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One Student Makes Fashion Design School Sound Hellish

By Adele Chapin
Photo: Getty
Photo: Getty

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Being a fashion student at Parsons The New School For Design sounds somewhat hellish, as told by The Cut via an anonymous fashion student at the school. Turns out all is not as magical as it seems on Project Runway. "In the show they make it seem fun, like this all takes place at the wonderful Parsons, and I get there and the faculty is bitter, people hate the show, and you have to fend for yourself," the student said.

When you're only sleeping five hours a night on average, there's no time to get dressed up or do your makeup. There's no time for dating either, and people take Adderall and fight for workspace at the school over the weekend. The Cut's source said: "I see one student cry a semester. Most of the sensitive kids get weeded out, but there are a few left. It is heartbreaking, and everyone in the class is really uncomfortable."

The school's uniform is just as depressing and pretty much limited to black, gray, and white: "Sometimes I feel like I don't necessarily fit in with the cool kids at school. They wear really drape-y, all black, all white—that's the new gothic—oversize, and baggy. It's almost clinical, and they have an attitude about them. Everyone is obsessed with Rick Owens and Raf Simons."

And students can spend major bucks on their thesis, which could be key to getting a job in fashion. "I ended saving about $1,500 from working, but I know one student spent $20,000 on their thesis, and that includes having things sent out, the fabric, or having things done to the fabric, either dyeing or washing or embellishing, and then having samples made."
· Tears, Shears, and Adderall: My Life As a Parsons Fashion Student [The Cut]
· Parsons Dean Says Fashion Bloggers Can't Count, Wear 'Curtains' [Racked NY]
· For the Fashion Grad: Inspiration From 30 Parsons Designers [Racked NY]

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