Collection Design is a program focused on helping the emerging Fashion Designer to master all the technical skills required to create a sure-fire collection that’s fully fashioned, well finished, and merchandisable. Students explore their own personal narratives and share their creative visions, in service of developing a fashion collection.
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
Contact SAI Admissions for exact program dates
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.
Master’s Course Details
Collection Design is composed of four interlaced areas:
- Craft: the acquirement of cultural and technical skills.
- Design: the research and conception of the collection.
- Development: the creation, fashioning and finishing of the garments.
- Presentation: the exhibition of a personal portfolio and public performance of the collection.
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 enrollment questionnaire and an interview with the course’s leading teacher.
Career Opportunities
The career of a Collection Design Specialist grants a broad set of competences, not only the ones for translating contemporary culture and trend references into winning product lines, but also the ones for following every working stage of a design studio, from idea to delivery, with determination.
The program covers four primary subject areas (Craft, Design, Development, and Presentation) which take concrete form in a study plan consisting of nine modules:
Contemporary Fashion: Industry, players, calendars, key designers, iconic collections and products by concept, art & fashion, shows and performances.
Textile Science: Yarns, fabrics and treatments, the alphabet and grammar of a fashion item, theory and practice of raw materials, elements of knitwear.
Fashion Trend Lab: Color theory and practice, trend design research and development, mood board creation, application of the trend to fashion design & technology.
Fashion Design: Fashion and academic drawing, illustration, figurine, body and space, collection design, an applied project with a company, personal collection.
Fashion Technology: Pattern design and making, draping, cutting and sewing, prototyping, print and embroidery techniques, menswear tailoring, open laboratory.
Fashion Development: Product development, materials procurement, elements of merchandising, fashion studio management, line planning, product industrialization.
Graphic Design: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, iconic image creation, elements of typography, personal portfolio, CAD design, 3D design & printing, textile design.
Product Communication: Show, performance, installation, lookbook, presentation techniques, b2b and b2c presentation materials, elements of styling.
Fashion Accessories: Fetish research and iconography, material driven design, small jewelry and metal goods, luxury, small leather goods and bags.
| 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.