Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design

The Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design in Copenhagen, Denmark offers a comprehensive three-year full-time fashion design program and both short and summer courses. Formerly known as Margrethe-Skolen, the academy continues to build on its rich history of fashion education in the region.

The Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (formerly Margrethe-Skolen) was founded in 1931 by Margrethe Glad and is named after the school's patroness, Princess Margrethe of Bourbon-Parma. The school's early success can be attributed to Margrethe Glad’s extensive social network and her travels to Paris. Her language skills and pedagogical expertise also played a significant role. At the time, interest in textile courses was high, but SAFD's focus on cutting, sewing, and designing elegant fashion with an international touch was innovative and the study tours to Paris organised for students were pioneering.

In 1937, SAFD moved to Frederiksholms Canal with a curriculum rooted in French haute couture tailoring, including pattern cutting, sewing, and draping. After Margrethe Glad retired, the school relocated in 1945 to Badstuestræde under the leadership of Inga Madsen, who remained until her passing in 2008. Christina Beckman then became the director, guiding the school through further developments. The school moved to Østergade in 1953, and in 2012, it returned to larger, modern facilities in Badstuestræde, reflecting its growth and evolving educational environment.

In 2017, the institution officially changed its name from Margrethe-Skolen to the Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design - marking a new chapter in its history. Located in Copenhagen, SAFD has over 85 years of experience in training influential designers, stylists, and industry professionals. The school is highly regarded, with industry expert Erik Mortensen noting that SAFD emphasizes inspiring students to explore the heart of creativity, fashion, and aesthetics, maintaining a reputation for excellence that challenges students to seek innovative solutions. 

SAFD’s mission centers on fostering creativity, originality, and individuality among its students. The school’s dynamic environment encourages students to develop their personal style and technical skills, preparing them to realize design projects for industry, brands, or personal ventures. The curriculum challenges students to push their limits—creating new forms, experimenting with materials, and mastering technical drawing—ultimately equipping them with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to society through innovation, quality, and sustainability in fashion and design.

Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design (SAFD) offers diverse courses tailored to develop students' skills in fashion and design. The programs include a professional bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, which combines creative design techniques with technical skills such as pattern making, sewing, and textile understanding. This comprehensive course aims to prepare students for careers in the fashion industry by fostering both artistic expression and industry-relevant competency.

In addition to the bachelor’s program, SAFD offers a diploma-level course focused on fashion styling and visual communication. This program emphasizes styling techniques, fashion photography, and presentation skills, enabling students to work in editorial, commercial, or personal styling contexts. The courses also include modules on fashion history and trend forecasting, providing students with a broad understanding of the industry’s cultural and commercial aspects.

SAFD also provides specialized short courses and workshops aimed at professionals and enthusiasts seeking to enhance specific skills. These include courses in pattern drafting, sewing techniques, and sustainable fashion practices. Such courses are designed to be flexible, catering to those already working in or entering the fashion industry who want to update or deepen their expertise.

Furthermore, SAFD emphasizes industry collaboration through internships, project work, and partnerships with fashion brands and companies. These practical elements are integrated into the curriculum to give students real-world experience and better prepare them for employment after graduation. Overall, the courses at SAFD balance creativity, technical skills, and industry insights to equip students for dynamic careers in fashion and design.

Although there is no formal data on job integration, Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s graduates have for many years held a graduation show and event during the Copenhagen Fashion Week, which is visited by more than 40,000 international buyers, designers and press. Here, the students give their take on future fashion in the form of creative and craftsmanship skills. The invitees range from industry professionals, bloggers, influencers and journalists, which is an excellent opportunity to network and establish connections.

By participating in fashion events, Scandinavian Academy of Fashion Design’s education is an excellent stepping stone for the students to the international fashion scene. The academy also has brand and company projects as well as society and culture lessons. In this way, fashion theory is integrated as a tool used to place fashion in a societal, cultural context, and gives the student insight into the structures of the fashion industry.

The school’s graduates have achieved great recognition and success both nationally and internationally, including: Margit Brandt, Henriette Zobel, Susanne Rützou, Benedikte Utzon, Lene Sand, René Gurskov, Louise Lynge Bjerregaard, Bitte Kai Rand, Laura Tønder, Anne Vestesen, Bente Lundquist, Elaine Hersby, Trice Tomsen, Princess Benedikte, Princess Elisabeth and others. Her Royal Highness Princess Benedikte is the school’s patroness and the school has established a foundation from which the Benedikte Prize is awarded. 

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