Course
A comprehensive semester abroad program which explores fashion, across both design and business disciplines. The semester is an immersion into a complete and extensive educational pathway through a variety of modules which cover some of the most fundamental aspects of fashion. Polimoda stands out for its industry connection in design and business via its faculty, many of whom are active in the industry, as well as for the passion and determination of its students. You will be experiencing a fashion school environment like no other: peers and staff share a common goal of being part of the next wave of business and design innovation.
Students will finish the course with: an understanding of the important aspects of the entire process of a design and branding project; grasp the structure and key players of the global fashion industry; develop branding skills and the ability to create distinctive identities for fashion labels; understand consumer behavior and fashion trends; effectively position products in the mark; conduct analysis of contemporary designers and artwork; use design tools to express ideas; translate a design into a wearable project idea, as well as honing soft skills like teamwork, interpersonal communication, presenting, initiative and self-advocacy.
Structure
The semester is divided into five mandatory courses.
- Fashion Business & Branding: business and branding strategies are studied so students gain an understanding of how to manage a successful fashion brand.
- Fashion Design: a precise analysis of a brand or designer leads to creating a visual proposal redefining the creative direction of the brand itself.
- Graphics & Portfolio: students learn the essential tools and techniques of Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, as well as personal branding and portfolio development, hands-on experience in photo editing, digital collage creation, and layout design, while building a strong visual identity.
- Aesthetics & Trend Forecasting: students study aesthetic principles and develop trend forecasting skills, via a well-rounded approach to interpreting and influencing visual culture, that is rooted in complex and varied visual, artistic and cultural references.
- Contemporary Fashion: an international, historical, aesthetic and sociological history of fashion and style ensures a rigorous academic basis to students’ fashion education.
Polimoda’s semester abroad, through its varied teaching methods of lectures, seminars, hands-on learning, projects and field trips, is a valuable experience for any fashion student. Through the variety of the courses offered, the level of expertise of industry-based lecturers and teachers, and the school’s location in one of the world’s fashion capitals, the semester abroad program is an extensive focus on fashion and its systems, structures, and opportunities.
Expectations
During your semester abroad you will be expected to:
- Read selected magazines, dedicate time to research and share the results of your own work in the classroom.
- Use Polimoda’s library for research taking advantage of the extensive collection of books, magazines, films and important historical archives.
- Share individual progress and knowledge of visual representation tools with classmates.
- Use a sketchbook to write/draw and develop the topics of the course.
- A final, demonstrating students’ capability of transforming ideas into creative products.
- Mandatory completion of a “Health & Safety” course. An official certificate of attendance will be provided upon completion.
Requirements
- Minimum age of 18
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Currently enrolled full-time or part-time at a college or university (sophomore and junior)
- Second and third-year university students (sophomore & junior) majoring in design/art, fashion, fashion design, business,marketing, humanities
- Adobe Suite (recommended, not mandatory)
How to apply
Application is managed by MADE, a third-party host specializing in study abroad. You can pay online in full or in monthly installments with no additional fees.
