Polimoda, an international benchmark for fashion education, announces the launch of the Master in Costume Design, an intensive 32-week program commencing in February 2026. This specialized course aims to train a new generation of professionals capable of intertwining creativity, tradition, and innovation in the realm of costumes for cinema, theatre, and visual arts.
Leading the master’s program as a mentor will be Massimo Cantini Parrini, one of the most renowned contemporary costume designers. Internationally acclaimed, Cantini Parrini boasts five David di Donatello awards, five Nastri d’Argento, a European Film Award for Dogman (2018), and two Academy Award nominations for Pinocchio (2021) and Cyrano (2022), among numerous other accolades that have established him as one of the most respected names in the industry. Currently in the spotlight for crafting the iconic costumes of Maria (2024), a film by Pablo Larraín starring Angelina Jolie, the Florentine costume designer returns to the school where he trained to share his knowledge with new generations.
“I am delighted to return to Polimoda, the school that was a fundamental part of my education. Costume design is a complex art that weaves together culture, research, and creativity: this master’s program will be an opportunity to impart my experience and train new talents capable of innovating this discipline with an ever-new and contemporary language,” – comments Massimo Cantini Parrini
Creative experimentation through fashion and costume
Polimoda’s Master in Costume Design is conceived as a true laboratory of ideas, where theory and practice intertwine to explore the narrative power of costume. Students will have the opportunity to delve into both the techniques of costume construction and creation, as well as the analysis of characters, scripts, and historical contexts to best interpret the role of costume in visual storytelling.
The program will integrate solid technical training—with practical insights into draping, pattern making, and prototyping—with a historical and socio-cultural analysis aimed at deciphering symbolisms and archetypes, making methodological research an integral part of the creative process. Additionally, students will develop collaborative skills essential for working in multidisciplinary teams, translating each project into a coherent and innovative visual narrative, and creating a professional portfolio that attests to their ability to combine technique, critical analysis, and storytelling.
With a forward-looking program, the master’s distinguishes itself by anticipating the needs of a constantly evolving sector. The educational environment fosters collaboration with professionals from cinema and fashion, offering students the opportunity to engage with real-world challenges. This integrated and multidisciplinary approach not only enriches the technical and theoretical knowledge but also positions the course as a true springboard towards creative and strategic roles in the entertainment world, such as Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Technician, or freelance Consultant for cinema, theatre, and television productions.
“Fashion and cinema are in constant dialogue, influencing each other in a continuous exchange of languages and visions. In cinema, as in TV series or theatre, costumes are not mere stage garments but narrative tools capable of defining characters and creating a unique visual imagery. With this new master’s program, Polimoda aims to train professionals capable of grasping the narrative value of a costume and reinterpreting it with creativity and competence. Collaborating with masters like Massimo Cantini Parrini, we aim to prepare costume designers capable of bringing Italian savoir-faire to the international stage,” – emphasizes Massimiliano Giornetti, Director of Polimoda
An International reference point for Costume Design
The Master’s in Costume Design strengthens the dialogue between fashion and visual arts in Polimoda’s curriculum, integrating into an educational offering that explores the connections between cinematic aesthetics and the language of fashion. Following the success of the Short Course in Costume Design, enriched by the participation of world-renowned mentors such as costume designer Jeffrey Kurland and choreographer Lorin Latarro, and initiatives from the Polimoda Library, such as the Film Archive or the CineCulture series, the program confirms the school’s commitment to promoting cultural cross-pollination as a driver of innovation and education.
With this master’s program, Polimoda not only offers a specialization path for future costume professionals but also affirms the centrality of costume design as a cultural expression and narrative language. The school stands out as an international reference point, capable of attracting talents from around the world and combining sartorial tradition with contemporary experimentation, in a continuous dialogue between fashion, cinema, and visual arts.
Massimo Cantini Parrini
Massimo Cantini Parrini is an internationally renowned costume designer whose career boasts prestigious collaborations and a filmography that includes over 90 film and theatre productions. Born in Florence and an alumnus of Polimoda, he has worked alongside prominent directors, contributing to the success of works such as Tale of Tales (M. Garrone, 2015), Riccardo Goes to Hell (R. Torre, 2018), Ferrari (M. Mann, 2023), and M – Son of the Century (J. Wright, 2024). Globally acclaimed, he has received numerous awards, including five David di Donatello, five Nastri d’Argento, five Ciak d’Oro, a European Film Award for Dogman (M. Garrone, 2018), and two Academy Award nominations for Pinocchio (M. Garrone, 2021) and Cyrano (J. Wright, 2022). In 2019, he was awarded the title of Honorary Academician by the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence. His latest project, Maria (P. Larraín, 2025), has garnered public and critical acclaim thanks to the precision and sophistication of the costumes that defined the characters and the protagonist portrayed by Angelina Jolie. His experience and talent have established him as one of the most respected names in contemporary costume design.
Open Day
Those interested in learning more about Polimoda and the new Master in Costume Design can explore these topics during the upcoming Open Day on April 11, either in person or online.
