The Creative Direction master’s course shapes the newest evolution of the fashion designer, the Creative Director. This is the individual who leads a design studio and anchors the identity of a fashion brand. In addition, the CD spearheads special projects in the society of the spectacle, with the typical sensory and conceptual approach required from art management.
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
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
This master’s course gives access to shows, trade fairs, and exhibitions and museums in Italy and Europe. This course is run by teachers and guests from the industry, reviewing one-to-one the progress of the student. The final project is a concept book to be represented with a design installation in Villa Favard in front of a jury.
Lessons take place from October to June and amount to 700 contact hours, leading to a total of 80 ECTS credits. English language proficiency and experience in the field are required.
Career Opportunities
A career as a Creative Director is built step by step through talent, tenacity and connections, which is why the students with the best CVs, consistent progress and impressive final projects, are offered a special focus that includes contacts with companies, wide exposure on Polimoda’s official communications and Linda Loppa’s tutorship.
The master’s program is broken into three broad subject areas:
Design
Sociology of the Imaginary: anthropology and psychology. Creative Direction: conceiving, visualizing, briefing and implementing a concept. Trend Forecasting: spotting and then anchoring a trend to the main concept. Trend Lab: experimenting with colors and materials. Advanced Fashion Design: transforming a concept into a fashion collection or set of accessories. Fashion Design Management: managing creative teams and environments from the brief to the final product.
Branding
Contemporary Fashion: the deep connection between designers and brands. Brand Architecture: building an identity through conscious and subconscious elements. Strategic Branding: positioning and repositioning a brand with different approaches. Brand Management: category extensions and key elements for change management. Fashion Marketing: tuning the identity with the client. Fashion Business: company structures, budgets and project management.
Communications
Fashion Art Direction: graphics, video, photography, packaging and presentation materials. Set Design: music, lights, scents and surfaces, body, space and audience. Fashion Curation: conceiving an event between art and fashion. Fashion Writing: editorial content management, writing and copywriting. Communications Management: advertising, strategic planning and accounting. Fashion Leadership: coaching, public speaking and presentation techniques.
| 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 Students residing outside the U.S. 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.