Fashion Art Direction is a Master program aimed at forming a multi-dimensional professional well versed in the world of magazine media and is operated in partnership with Vogue Italia. The course is run by teachers and international lecturers with the direct intervention of professionals from Vogue Italia, ensuring hands-on and in-depth knowledge of the industry.
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
July 1
Apps accepted after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
September – June
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
The Art Director of a magazine is the über-talented professional behind each issue’s every detail, the mastermind responsible for creating innovative layouts with breakthrough typefaces, design elements, and photography—all for the purpose of telling a story that impacts nearly every aspect of the readership’s life, gripping its attention from cover to cover. This is a person fueled by a never-ending, intense desire to produce content based on originality of thought, expression, and visions with a primary concern: to inspire and guide the team towards the creation of an ironclad editorial project.
An Art Director’s day is packed with visual meetings with editors, run-throughs with the fashion department, being on set to give directions to still-life photographers and prop stylists, and, of course, actually sitting down to conceive and design layouts. This role also requires a number of managerial aspects – for example, working to deadlines and budgets with graphic designers, copywriters, journalists, editors, influencers, advertising professionals and media buyers.
The course includes the chance to visit Condé Nast’s offices in Milan, a behind-the-scenes look at the Vogue editorial world, a chance to attend one of its exclusive editorial shoots and a visit to a design studio within the Vogue Talents network. The course will be completed through the application and completion of two main projects: a restyling action and the creation of a brand new fashion or luxury magazine. These projects will become an important asset of the student’s portfolio.
Lessons take place from October to June and amount to 700 contact hours, for a total of 80 ECTS credits. English language proficiency and attendance are required.
Career Opportunities
Endowed with an imaginative but strong character, a graduate in Fashion Art Direction can lead the way and create a shared vision for Magazines and Publications, Full-Service Communication Agencies and for Luxury and Fashion Companies, both off- and online. Another career path could involve launching a Fashion Studio, taking on the role of a storyteller and ultimately creating an exciting and balanced 360° sensory experience.
The Master program is vertically structured in order to tackle all the various aspects of the multi-faced world of magazine media, following 5 modules, each of them with a final exercise plus a Final Project dedicated to a Magazine Start-Up or a Restyling Action on a pre-existing publication, as follows:
Lifestyle: Culture & Management
Contemporary Fashion, Omnichannel Marketing, Fashion Business Administration, Independent Publishing Impresario.
Streetwear: Creative Writing & Fashion
Fashion Journalism, Creative Writing or Copywriting, Fashion Merchandising, High Street Fashion.
Hype: Advertising & Media Planning
Advertising & Accounting, Fashion Trend Forecasting & Fashion Future, Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning.
Visual Trends: Graphic Design & Photography
Design Thinking, Graphic Design, Fashion Typography, Press to Impress, Photology, Fashion Styling, Video-making.
Art Direction: Branding & Future
Sociology of Imaginary, Fashion Branding, Art Direction, Style and Visual Culture.
| 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.