Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate

The fashion course covers the techniques, organization and economics of the production process of fashion items, learning at how to manage technical problems, responding to technological changes and product innovation, as well as new influences in the industry such as sustainability and 3D printing. By studying the relationship between fashion and technology, innovative applications in production processes are discovered. Participants learn how to interpret style from the design concept and its development, through to the finished garment or product. Extensive knowledge of fabrics and materials, their properties and appropriate uses, combined with that of cut, construction and production time is covered. They understand how raw materials are transformed into the final product following pre-production processes – sampling and sourcing of raw materials etc. through to production including cutting and sewing, and finally onto post-production processes of folding and packing, quality control and shipment etc. By gaining an in-depth knowledge of these processes participants are able to make products that are both profitable and appropriate for the market.

The supply chain, negotiation techniques with suppliers, quality control, definition of prices and delivery lead time are subject of discussion with professionals from leading companies in the fashion industry, with participants learning how to apply them to real-life projects. They select appropriate methods of company reporting in different negotiation phases of product development, correctly managing prototypes and communicating their findings. This course is for participants that have previous undergraduate level study or proven work experience, completing the course with a highly sought after profile in product management for the fashion, luxury and creative industries.

Educational Aims

• to develop flexible approaches to program delivery and student support which reflect the needs and expectations of our students;
• to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment which will enable success for all learners;
• to encourage the development of students’ intellectual and imaginative powers, creativity, independence, critical self-awareness, imagination and skills that will enhance global employment opportunities on graduation in all programs;
• to establish a culture of constant improvement in learning, teaching and assessment that is anticipatory, enabling, supportive, rewarding and fully aligned with the Institutions vision and strategic objectives;
• to provide a learning experience that is informed by research, scholarship, reflective practice and engagement with the industry and the professions.

Program Aims

• develop the students’ intellectual skills to comprehend and manage the technical, technological, organizational and economic issues linked with fashion products manufacturing procedures;
• prepare and equip Master’s students with the skills to manage –during the design phase– all variables pertinent to new fashion products by relating them to their use in society;
• develop the students’ skills to respond to technological changes and product innovations while forecasting future scenarios in which to operate;
• equip Master’s students to select the methods to make the industrial reporting during the different phases of the commercial negotiation, managing patterns, analysis and tools.

Final Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of their course of study students will be able to:

• convert into practice ideas and design concepts, transforming creativity into a valid commercial proposal;
• organize and implement product quality assurance protocols;
• coordinate the image theme, budget and timing of a collection;
• follow relationships with suppliers of goods and production, outsourcing, quality control

The Master’s course will focus on the following areas:

• Entrepreneurship
• Product innovation
• Sustainable design
• Manage fashion marketing
• Fashion product design
• Contemporary aspects in fashion
• Development of fashion production
• Fashion production strategies
• Communication, time management, leadership
• Professional research methods

Course teaching methods are mainly based around formal lectures, workshops, seminars and self-directed study and within this structure a range of approaches to learning and teaching is employed as appropriate to the situation. Industry experienced specialists and visiting specialist Lecturers (industry professionals) make valuable contributions and facilitate important links to professional practice.

Self-Directed Study plays a major role in this program, where students are expected to spend time researching and analyzing subject matter independently to support and substantiate taught material.

Formal Lectures form an integral part of the program and with formal delivery of key information to the whole cohort. At this level it is expected that students will use the lectures as a stimulus for further study/reading.

Seminars are used to build on themes taken from the lecture program. Students are encouraged to make an active contribution by sharing in the argument and debate.

Visiting Lecturers are invited to deliver specialist lectures to enhance the delivery of the units.

Individual Tutorials are used when individual student work is being discussed or the guidance required is specific to one particular student. It is especially important in the dissertation phase and may be face to face, over the telephone, via e-mail or Skype.

Small Group Tutorials enable students to discuss and plan their work in greater detail than is possible with larger groups. It encourages quieter students to develop their interpersonal and communication skills and helps consolidate leadership skills in others.

Video Presentations are used to give a more in-depth understanding of a specific issue.

Case Studies are used for detailed discussion of real-life situations.

Demonstrations are normally of a technical nature and are necessary in certain subject areas. Studio / Workshop / Laboratory / Practical Sessions > may be used to enable the creative and practical skill development of the student in an environment which simulates that of industry.

Group and Team Work requires students to operate as a member of a group or team and they usually have clearly identified roles. The emphasis is on collective responsibility, individual responsibility to the group and joint decision-making.

Study Trips give students the opportunity to go outside the institute’s environment to enhance their understanding of specific subject material. If assessment is dependent on information collected whilst undertaking the study trip, the trip would be considered mandatory. The cost of study trips can be either the responsibility of the student or on occasion included in the annual study fee. If the visit is within the city students pay for public transport. This will be outlined at the beginning of any unit where such a trip is foreseen.

*prices are subject to change

This is an SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!

• Istituto Marangoni Certificate indicating completion of Master’s level course
• 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, as well as school-provided apartments. 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.