History

As one of the ten largest cities in the United States in the late 1970's, it's hard to believe that San Diego ever lacked specialized education in fashion. Yet, as the 1980s approached, there were still no private fashion colleges calling San Diego "home." It was at this time Patricia O'Connor, an educator and entrepreneur, decided to fill this fashion void by founding Fashion Careers College (FCC), formerly Fashion Careers of California College. Approved by the Department of Education and State of California, FCC became a nationally accredited college by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools in 1979.

O'Connor's contribution to the world of fashion has won her international acclaim as an innovator in fashion education and training. Most recently, O'Connor was recognized by Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife, Cherie Blair, for her role in creating the Graduate and Internship programs for Zandra Rhodes. Today, O'Connor also works as a representative for the Private Postsecondary Schools and Colleges in the construction of the California Master Plan for Education in Sacramento, kindergarten through university.