Course
The Master in Fashion Accessories Design program transcends traditional accessory design education by merging technical excellence with creative innovation. This course employs a holistic approach to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of two of the most iconic and transformative elements in fashion: bags and shoes. Students develop advanced skills in design, technical execution, and creative conceptualization while gaining deep insights into materials, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics. They cultivate the unique ability to translate creative vision into commercially viable products while maintaining focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and market relevance.
Through immersion in Florence’s rich tradition of leather craftsmanship and contemporary design methodologies, we nurture visionary designers who can seamlessly navigate both the technical and creative aspects of accessory design. The course focuses on developing comprehensive product knowledge, advanced technical skills, sustainable practices, and innovative design approaches, all while maintaining a sharp understanding of market demands and consumer preferences.
Polimoda strives to create graduates with an independent vision, capable of striking the perfect balance between creative expression and technical precision. Our goal is to equip students with the tools to not just participate in, but to innovatively shape and redefine the future of Fashion Accessories design.
Highlights
This 32-week course covers the spectrum from conceptual and theoretical knowledge (design research and contemporary fashion) to practical application (leather and materials research, patternmaking and prototyping) and real-world industry experience (developing collections, collaborating on industry projects). This comprehensive skill set prepares you for a wide range of roles in the fashion industry while helping you develop essential soft skills such as creativity, technical precision, problem-solving, and innovation.
- Master advanced design skills and illustration techniques
- Explore contemporary fashion context and its influence on accessory design
- Learn sophisticated patternmaking techniques for both bags and shoes
- Develop prototyping skills using professional equipment and methods
- Study leather and alternative materials in depth
- Master hardware design and implementation
- Explore digital design tools
- Develop technical knowledge of construction methods
- Create a professional portfolio
- Engage in industry applied projects
- Develop business acumen for the accessory market
- Build a network within the fashion industry
- Build relationships with students from different courses
- Develop cross-discipline knowledge
- Industry based projects
- Build a network of young talents
Learning method​
The course employs diverse learning approaches including:
- Practical workshops in specialized laboratories
- Theory classes with industry professionals
- Individual and group projects
- Guest lectures and industry workshops
- Field trips to manufacturing facilities
- Regular project reviews and feedback sessions
- Applied learning through industry based projects
- Portfolio development guidance
- 700 contact hours
During their course of study, students will work on individual projects in order to practice their skills and develop their own portfolio.
Lessons can be practical, taking place in shoe and bag laboratories, and conceptual and knowledge based in theory classes.
Students have extra teaching activities such as guest lectures, workshops or applied industry projects for which they could be asked to work in a group.
This course description is representative but not exhaustive of the full program.
Course Structure
This course includes the following subjects:
- Bag Design & Illustration
- Bag Pattern Making
- Bag PrototypingÂ
- Shoe Design & Illustration
- Shoe Pattern Making
- Shoe PrototypingÂ
- Hardware Design
- Leather & Materials Research
- Graphics & Portfolio
- 3d Modeling
- Contemporary Fashion
At the end of the master course, students will have the possibility to take part in a curricular internship guided by the Career & Company Relations Office.
Careers
Based on individual character and acquired skills, you can become the next:
A shoe designer creates innovative footwear designs, considering style, functionality, and market trends. They work with various materials and technologies to develop original concepts while ensuring commercial viability and manufacturing feasibility.
A bag designer focuses on creating innovative bag collections, balancing aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. They master the art of working with leather and other materials while considering market demands and brand identity.
Product developers bridge the gap between design and production, managing the development process from concept to final product. They work closely with designers, manufacturers, and suppliers to ensure successful product execution.
Pattern makers translate designs into technical patterns, creating prototypes and ensuring precise measurements. They play a crucial role in the development process, working closely with designers and manufacturers.
Graduates may launch their own accessory brands, combining their technical knowledge with business acumen to create successful fashion ventures.
Consultants provide expertise on footwear and bag collections, helping brands develop competitive product lines and strategies.
Career services
The Career and Company Relations Office supports all students by creating a connection with the working world. It promotes educational collaboration with fashion companies via field trips, workshops and lectures. Our customized career services like CV help, career days, individual interviews and internship proposals help students access the job market.
Facilities
Polimoda hosts a range of world class facilities such as state of the art computer labs equipped with an array of 3D modelling and graphic programs, study areas for communal and independent study, two lecture halls, academic services, large professional workshops, tailoring studios and knitwear studios with technical professional equipment, photo studios, shop, and café.
Students have access to:
- Specialized shoe and bag workshops
- Advanced computer labs with 3D modeling software
- Material library
- Professional prototyping equipment
- Study areas and lecture halls
- Comprehensive fashion library
Manifattura Campus
The Manifattura Campus redefines the standards of fashion education: modern and multifunctional spaces host classrooms and technologically advanced workshops designed to faithfully reflect the industry’s environment and equipment. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, the campus includes numerous labs for apparel design and manufacturing, a new wing dedicated to footwear, accessories, and leatherworking, an entire floor devoted to knitwear and textile research, as well as six photography studios of various sizes. Drawing spaces, theoretical classrooms, and computer labs with cutting-edge design and publishing software complete the facility. Two shops providing tailoring and leatherworking supplies, along with an archive of fabrics and leathers, ensure constantly updated resources.
Photo Studios
Manifattura campus includes six photography studios of various sizes. This is where photoshoot, videos and interviews are all carried out for academic and commercial outcomes. These photo studios are available to all students either through organized classes and lessons or through individual booking for student projects.
Library
For Accessories design students, the extensive library resources are a portal to subjects around their study like design, film, photography, interiors and furniture, contemporary fashion, and art, providing a rich context for their studies.
Polimoda’s library is one of the largest fashion libraries in Europe. Located in Florence’s Villa Favard, Centro di Documentazione Matteo Lanzoni – Polimoda Library holds an extensive collection of fashion publications.
Since its establishment in 1986, the Polimoda Library has grown to become a hub of fashion knowledge. With over 29,000 volumes, including books on fashion history, design, textile technology, marketing, and economics, it caters to diverse interests. The library also features an array of fashion magazines, look-books, film resources and online materials. It is also a place for quiet, independent study.
Requirements
Basic requirements to apply:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with motivation letter
- English language proficiency
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) or professional work experience in a related field
- Previous knowledge of design
- Portfolio
