The Master in Bag Design, operated in partnership with Valentino, offers a well-rounded education in the area of leather goods, as well as merging a creative approach with hands-on craftsmanship. Both creative and practical, this course provides an in-depth study of production techniques and materials, while also emphasizing merchandising strategy and forward-thinking collection planning.
Application Requirements
Completed online application
Personal statement
Curriculum vitae/resume
Digital portfolio (see Academic Info)
Official Undergraduate Degree transcript
Copy of Undergraduate Degree
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Interview with course leader
Degree Length
9 months
Application Deadline
October 1
Apps accepted after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
January – September
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic: Completed Bachelor’s degree
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Undergraduate GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit IELTS: 5.6+ or equivalent.
Digital Portfolio
Students must submit a digital portfolio as part of their completed application. The portfolio should accurately reflect the applicant’s current skill level and creative identity. In addition, the portfolio should be adapted to the specific program of interest. Candidates will be selected after an enrollment questionnaire and an interview with the leading teacher of the course. Additional prerequisites include previous studies in areas related to Fashion Design and Accessories Design or professional experience in the business.
Master’s Course Details
The Master in Bag Design will take form in the following thematic modules:
Lab & Design
Accessories Design; Creative Prototyping; Patternmaking; Artisan Techniques; Fashion Coordination.
Cultural
Contemporary Fashion; Fashion Research; Leather Research.
Graphics
Fashion Illustration; Fashion Portfolio; 3D modelling.
Business
Fashion Brand Management; Merchandising Management.
Lessons take place from January to September and amount to a total of 700 contact hours. English language proficiency and attendance are required. Candidates with work experience or relevant studies in fashion and related fields will be selected after an enrolment questionnaire and an interview with the course’s leading teacher.
Career Opportunities
Depending on previous experience and academic achievements, employment can be found within the areas of Bag Design, Product Development and Accessories Merchandising Management.
Today more than ever the accessory has gone beyond its complementary function to become a true object of desire, with the power of driving and even determining a brand’s success. Quality, craftsmanship and design form the identity of this manufacturing sector, requiring highly specialized profiles capable of reinterpreting and translating the know-how and heritage of Made in Italy into new global scenarios.
The course includes master classes, workshops and a brand-specific project in collaboration with the fashion house, as well as visits to sites and production plants in the Florentine area. Lectures will be held by industry professionals with a practical and in-depth knowledge of the sector and will be integrated with guest lectures by international figures. During the 9 months, students will develop a collection project to be presented as both the Mid-term (capsule collection) and Final Project (main collection), valid as a personal portfolio.
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $140 |
| Program Fee Includes tuition, Master’s diploma and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Contact SAI |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Florence |
$950 | $1,300 |
| Visa & Permit to Stay Fees |
$300 | $300 |
| Books, Course Fees & Supplies |
$50 / course | $100 / course |
| Housing SAI can provide recommendations. |
$1,200 / month | $2,500 / month |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $400 / month |
| Transportation within Florence Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $175 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is an SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!
- Academic Master’s Diploma awarded by Polimoda
- Program tuition
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- SAI orientation to the host city and school
- SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Assistance with student visa application
- Assistance with financial aid and loan processing
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI alumni network
Housing is not included in SAI Select Services Programs. However, your SAI Admissions Counselor will be happy to provide you with information and recommendations for local housing agencies. Students who do not have prior housing arrangements should begin speaking with their Admissions Counselor as soon as possible.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law students studying in Italy for 91 or more days are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.