International Fashion Business is a program which sculpts leaders in the global world of fashion. This type of leader is a key player in the optimization of markets where it exists, and inventing them where they do not. Through a focus on advanced data analysis and management, in order to decode the future, knowledge is instilled through an approach focusing on entrepreneurial; statistical; data-driven; administrative and legal elements.
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.
Master’s Course Details
As a master’s course, International Fashion Business is composed of three main areas. Firstly, Fashion Analysis: fashion trend forecasting, analytics, quantitative methods for business, design thinking. Secondly, Report and Data Production: digital marketing, omnichannel marketing, data analysis, strategic planning. And thirdly, Business Application: import/export, overseas commercial development, fashion operations, online and offline distribution.
The International Fashion Business course is run by teachers and international lecturers with expert experience, ensuring hands-on and in-depth knowledge of the industry. It includes field trips to a major company and a trade fair. Students will also have the possibility to visit WGSN headquarters in London, or a Fashion Show in London. The course will be completed through the application and completion of two main projects: a startup as a product-driven company, and the overseas expansion of a finance-driven label.
Lessons take place from January to September and amount to a total of 700 contact hours. English language proficiency and attendance are required. Candidates will be selected after an enrolment questionnaire and an interview with the leading teacher of the course.
Career Opportunities
Endowed with a powerful character, a graduate in International Fashion Business can become an entrepreneur, an on-the-ground trend hunter, a project manager, a strategic planner or an executive in a fashion company. They are a part of the creative class, and know that being able to calculate and present numbers can boost the growth of an artistic environment like fashion.
The key areas of Fashion Analysis, Report and Data Production and Business Application are interlaced in the following eight course modules:
Fashion Business Trends: Fashion systems, key players and calendars; contemporary brands and trends; world business issues; statistics and data mining; business intelligence; case scenario analysis.
Craft to Business: Heritage and innovation; horizontal and vertical supply chain; business model and strategy; entrepreneurship in the new economy; project management; startup management.
Fashion Business Management: Company structure and administration: business planning; key performance indicators; budget and balance sheet; fashion ethics; industrial and institutional relations.
Financial Management: Brand-portfolio management; stock-exchange listing; joint venture; mergers and acquisitions; banking and fundraising; audit and control; crisis management.
Fashion Marketing Management: Product, price, place, promotion; benchmarking and positioning; operative marketing; online and offline distribution; retail and wholesale management.
Fashion Communications Management: Infographics and mind-mapping; strategic planning; corporate communications; fashion advertising and media planning; fashion branding; PR, VIP and social networking.
Commercial Development: Fashion merchandising; market attractiveness; creation and management of the sales force; import-export; sub-unit and subsidiary organization; b2b and b2c account management.
Fashion Leadership: Legal affairs (patents, trademarks, contracts); brand extension and licensing; human resources, coaching and team management; public speaking, negotiation and persuasion.
| 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 days or more 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.