Certificate Program in Accessory Design & Technology

Please note: SAI will continue to accept applications after the regular application deadlines on a space available basis.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Everything that shapes our world affects and inspires fashion, and the seduction of accessories pushes and pulls fashion ahead and behind its time. This two-year program in Accessory Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to enter the world of fashion accessory design and develop their personal techniques, styles and ideas with an eco-sustainable focus. For motivated students seeking to develop new skills and knowledge while building a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. Studying local Florentine businesses, such as straw and leather manufacturing, the goal of the program is to provide a direct “hands on” experience in construction of accessories. The core courses, taught by professionals in the fashion industry, are integrated by seminars presented by local green mapped traditional artisans. The school provides equipped laboratories for tailoring, knitwear and leather, and also provides a Renaissance Ballroom for fashion shows. Each year is comprised of two semesters that include core classes and intensive weekend seminars in which students will produce a  full range of accessories with traditional and non-traditional materials focusing on sustainability. Each semester, studies include six core courses that provide a solid foundation and which are integrated by five intensive seminars that focus on related specialized areas of study. The program includes portfolio development that enhances the students’ professional basis for careers in the fashion accessory industry. At FAST, students will study with competent and qualified instructors and will have an unparalleled quality in teaching that includes studying in a collaborative working environment that promotes exchange of ideas and methods between students and instructors.

Program Objectives:

The program provides the professional training necessary for creating and constructing fashion accessory products. Throughout the program, students receive individualized attention and support from professional faculty and visiting artists.  The school provides students the opportunity to develop their skills by learning from a team of highly recognized academic faculty flanked by visiting fashion designers. The end of each year will culminate with the event of a runway fashion show organized by students, faculty and professional fashion designers supported by local business.

Duration and Certification:

Certificate programs may be taken for one semester, one year or two years. All programs devote a portion of each term to the development of a professional portfolio. Students who select the two-year program have the opportunity to complete and/or serve as a teaching assistant in introductory level courses.  Students may attend one single semester and obtain a transcript for credit, or complete the full two-year program and receive a certificate in accessory design and technology.

Prerequisites:

For beginning levels, the only prerequisite is a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstration of fluency in English. Students who wish to enroll in a different level of the program (either enter at the second semester or in the second year) must qualify by demonstrating ability and knowledge in an entry exam and submit a detailed curriculum vitae and portfolio. A qualified submission of the above mentioned documents will be evaluated by a committee of academic advisors who will determine approval and enrollment in the requested level.

Internship:

The two-year certificate program gives students the opportunity to deepen their experience first by working as a teaching assistant and then through an internship in a professional studio in Florence, where they will practice their acquired skills in a real world environment. The internship is a carefully organized and closely supervised “hands-on” learning experience that provides the students with a wide range of real-world work opportunities as they shadow, observe and contribute while working in a professional environment.
The objective of the internship is to give the students the space to actively apply the skills developed through their studies in a professional work environment. Students will meet with their academic advisors to discuss future goals and professional aspirations as they plan for the internship. Students will also be introduced to the Italian working environment that will enable them to use the technical vocabulary acquired through their three-week language study thereby strengthening their language skills.

Year 1 – Semester 1 (Fall

Mission:

The aim of the beginning level is to provide students with a basic comprehension of accessory design, with reference to Italian style and culture.  Students will be moreover introduced to basic construction techniques, drawing and rendering techniques, they will be taught to be aware of the concept of fashion and to test their abilities in this field. The Italian language class is fundamental to understand the original terms that will be used during lessons and to acquire the minimum conversation skills required for attending the internship.

Core Courses:

Italian Language
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge. All students enrolled in Certificate Programs are required to take a three week course of Italian Language before the start of the Certificate Program.

FT AD FW 315   Footwear Design and Construction I
(3 semester credits 90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this course students are introduced to the advanced level of design and production of footwear. This is a fashion design area in which Italy is a market leader and students will analyze the latest styles, leathers, and components in terms of functionality and design. They will continue to develop pattern-making skills by designing and making prototypes of footwear and related accessories.

