Overview
Knitwear harnesses the power of yarns awakening the senses. The ultimate category to convey a comforting sense of ease and well-being, it lends itself to many avenues of exploration, from cutting-edge and psychedelic to vibrant, tactile, and artisanal numbers.
The result of an alchemic collision between handicraft, creativity and the technical feats of engineered machinery, knitwear design embeds the spirit of fashion creation as a whole, following the journey of filaments, threads and yarns across the supply chain, until they are worked into desirable garments.
More than just creative types, knitwear designers are wizards who nurture raw materials, discover next-gen threads, unlock their potential, and envision unheard of blends.
Nomadic talents hunting for innovation and aiming for rough perfection, they strike a balance between the human touch and machinery’s latest technology, engaging in a constant dialogue with suppliers, yarn makers and technicians.
Challenged to achieve beauty within constraints and obstacles – be they machinery’s tantrums, unfavorable weather conditions, and dyeing hindrances – knitwear designers materialize their creative impulse probing endless possibilities to convey a unique touch, look and feel.
High in demand but short in supply, these creatives are advancing a category that has gone from specialty to hot button and has enjoyed skyrocketing sales, representing an impressive asset to the fashion industry.
Course
The Master in Knitwear Design identifies the urgent need for designers in the Fashion Industry with a specific attitude to design creative knitwear and possess a strong technical background. The acquired knowledge of the technical aspects – from yarn features and hand and machine knitting specifics to the basics of programming for knitwear machines – will enable students to express their utmost creativity, merging creative approach with hands-on craft.
This course will also provide an in-depth study of production techniques and materials, trend forecasting, merchandising strategy and collection planning, forming the knitwear designers of the future with strong and forward-thinking creative direction.
Throughout the 9 month program, students will develop a collection project, to be presented as both the midterm (capsule collection) and the final project (main collection), equally valid as a personal portfolio.
This intensive specialization program is taught by resident teachers from the industry and international guests. It also features field trips to production sites renowned for yarns, material transformations and finished products.
Lessons amount to a total of 700 contact hours and the overall obtainment of 80 credits.
This course is completed with the possibility of an internship in a fashion company.
Curriculum
The curriculum of the course includes a range of subjects that will help students develop their skills and knowledge in the field. Some of the key topics covered include:
- Design
- Atelier
- Visual Thinking
- Fashion Culture
Requirements
In order to be eligible for this course, you will need to be selected after the admission process.
During the application you are required to upload a portfolio including an overview of your previous work with samples and photos.
Basic requirements are:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with motivation letter
- English language proficiency
- Previous studies in areas related to Fashion Design with previous courses in Knitwear or professional experience in the industry
Careers
Depending on previous experience and academic achievements, employment can be found within any brand – particularly focused on knitwear – as a Knitwear Designer, Product Manager, Fashion Coordinator, Freelance Designer or Production Manager
