Overview
A comprehensive semester abroad program which explores the global luxury, fashion and lifestyle industry through the study of business, consumer culture, marketing, merchandising and communication. Combining academic learning with industry-focused projects and experiential activities, the program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands are created, managed, communicated, and experienced in today’s international market.
Based in Florence, one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, the program integrates classroom learning with direct exposure to the Italian ecosystem through company visits, museum tours and retail experiences.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
- Understand the historical, cultural, and contemporary evolution of fashion.
- Analyse consumer behaviour and the social dynamics influencing consumption.
- Apply marketing and merchandising strategies.
- Develop effective communication concepts.
- Understand the role of visual communication in brand identity.
Structure
The semester is divided into 7 mandatory courses.
- Contemporary Fashion: Explores the historical, cultural, aesthetic, and social evolution of fashion and its influence on contemporary society and the global industry.
- Sociology of the Imaginary: Examines the symbols, narratives, and cultural imaginaries that shape identities, lifestyles, and consumer perceptions in fashion and luxury.
- Consumer Behaviour: Analyses the psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence consumer decision-making and purchasing behaviour of the different generations.
- Fashion & Luxury Marketing: Introduces the principles and strategies of marketing luxury and fashion brands, with a focus on positioning, branding, customer engagement, and market analysis.
- Fashion Merchandising: Explores the planning, buying, product assortment, and retail strategies of luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands.
- Fashion Communication: Develops the skills to create and manage compelling brand narratives through visual, digital, experiential communication channels.
- Graphic Design: Provides the fundamentals of visual communication, enabling students to analyse and create brand identities.
Polimoda’s semester abroad, through its varied teaching methods of lectures, hands-on learning, collaborative projects, independent research and experiential learning is a valuable experience for any fashion business student. Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, presentations, and project work while engaging directly with the local fashion and luxury industry. Through the variety of the courses offered, the level of expertise of industry-based 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.
The program is enriched by a range of educational activities designed to connect academic concepts with industry practice, including:
- Guided visits to leading fashion museums in Florence
- Florence city tour focused on the history of fashion and craftsmanship.
- Luxury retail tour
- Visit an Italian manufacturing excellence.
Expectations
During your semester abroad you will be expected to:
- Attend classes and participate actively in all academic and experiential activities.
- Complete individual and group assignments within the scheduled deadlines.
- Use Polimoda’s library for research taking advantage of the extensive collection of books, magazines, films and important historical archives.
- Mandatory completion of a “Health & Safety” course. An official certificate of attendance will be provided upon completion.
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- High School Diploma or equivalent qualification.
- Currently enrolled full-time or part-time at a college or university.
- Sufficient English language proficiency to participate in lectures, discussions, and project work
How to apply
Applications are managed by MADE, an institutional partner specializing in arts and design. Pay online in full or split your tuition into monthly installments (no extra fees).
Collaboration
Polimoda is proud to partner with MADE to offer this unique program opportunity in Florence.
MADE – The Rosario Gagliardi Academy of Fine Arts is an internationally accredited institution recognized by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR). Working at the crossroads of design, art, traditional crafts, and local culture, MADE’s study abroad programs are designed to empower students to engage with the unique traits of Italy and the Mediterranean Basin, while developing key career competencies and embracing their creativity.
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