FT AD HC 330   Handbag Construction Techniques I
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this course students learn the basic skills in the design and the production of handbags. The use of  patternmaking machines and equipments will be learned, together with the construction techniques as well as the analysis of various styles in handbag design. In addition students will translate their own projects into finished products.

FT AD SR 210   Sketching and Rendering Accessories
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
The fundamental aspects of accessory design allow students to learn the drawing and rendering techniques which represent materials and textures for handbags, belts, gloves, shoes and hats. Starting from sketches and basic technical drawing techniques students develop skills to enable them to use several drawings methodologies.

FT FC FM 300   Fashion, Media and Culture
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
This course examines fashion as a form of communication and culture using a diverse range of readings drawn: what fashion means and how it has been valued through history, popular culture and media institutions. Students explore economic and social issues that revolve around fashion’s industrial production and analyze fashion both in terms of its production and consumption, addressing its role in relation to identity and body politics (gender, race, sexuality, class), art and status, nationhood and the global economy.

DI PH PS 220   Introduction to Photoshop
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Adobe Photoshop is the leading software for photographers, graphic designers, and bookmakers.  Photoshop is powerful software that requires a dedicated focus in learning how best to use the program to its full potential. This course, with the guidance of experienced teachers, will introduce the student to the creative and professional issues of Photoshop.  The course is designed for students who have had experience in photography, graphic design, architecture, illustration or bookmaking.

Seminars

FT FC CP 200   Art Media: Introduction to the Creative Process
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Aimed at students interested in visual, plastic arts and creative writing. This course will help each student to define and find his or her own personal style and strengths, which they can then apply to their other art classes.  Students will be assigned writing assignments to develop personal thought processes in order to realize their own creative nature and apply it to the media of their own concentration.

FT AD BC 335   Boot Construction Techniques
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces the techniques, equipment and machinery used in the production of boots.
Students design and construct boot models using different techniques and developing the pattern making  details.

FT AD BD 338   Belt Design and Construction
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
In this course students explore belt design methods and acquire necessary construction skills.  Technical drawing and rendering of different materials are employed to design to create different kinds of belts. Emphasis is placed on the construction techniques to make several kinds of belts.

FT AD FE 342   Feather and Experimental Materials
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
In studying ornamentation techniques students will learn how to apply them to apparel and accessories design. Basic patternmaking skills used in the construction of handbags, belts, and hats are taught.

PS PD PO 350   Portfolio Development I
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 1 – Semester 2 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the Intermediate level is to deepen student’s knowledge in accessory design with special reference to the construction techniques. Students study footwear and handbag design and will receive detailed information on the cad techniques for pattern making. Continuing students work on special projects and develop their skills in  specific accessory design topics.

Core Courses:

FT AD LB 360   Line Building for Accessories
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This course introduces the principles of line building, focusing on a specific season and concept students design their own collection of accessories. Attention is placed on the construction and on the execution methods of each project.

FT AD FW 380   Footwear Design and Construction II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this course students are introduced to the advanced level of design and production of footwear. This is a fashion design area in which Italy is a market leader and students will analyze the latest styles, leathers, and components in terms of functionality and design. They will continue to develop pattern-making skills by designing and making prototypes of footwear and related accessories.

FT AD HC 390   Handbag Construction Techniques II
3 semester credits  (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
In this course students learn the basic skills in the design and the production of handbags. The use of  patternmaking machines and equipments will be learned, together with the construction techniques as well as the analysis of various styles in handbag design. In addition students will translate their own projects into finished products.

FT FD AP 310   Cad for Fashion: Advanced Patternmaking
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
In this course students learn the use of pattern design software. Using the CAD system students will recreate the pattern design techniques by transferring ideas to the computer, digitizing and modifying designs. Students develop patternmaking skills using software tools designed for advanced pattern design techniques, increase pattern design capabilities and learn how to combine computer automation with design tools for advanced pattern development.

FT FC FF 280   Faces, Facts and Places in Italian Fashion
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This course affords students the possibility to go behind the scenes in exploring the art and business of Italian fashion design. Lectures by industry professionals will be complemented by “backstage” visits to design studios and possible attendance at seasonal fashion shows.

