Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate

Participants explore how Italian manufacturing is exemplary in its identification and use of materials and manufacturing techniques, and learn how to successfully balance design and functionality with sophisticated aesthetics; organized visits to Italian companies provide first-hand experience of design and accessories manufacturing. Participants learn how to design and put together collections tied to the concept of ‘decorative’ luxury. They research the history of luxury accessories and the influence of the contemporary fashion panorama on style concepts and production techniques, as well as current issues in sustainability and the use of new materials. Industry projects in collaboration with prominent Italian companies explores real business heritage values and manufacturing techniques, and the inter-seasonal nature of accessory products, putting together a coordinated collection that includes a diverse range of accessories; bags, purses, shoes and small accessory items. Throughout the project they receive professional feedback and guidance from the company. Putting together a successful accessories collection requires in fact a strategic mix of research, creativity, advanced design, and business project planning, this course provides the skills and knowledge to produce forward thinking design proposals for the high-end luxury market.

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

• Participants develop Design Thinking skills that will enable them to engage with user-centered, interactive and system design within a communication framework.
• They acquire an understanding of the design process and the creativity tools required to develop products and services within multidisciplinary innovation-driven business contexts.
• The course articulates along three axes built around a set of units focusing on business, design and research. Participants learn how to analyze and manage design via an integrative, problem solving approach aimed at answering complex problems.
• They engage in inter and multi-disciplinary projects combining design awareness and business knowledge that requires an understanding of management models, project management, creativity and leadership.
• The course trains participants in research methods in design and management to support the development of an understanding of design and management problems, and as a basis through which to develop a research problematic that will be explored and addressed in their thesis project.

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

• design and plan an accessories collection;
• choose appropriate materials for the product and experiment with new shapes and proportions;
• understand and know how to manage the production phases of accessories as defined by costs and draw up professional production boards;
• understand the scope of fashion and accessories companies;
• propose a complex, creative project with a wide mix of commodity-related well-coordinated products.

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

• The accessory product
• The luxury market
• Collection building and management
• Visual communication and brand identity
• Research methods
• Manufacture ‘Made in Italy’
• Materials for luxury accessories and product management
• Fashion research
• Fashion marketing
• Business management

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.