Polimoda + MADE
Fashion Design & Crafts Semester
Ph. POLIMODA
Semester in Florence + MADE Guest Workshop
Program Overview
Engage in a one of a kind study abroad experience through a special collaboration between MADE and Polimoda, focused on Fashion Design & Crafts. Build valuable skills through hands-on experience under the guidance of industry experts as you explore
POLIMODA - FLORENCE
Spend the term in Florence at one of the world’s leading fashion schools - Polimoda. Award-winning and known for its unparalleled industry connections, Polimoda teachers are prominent fashion professionals with extensive experience and expertise. Take a deep dive into the creative process, from the first steps of developing a design concept to bringing a final product to life. Immerse yourself in fashion culture, trends, and craftsmanship through hands-on projects and experimentation. Explore the importance of iconic fashion imagery and artwork as well as sustainability in contemporary fashion as you create your own designs using professional tools and techniques.
MADE - SICILY
Experience a weeklong hands-on workshop in Florence led by esteemed MADE faculty. MADE is a dynamic institution based in Syracuse, Sicily, known for its focus on design for change as well as its emphasis on preserving the artistic traditions and creative cultures of the Mediterranean. MADE instructors will guide students through experiential fabric and garment creation and upcycling techniques as they produce contemporary designs inspired by traditional methods.
At a Glance
Duration: 12 weeks
Fall 2026 Semester Dates: September 18, 2026 - December 12, 2026
Academic Credits: 30 ECTS (15 US semester credits)
Program Fee: 16,780 euro (tuition & housing)
POLIMODA COURSE OFFERINGS:
Fashion Design
6 ECTS (3 US credits)
An exploration of the dynamics behind the world of Fashion, through research and analysis ,to end it developing a Fashion Collection Concept. Focus on Design & Crafts through learning and discerning Trends and Forecasts; to observing and individualizing personal Aesthetics through fashion Iconographies to then express it with simple artworks ( sketches, illustrations, collages, etc); to viewing and reviewing garments during field trip to vintage store as well as dissecting one's own wardrobe turning one's own clothes inside out paying attention to details beside construction and materiality; to manipulating, touching and feeling textiles and surfaces as well as garments accessories to embrace the essence of the Soul of Fashion Itself.
Trend Forecasting & Crafts Culture
6 ECTS (3 US credits)
This course introduces undergraduate students to the anthropological and cultural dimensions of trend forecasting, with a focus on craft practices and material culture. Students will explore how traditional crafts, local identities, and global cultural dynamics shape fashion trends. The course blends theoretical perspectives with practical research methods, guiding students from cultural analysis to concept development. It works in tandem with Fashion Design, Fashion Materials, Aesthetics & Drawing, and Embroidery to support the creation of a final trend book: a comprehensive portfolio including trend research, concepts, sketches, fabrics, and embroidery samples.
Iconography & Illustration
6 ECTS (3 US credits)
A series of meetings designed to help the student mastering their abilities in fashion illustration and understanding fashion iconography. The course begins with an understanding of the human figure and its drawing. Followed by the art of rendering fabrics and clothing. At each session, a new artistic technique, and its use in the world of fashion illustration, will be introduced. Alongside the practical aspects of the course, the "fashion iconography" section will introduce students to fashion icons and their aesthetics (from models to journalists, politicians, artists, influencers, etc.). Fashion illustration basics will be the main point of the course through different art techniques and different way to intend the world of illustration a variety of art technique will be showed in class. Each week a new skill will be introduced and fully explained either technically and practically, the given homework will give the chance of practicing and mastering the newly learned technique.Two educational trips to the Ferragamo Museum and the Stibbert Museum, combined with the lessons, will help students better understand the history of fashion and costume, as well as the great fashion personalities of the past.
Materials Manipulations
6 ECTS (3 US credits)
Introducing the classic types of craftsmanship such as weaving, dubbing, embossing, intarsia etc. The first part of the lecture is frontal, showing to the students pictures of manipulation from fashion shows and then showing them real samples. Students will design and make their own ideas on real fabric. The mission is to work in collaboration with the project leader and apply their manipulations to their final works.
Textures and Embellishments
6 ECTS (3 US credits)
The course will focus on textile and fabric properties, various embellishment techniques supporting the design concept development, fostering trend awareness and the practical creation of original, embellished textile samples with a potential focus on sustainability.
ONE WEEK MADE WORKSHOP IN FLORENCE:
Textile Techniques
Esteemed MADE instructors will guide students through a hands-on experience, focused on the role of craftsmanship in textiles. The workshop will take place in Prato, an eminent center for textile production, located just outside of Florence. Working at the heart of the textile industry, students will have the opportunity to collaborate at an important research center for design, art, and culture. Led by prominent creative professionals, students will explore the production of fabrics and garments and experiment with upcycling materials. Students will learn from skilled artisans as they deepen their understanding of the role of traditional techniques within innovation and contemporary design.
HOUSING
Florence:
Students are provided safe, clean, and comfortable shared apartments, within the Florence metropolitan area.
The Polimoda campus is accessible from all apartments by foot or a quick commute via public transportation
All apartments are equipped with WiFi and supplied with a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels
Apartments in Florence typically have shared occupancy bedrooms (double or triple) with an average of 2-8 students per unit.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Housing, airport transportation, comprehensive three-day orientation, program related activities, student services (including health/safety and emergency)
STUDENT LIFE
Classes in Florence will be held on both Polimoda campuses (Villa Campus / Manifattura Campus)
Classes will run from Monday through Friday, with a little bit of a late start on Mondays and no formal classes on Friday afternoons, so that students can take advantage of all Florence has to offer and explore other parts of Italy and Europe.
Ph. POLIMODA / Andrea Pugiotto
Ph. POLIMODA / Andrea Pugiotto
Ph. POLIMODA / Andrea Pugiotto
Ph. POLIMODA / Andrea Pugiotto