School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
SAIC is the private art school of the Art Institute of Chicago. Its Fashion Design department is based on the seventh floor of the Sullivan Center on South Wabash Avenue.
About the school
Its history traces to an art students’ cooperative founded in 1866, which grew into the museum and school. SAIC has been accredited since 1936 by the Higher Learning Commission and since 1944 by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, of which it is a charter member.
Fashion
SAIC offers fashion design at undergraduate and graduate level, including a BFA with a Fashion Design and Construction pathway and a two-year MFA. The department holds an annual fashion show, and its Fashion Resource Center is a collection open to visitors on campus.
Notable fashion alumni
- Cynthia Rowley
- Halston
Recognition
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, SAIC was 9th in the world for Art & Design. QS ranks institutions as a whole, so this is not a fashion-specific ranking.
At a glance
Origins
1866, as an art students’ cooperative
Location
Sullivan Center and campus buildings, Chicago
Type
Private art school
Fashion
Department of Fashion Design
Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org); SAIC Fashion Design department (saic.edu); FashionUnited, SAIC showcases fashion design students (fashionunited.com); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org); QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Art & Design (topuniversities.com). Details can change, so check with the school before applying.
Spotted an error or something out of date? Email contact@thevanillaissue.com and the page will be checked against the sources and updated. Designers and schools can also use this address to correct or remove a listing.
Studied here?
Create a free profile and get your collection in front of our readers.