SCAD: art and fashion school in the Luberon celebrates its 20th anniversary

It is probably one of France's most beautiful art and fashion schools. Situated on a plateau overlooking the Luberon valley, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) intends to be discussed on its 20th anniversary.

In France, its name may not be as common as the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), ESMOD or Studio Berçot, but it has its reputation. Pierre Cardin, Ghada Amer, and even John Malkovich have travelled to the university to give lectures and provide mentorship for students. A private, non-profit university, the SCAD offers more than 100 study programs. It is also present in the United States, in Atlanta and in Savannah, the city where it was created in 1978. Its courses revolve around training graduates oriented toward fashion and art, as well as the following: styling, architecture, art history, interior design, painting, cinema, textiles and even brand management. The school particularly stood out at the beginning of April by creating a course dedicated to the design of sneakers.

The idyllic setting of the medieval village of Lacoste, the lavender fields and medieval caves all contribute to the international students' decision to study at the university - SCAD Lacoste welcomes around a hundred students every eight weeks.

SCAD: “Isabel Toledo, a love letter”

After the exhibition “Notre Ami, Pierre Cardin”, presented by the SCAD in 2021, the university was inaugurated on April 9 at Lacoste “Isabel Toledo, a love letter”. This new exhibit “marks the launch of the university's year-long celebration of activities and festivities that honour SCAD Lacoste's 20th anniversary milestone,” the school said in a statement. Born in Cuba in 1960, fashion designer Isabel Toledo grew up in the United States and worked with fashion editor Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute before presenting her first eponymous collection in 1985.

"Isabel has often described her work as 'romantic math', with each design combining precise geometric construction and unearthly grace," Paula Wallace, SCAD's president and founder, said in a statement. "SCAD pays tribute to Isabel's work at SCAD FASH Lacoste, where students and guests can experience her genius."

The festivities will continue with an exhibition dedicated to a great French couture designer, theatrical performances, a light show and a French animation festival.

The public has until June 10, 2022, to come and see the exhibition and take the opportunity to discover this place of creation in a unique setting.

Originally published on FashionUnited.fr and translated by Andrea Byrne.