Fashion school: Q&A with Fashion Design Institut (FDI)

Fashion Design Institut (FDI) is based in Düsseldorf, Germany that focuses on innovative design and offers two study paths 'Fashion Design and Dressmaking' and 'Fashion-Journalism'. FashionUnited recently spoke to CFO Harald Thomas to discuss the type of courses the college offers, the impact of Covid-19, and the future plans of the institute.

How has the transition from internal learning to distance learning been for the school and the students?

Individual subjects have already been taught online for many years, so it was possible for us to switch the other subjects immediately. Through our hygiene plan, it was possible to continue to teach subjects that require very practical skills, e.g. manufacturing technology, even in the pandemic, in order to ensure the quality of the students.

How would you describe the FDI student community?

At the moment there are 68 nations with different attitudes, lifestyles, perspectives at our institute. In this melting pot of nations, the craziest creations are thus born and decisively shape the later life and work of the graduates.

What kind of courses does the FDI offer? What is the area of focus?

The classic courses: international fashion design, fashion journalism, fashion marketing/management. The focus is to provide the most practical training possible for all students, whether they want to start their own business or take on management roles in companies.

What do we need to know about FDI?

We are particularly proud that even in pandemic times our graduates have managed to find jobs worldwide within 9 months. Through our collaboration with Harvard USA, we will further strengthen our marketing and management courses.

What are the plans for this year? Are there any new things coming up?

There will be two new degree programs starting in October 2022. International Fashion Design & Marketing and International Fashion Journalism & Photography.

Do you have any tips for future students who want to study at the FDI?

You don't have to submit a special artistic portfolio, because we want to recognize the creative person in everyone in the personal interview and then promote them individually at our institute.

Images: FDI by Anna Helm