talent while instilling a deep understanding of the fashion system's commercial realities. Students benefit from an educational approach that values both artistic expression and technical proficiency, learning from faculty members who are active professionals in fashion design, costume design, and related creative fields. The academy maintains strong connections with major Italian fashion houses and international brands, providing students with invaluable industry exposure throughout their studies. Accademia Costume e Moda has distinguished itself particularly in costume design for film, television, and theater, producing graduates who have contributed to award-winning productions worldwide. The institution's dual focus on fashion and costume design creates unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning, allowing students to explore the rich intersections between contemporary fashion and historical costume traditions. This distinctive educational positioning has attracted students from over sixty countries seeking to develop their creative vision within Italy's unparalleled fashion heritage.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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Student Life & Environment
Living in Rome as a design student means experiencing a city where beauty surrounds you but fashion does not dominate the conversation the way it does in Milan. This creates space for developing a personal aesthetic rather than following trends, though it also means fewer industry networking opportunities. Students find inspiration in unexpected places, from Renaissance paintings to the way Roman women style themselves for an evening passeggiata. The school's location in central Rome provides easy access to museums, galleries, and the social life of the historic center. Students gather after class in piazzas and trattorias, forming friendships across cultural backgrounds. The relatively small size of the school means everyone becomes familiar, creating a community that persists after graduation. Rome's cost of living has risen but remains lower than Milan or northern European capitals. Finding housing requires starting the search early and being prepared for the particularities of Italian rental markets. Many students share apartments, which helps both with costs and with adjustment to life in a new city.
Location & Surroundings
Rome presents a unique backdrop for studying design. Every street offers lessons in proportion, color, and the integration of old and new. The Baroque fountains, medieval churches, and ancient ruins provide a living textbook of Western aesthetic development. This historical depth influences how students think about their own work, even when creating contemporary designs. The city sprawls across its seven hills and beyond, with traffic that can frustrate and public transportation that mostly works. Most design students focus their lives in the historic center and nearby neighborhoods like Trastevere and Testaccio, where the rhythm of Italian life continues despite the tourist crowds. The academy's central location means reaching it from most residential neighborhoods takes a manageable commute. Italy's position in Europe makes travel easy. Weekend trips to Florence, Naples, or even Paris and Barcelona become possible during breaks. The Italian fashion calendar brings events to Milan and Florence, with some reaching Rome, giving students exposure to the industry they are preparing to enter.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the academy runs between 8,000 and 14,000 euros annually depending on the program. This positions it between less expensive public universities and the most prestigious private fashion schools. Living in Rome requires budgeting for rent, food, and the various expenses of student life. Expect to need at least 800 to 1,000 euros monthly for living costs beyond tuition. Scholarships from the academy itself are limited, but Italian regional programs and some private foundations offer funding for qualifying students. Non-EU students may find fewer funding options. Part-time work is possible, though balancing a demanding studio program with employment requires careful management. Career paths after graduation lead to fashion houses, costume workshops, theater companies, and film productions. Some graduates start their own labels or freelance as designers. The school's network in Italian fashion and entertainment provides connections, but success requires talent, persistence, and professional behavior. Costume design graduates often find work more readily given the constant production needs of Italian film and television.
Campus Location
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