Italy is a nation rich with history and culture. As such, Italy (especially Milan) has become one of the fashion capitals of the world. Italy is home to such fashion greats as Gucci, Prada and Bulgari, while emerging designers continue to make a name for themselves around the country. If you're looking to go into fashion design, there's no doubt that Italy is a great place to start. You'll be able to study from industry professionals as well as intern and make career connections right at the heart of the world of fashion.
Academia Italiana
Located in historic Florence (the locals call it Firenze), Academia Italiana lets you study fashion design after taking in some of the most beautiful sites in the world (such as the Duomo or collections of original da Vincis). Accredited in Britain, this three-year course will earn you a bachelor's degree in fashion design. During your time at Academia Italiana, you'll learn about the history of fashion and design all sorts of clothing, from casual wear to sportswear. The school boasts an annual fashion show in addition to allowing students opportunities to intern and work with some of the biggest fashion houses in the world.
Polimoda School
The Polimoda School, located in Florence, is a collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Although the school follows the traditional American four-year track (three years of course study plus one year master class), the courses are taught solely in Italian. Throughout your four years in the program, you'll learn about the history and functionality of clothes, but your final project will be a culmination of everything you've learned: a fashion show debuted to the public with invited press.
Domus Academy
Located in Milan, Italy's "Second City" (and a hub for fashion--Prada's label has the name of this town etched in it), the Domus Academy offers a master's in fashion design for those who have an aptitude for fashion design. This 11-month course is offered from January to December, and you'll do everything from learning the basics to debuting collections to the public and press at an exhibition. During your stint at Domus, you'll be paired with a fashion company to collaborate with on designs. Each company selects several students to work with further as the year nears an end.
Istituto di Moda Burgo
The Istituto di Moda Burgo is also located in the fashion epicenter of Milan. Although you won't earn a bachelor's or master's from completing this course of study, you will gain enough training to start working in the fashion field. The program offers a 900-hour course that can be taken over two years or intensively over one year. The Istituto di Moda Burgo sees a strong connection between visual art and fashion and strives to bring home that connection to the students. While studying fashion design at the Istituto di Moda Burgo, you'll take many courses in drawing as well as courses on marketing, yarn and other materials. This program is offered in both English and Italian.
Istituto Marangoni
The Istituto Marangoni is yet another fashion school in Milan. However, this school also offers locations in Paris and London, making the curriculum focus heavily on different cultures and how fashion influences and shapes them. Students from all over the world gather here for the three-year basic program taught in English. During your course of study, you'll learn about the history of clothes, drawing techniques, global markets and building a brand for for your line of clothing. The Istituto Marangoni also offers support for those looking for a job after graduation.
Tags: fashion design, Istituto Moda, Istituto Moda Burgo, Moda Burgo, about history