PS PD SP 340    Special Project in Accessory Design
3 semester credits  (90 contact hours)
This is a course intended for students who wish to develop skills and experiment with Accessory Design. Students create their own digital works in order to be edited. Composite printing and experimentation with different techniques will also be employed and addressed in order to complete the desired final “look”.

or  Italian Language
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
The language course is offered in different levels according to the student’s knowledge.

Seminars:

FT AD AF 345    Athletic Footwear Design and Construction
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
Students learn the different aspects of athletic footwear in order to design and construct original products and the methods of applying these techniques on the variety of categories including running, basketball, and tennis.

FT AD EH 346    Experimental Handbag Design and Technology
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course offers an alternative vision in the handbag creation. Non-traditional models are designed and constructed using a wide range of patternmaking styles. The course focuses on the use of unconventional methods and material to create new concepts in handbag design.

FT AD SW 347    Scarves, Shawls and Wraps Design
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the requirements, limitations, and possibilities of designs for scarves and wraps. Students prepare screens, mix colors, and print a variety of fabrics with emphasis on techniques and fashion trends.

DI PH FP 210    Introduction to Fashion Photography
1 semester credits (15 lecture hours)
The course is based on a series of theoretical lectures about the technical, cultural, visual and historical aspects of fashion photography. Fashion photography history will be analyzed from the beginning of the 20th century through contemporary work, following the continuously changing fashion styles and trends. The course will concentrate on technical aspects of fashion photography from location, and portable and studio units, to all aspects of lighting, including natural, artificial, existing light, flash units, and light metering. Students will be guided through up-to-date digital software and technologies into the advertising world. Attention to the offset printing technical aspects like color separation, offset film transferring and offset printing will be also given.

PS PD PO 360    Portfolio Development  II
2 semester credits (30 lecture hours)
This course gives students the opportunity to create a personal portfolio of creative work. Through individual guidance in executing boards for original design ideas, students present a theme or career-goal orientated portfolio of finished work. By working with sketches, graphic illustrations and using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, students create a coherent design portfolio for the industry by researching target market studies, trends, and analyzing the design philosophies of contemporary designers and develop a personal drawing style and design concepts presentation appropriate to the focused market.

Year 2 – Semester 3 (Fall)

Mission:

The aim of this semester level is to deepen student’s accessory design skills, their knowledge  and evolution through the study of the most important manufacturing techniques and more challenging and creative methods. Seminars will introduce to the advanced construction techniques and teach how to manage the straw and different type of other materials.

Core Courses:

FT AD LD 370    Line Development for Accessories I
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the process of taking design from concept to reality, with an emphasis on production, pricing and distribution. It will provide the basics of supply chain management and provide a framework for understanding how it can be adapted to best support an individual design concept. Students will learn about: materials, color, pattern choices, sourcing, surface design options. The construction process, including prototypes, samples, systems for ensuring quality and fit. Developing and implementing timelines for product development and production Costs and pricing decisions, financial planning and available resources.

FT AD AC 370    Accessories Collection Design and Production I
3 semester credits  (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This is an advanced course in which students learn how to create and develop accessory collections (casual and classic womenswear or menswear) in different market areas by using appropriate sketching and rendering techniques. Collections will be structured and organized in a professional way: from the customer research and the forecast of trends to the creation of mood boards and the selection of materials and colors. Visits to museums and fashion design studios will stimulate the student’s creativity.

FT AD AS 355    Accessories Studio I
3 semester credits  (45 lecture hours)
Students are introduced to the concept of three-dimensional sketching and how it relates to accessories design. Concentrating on design detail, they learn to sketch the basic shapes in footwear, handbags, personal leather goods, and belts. This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to select a design project in a specific accessories category. Mastery of research techniques, design construction, and oral presentation are fundamental to successful completion of this course.

