Private institution LIM College has announced a new hybrid bachelor’s degree program in partnership with French fashion school ESMOD, allowing students to earn a BBA in Fashion Design and Business starting with the fall 2027 semester.
The Bottom Line
- Students will split their education between LIM’s Midtown Manhattan campus and ESMOD in Paris, completing sophomore and junior years abroad.
- The curriculum requires two mandatory internships and the presentation of a fashion collection as a graduation capstone.
- The dual-literacy program stems from a broader integration strategy following LIM’s union under the Japan Educational Foundation umbrella.
Structuring the Midtown to Paris Curriculum
Freshmen begin their academic journey at LIM’s Midtown Manhattan campus. During this initial phase, students build foundational skills in marketing, management, and communications while undertaking French language instruction to prepare for overseas immersion.
LIM College and ESMOD Paris launch a new inter-continental bachelor's degree in fashion design and business. Read more! https://t.co/tmNtg7aciU
Following the first year, student focus shifts toward technical design. Sophomores and juniors relocate to Paris to study at ESMOD, recognized as the world’s oldest fashion school, founded in 1841 by master tailor Alexis Lavigne. There, students navigate a technique-driven design curriculum. For the final senior year, candidates return to the Midtown Manhattan campus to complete their undergraduate studies. To meet graduation requirements, students must fulfill two internships and present a fashion collection as their capstone project.
Corporate Strategy Under the Japan Educational Foundation
The institutional alignment between LIM and ESMOD began after LIM joined its French counterpart under the Japan Educational Foundation umbrella.
LIM President Ron Marshall emphasized that contemporary lifestyle and apparel enterprises demand cross-functional competence rather than isolated expertise. “Great ideas are not enough,” Marshall stated, pointing to the necessity of combining execution-level design skills with overarching business acumen. He added that students participating in the collaborative initiative will graduate with working knowledge, direct experience, and global professional networks spanning both disciplines.
| Program Milestone | Location | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Year | Midtown Manhattan, New York | Marketing, Management, Communications, French |
| Sophomore & Junior Years | Paris, France (ESMOD) | Design, Technique-Driven Curriculum |
| Senior Year | Midtown Manhattan, New York | Advanced Studies, Capstone Collection, Internships |
Cross-Border Integration and Future Institutional Expansion
ESMOD students contributed looks to LIM’s 81st annual fashion show held in April, which featured work by student designer Marion Badin.
Marshall indicated that the current dual-degree rollout serves as a template for broader multi-institutional alignment.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
