The Fashion Trend Forecasting Master’s course is an innovative program for a sharp, intuitive mind, the trend forecaster. This person is a master of the future, and is constantly moving, researching and finding a golden thread connecting politics, economics, technology, art, music and therefore fashion. The trend forecaster is the alchemist, arousing desire with new concepts of communications and products.
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
December 1
Apps accepted after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
March – November
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
Fashion Trend Forecasting looks at four key areas. Research: the analysis of data and phenomena. Link: the personal associations, inspirations and moods. Concept: the formulation of trends, counter-trends and sub-trends. Release: the application to product development and communication purposes with presentation materials.
This course features resident teachers from the industry and international guest lecturers, workshops in Paris or London, field trips to the Pitti trade fairs in Florence and to Milan Fashion Week. The course is in collaboration with Li Edelkoort’s Trend Union and results in two main projects that may be used in a personal portfolio.
Lessons take place from April to December and amount to a total of 700 contact hours. English language proficiency and attendance are required. Candidates will be selected after an enrollment questionnaire and an interview with the course’s leading teacher.
Career Opportunities
A career as Trend Forecaster, whether it is in a company, a magazine, an agency, or a retail environment, requires an independent character, a multidisciplinary approach, the curiosity to process primary and secondary sources, the ability to present in public and the enthusiasm to be contemporary and always ahead of the market.
The four key areas (Research, Link, Concept and Release) take concrete form in a study plan made up of ten modules:
Contemporary Fashion: Fashion industry; main players and calendars; key designers, brands and products by concept; collections and fashion shows.
Fashion Futures: Sociology of imaginary; subcultures; fashion archaeology, anthropology and psychology; art & fashion; semiotics; colour theory.
Fashion Trend Forecasting: Contemporary trends; forecasting methodology; trend analysis and application; exhibition, installation and performance.
Trend Materials: Yarns, fabrics and treatments; materials for research; colour practice; usage, references and interactions between colours and materials.
Fashion Development: Trend design research; briefing and mood board creation; materials and art buying; product development; fashion design management.
Craft to Business: Leather materials; vertical supply chain; product communications; business intelligence; start-up and business design.
“Buyology”: Fashion merchandising (focusing on accessories); consumer behaviour; retail trends (architecture, buying trends, shop formats, packaging).
Strategic Planning: Creative agency; copywriting; mind-mapping; change management; fashion branding & communications, advertising.
Visual Communications: Aesthetics; photo analysis; photography techniques; fashion magazines; graphic design; digital styling; video making.
Fashion Writing: Fashion journalism; writing techniques for different purposes; blogging; social networking; editorial content management.
| 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.