PS PD PO 380    Portfolio Development  III
3 semester credits  (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

PS IN TA 420    Teaching Assistant Internship
3 semester credits  (90 contact hours)
The course is suggested to students who have already successfully completed a semester. Students can meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the teaching assistant program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof or having successfully completed at their home institution the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request.

Seminars:

FT AD TE 348    Traditional and Experimental Head-wear
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
In this course students acquire basic pattern-making skills while completing a stylized beret, cloche, and fabric hat. Introduces the basic elements of millinery design from conception to construction, including how to make a frame, a block, and a pattern.

FT AD SH 349    Straw Hats and Bags: a Florentine Dynasty
1 semester credits  (15 lecture hours)
This course introduces students to the design and construction of straw hats. 3D design principles and hat-making techniques are studied and applied to wearable and non-wearable creations. Students learn basic skills of millinery construction through the methods of patterned and blocked forms. They learn how to manipulate felt and acquire an understanding of straws.

FT AD LT 340    Leather Technology
2 semester credits  (30 lecture hours)
This course offers the opportunity to study several ornamentation techniques:  trapunto, welting, pleating, inlay, weaving. Students learn the different methods of application on leather apparel and on accessories such as handbags, belts and shoes and acquire the basic skills in the pattern-making related to leather garments.

Year 2 – Semester 4 (Spring)

Mission:

The aim of the fourth semester level is to develop student’s ability and acquaintance. An overview of worldwide fashion and accessory will be provided, in order to allow students to compare different approaches and to develop their own style. The goal of this semester is to achieve and complete the Portfolio as the basis for demonstrating the ability of entering in a work environment.

Core Courses:

FT AD LD 400    Line Development for Accessories II
(45 lecture hours)
This course focuses on the process of taking design from concept to reality, with an emphasis on production, pricing and distribution. It will provide the basics of supply chain management and provide a framework for understanding how it can be adapted to best support an individual design concept. Students will learn about: materials, color, pattern choices, sourcing, surface design options. The construction process, including prototypes, samples, systems for ensuring quality and fit. Developing and implementing timelines for product development and production Costs and pricing decisions, financial planning and available resources.

FT AD AC 410    Accessories Collection Design and Production II
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This is an advanced course in which students learn how to create and develop accessory collections (casual and classic womenswear or menswear) in different market areas by using appropriate sketching and rendering techniques. Collections will be structured and organized in a professional way: from the customer research and the forecast of trends to the creation of mood boards and the selection of materials and colors. Visits to museums and fashion design studios will stimulate the student’s creativity.

FT AD AS 365    Accessories Studio II
3 semester credits (45 lecture hours)
Students are introduced to the concept of three-dimensional sketching and how it relates to accessories design. Concentrating on design detail, they learn to sketch the basic shapes in footwear, handbags, personal leather goods, and belts. This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to select a design project in a specific accessories category. Mastery of research techniques, design construction, and oral presentation are fundamental to successful completion of this course.

PS PD PO 400    Portfolio Development   IV
3 semester credits (90 hours: 45 lecture hours + 45 studio hours with T.A.)
This course gives students the opportunity to develop a personal portfolio of creative work. Working with professional design critics, students learn the fundamentals of assembling a portfolio for employment in the industry. Using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, they practice advanced rendering, theme pages, and print work. Areas of specialization are showcased.

PS IN IN    450 Internship
3 semester credits (150 Contact hours)
An nonsalaried, 14-week internship scheduled individually for a minimum of ten hours per week. Integrates students’ design knowledge with field experience at a specific manufacturer with a company supervisor. The internship is open to students who have already successfully completed a semester (minimum 12 credits). Candidates must meet with the academic prerequisites laid down for the internship program for which they are applying. To be eligible they must produce proof of having successfully completed,  at their home schools, the preliminary courses necessary and at the levels stipulated. Further guidelines on admission are available on request. The program combines an internship in a professional workplace.  Students serve as interns part time, generally Monday through Friday, although some internships may require weekend hours, depending on the area chosen. Students will have regular meetings with their internship supervisors who will monitor their progress and the drafting of an extensive analytical internship report. At end of the course, students will be well trained and ready to enter the professional world.