In 1841, Alexis Lavigne Master Tailor of Empress Eugenie - wife of Napoleon III - founded the world's first fashion design school. A true pioneer, he invented the tailorʼs dummy and the flexible measuring tape, and developed methods of pattern making.

When he passed away, his family maintained the schoolʼs tradition by continuing to teach his methods.

1970-1990: As high street and ready to wear fashion developed with the emergence of the "creative designers", the school opened its doors to foreign students and became ESMOD International by developing a network of schools across the world.

1980-1990: As marketing gained importance in brand development, ESMOD International opened ISEM (Institut Superieur de la Mode), a business administration school specialized in fashion.

1990 to present: ESMOD now has schools in 21 cities around the world: Berlin, Beirut, Pekin, Bordeaux, Damascus, Dubai, Istanbul, Jakarta, Lyon, Moscow, Munich, Osaka, Oslo, Paris, Rennes, Roubaix, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Sousse, Tokyo, Tunis. It teaches a unique method, constantly revised, updated and adapted to each culture. Today ESMOD has around 4000 students globally doing the BA program and more than 20,000 alumni across the world, providing an invaluable network.

About ESMOD

For 170 years, ESMOD International Fashion University Group has been training creative designers and professionals in the Fashion industry. Today, ESMOD has 21 Schools in 4 continents with over 4000 students and 350 teachers.

Professors with extensive teaching and professional experience will be offering different programs:

• 3 year degree in Fashion Design and Creation
• Short courses and seminars in Fashion Design, Pattern Making, Draping, Fashion Management and Marketing

Exchange programs within ESMOD's network give ESMOD ISTANBUL students the opportunity to continue their education and discover another culture in Berlin, Beirut, Pekin, Moscow, Tokyo, Seoul, Sao Paolo and Paris.