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How to Prepare a Fashion Design Portfolio for ESMOD and Marangoni?

Da Vinci Academy | Istanbul
March 2, 2026 by
Da Vinci Akademi

What are ESMOD and Marangoni?

ESMOD and Istituto Marangoni are two of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world.

ESMOD, founded in 1841 in Paris, is the world's first fashion school. It has 13 campuses worldwide, including in Paris, Berlin, Istanbul, Dubai, and Tokyo. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing.

Istituto Marangoni, established in 1935 in Milan, is a globally recognized fashion and design school. It has campuses in Milan, Paris, London, Miami, and Mumbai. It provides education in Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Styling, and Luxury Brand Management.

What is Required for ESMOD Application?

  • Portfolio
  • Motivation letter
  • High school diploma or transcript
  • Language proficiency certificate (English or French)
  • Identification document

What is Required for Marangoni Application?

  • Portfolio
  • Motivation letter
  • High school diploma or transcript
  • English language proficiency certificate
  • Identification document

What Should the ESMOD and Marangoni Portfolio Look Like?

A fashion school portfolio is different from other art and design portfolios. The following is expected:

Fashion Drawings:Technical and creative fashion figure drawings form the foundation of your portfolio. You need to showcase both your technical drawing and creative illustration skills.

Fabric and Material Studies:Experimental studies with different types of fabrics and textures are expected. Fabric selection and material knowledge are critical for fashion schools.

Collage and Moodboard:Moodboards that show trend analysis and your sources of inspiration are an important part of your portfolio.

Design Projects:At least 2 to 3 complete collection projects that demonstrate the entire design process from the idea stage to the finished product are expected.

Pattern and Sewing Studies:Pattern works and sewn pieces that demonstrate your technical knowledge strengthen your portfolio.

Difference Between ESMOD and Marangoni


ESMODMarangoni
EstablishmentParis, 1841Milan, 1935
FocusFashion Design and MarketingFashion, Luxury, Style
Campuses13 countriesMilan, Paris, London, Miami
LanguageFrench or EnglishEnglish
ScholarshipAvailableAvailable

How to Write a Motivation Letter?

ESMOD and Marangoni place great importance on the motivation letter. Pay attention to the following:

  • Describe your passion for fashion design
  • Mention designers and collections that influence you
  • Explain why you chose this school
  • Specify your career goals
  • Use an original and sincere language

Da Vinci Academy's ESMOD and Marangoni Achievements

At Da Vinci Academy, our students have been accepted to both ESMOD and Istituto Marangoni and have received scholarships. Among our 2025 graduates, İnci Nouri received a scholarship from Marangoni, while our other students have also been accepted into ESMOD and Marangoni programs.

Common Mistakes in Portfolio Preparation

1. Presenting only drawings:A fashion portfolio is not just about drawings. Fabric studies, collages, and completed pieces are also essential.

2. Skipping trend analysis:Fashion schools want to see your ability to read and analyze trends. Prepare your mood boards carefully.

3. Not presenting a complete collection:Present collection projects that are thought out from start to finish instead of individual pieces.

4. Underestimating the motivation letter:In fashion schools, the motivation letter is as important as the portfolio.

Preparation for ESMOD and Marangoni with Da Vinci Academy

At Da Vinci Academy, we have worked with students who have been accepted to ESMOD and Marangoni and have received scholarships. What we offer to our students:

  • Portfolio preparation tailored to the expectations of ESMOD and Marangoni
  • Fashion drawing and technical training
  • Motivation letter writing support
  • Scholarship application guidance
  • Online and studio training options

Contact us for your ESMOD or Marangoni application.

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