The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Lacoste is probably one of the most attractive art and fashion schools in France. Perched on a plateau overlooking the Luberon Valley, the SCAD wants to make a name for itself on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.
In France, this name may not be as familiar as that of other fashion schools, such as those of the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), ESMOD or Studio Berçot, but the SCAD has a good reputation. Pierre Cardin, Ghada Amer and even John Malkovich would visit the lofty heights of SCAD to lecture and mentor students. SCAD is a private, not-for-profit university offering over 100 degree programs and also has US offices in Atlanta and Savannah, where it was founded in 1978. The courses are geared towards the fields of fashion and art: fashion design, architecture, art history, interior design, painting, film, textiles and brand management. The school drew attention in early April by establishing a sneaker design degree program.
The school’s idyllic setting also contributes to the choice of international students to study here – SCAD Lacoste welcomes around 100 students every eight weeks. The medieval village of Lacoste, the lavender fields, a swimming pool, an old farm and medieval caves converted into student residences add to the site’s attractiveness.
SCAD: Exhibitions in honor of Pierre Cardin, Isabel Toledo
Following the exhibition ‘Notre Ami, Pierre Cardin’ presented by SCAD in 2021, the University inaugurated ‘Isabel Toledo, a love letter’ in Lacoste on April 9th. This new exhibit “marks the beginning of the year as the university engages in activities and celebrations in honor of SCAD Lacoste’s 20th anniversary,” 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 collection under her own name in 1985.
“Isabel has often described her work as romantic mathematics, with each design blending precise geometric construction with otherworldly grace,” said Paula Wallace, President and Founder of SCAD. “SCAD honors Isabel’s work at SCAD FASH Lacoste, where students and guests see her experience genius”.
The celebrations continue with an exhibition, theatrical performances, a light show and an animation festival.
The public has until June 10, 2022 to visit the exhibition and take the opportunity to discover this creative place with its unique environment.
This article was previously published on FashionUnited.fr. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