Certification attained: Istituto Marangoni Certificate

Designing for the sportswear industry signifies a whole new approach to fashion design. With trends leading to more high-intensity, sport focused workouts, and the growth of activewear in luxury brands; sportswear apparel has to work on both performance and appearance in equal measure – a stimulating challenge for any competent designer.

Alongside advanced collection design skills participants are encouraged to look beyond the boundaries of ‘fitness’ in order to create sportswear collections that cover new markets and consumer opportunities. They discover key technical aspects of fabric, trim and fit development for performance-focused apparel, and are introduced to the relation of fabrics and materials in sports performance analysis; such as modern competitive level swimwear completely covering the body, and the use of breathable fabrics, or cooling and moisture wicking elements.

Participants will be able to evaluate and develop fashion proposals in relation not only to sport and performance requirements, but also in line with the specific regulations of individual sport categories. In addition, they will acquire the ability to design comfort wear or garments with stretch and elasticated characteristics, considering new interpretations and fabric manipulation techniques depending on the target or sport in question. Further research and investigation into messages of body positivity, individuality, genderless or unisex sizing, together with the role of top ‘sports stars’ in luxury sportswear and activewear promotion, aims to provide designers with a complete framework of sportswear design for fashion. The strong design and practical elements of the course run alongside contextual, theoretical, conceptual and forward-looking perspectives, leading to a dissertation accompanied by an individually inspired capsule collection that responds to the realities and the opportunities of fashionable sportswear apparel.

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.

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

• critically evaluate current research in their specialist field of study;
• select and define a research topic and implement a research plan using appropriate methodologies;
• critically analyze their results and draw logical conclusions;
• exercise initiative and personal responsibility in the work environment;
• carry out further independent learning or continuing professional development;
• critically reflect on experience of significant managerial responsibility;
• continue as a researcher in an academic or commercial setting and have the potential to extend the bounds of knowledge in their chosen field.

Also, they will have the qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility together with decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations.

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

• The design process for sportswear collections
• Connection between sporting regulations and stylistic fashion proposals
• Fashion illustration & presentation techniques
• Pattern cutting & apparel for leisure
• Comfort wear and techno-sartorial design
• Product technical features and textile performance (effortless style)
• The future of activewear and athleisure
• Connections between design, luxury, and fitness
• Marketing, communication, promotion and brand identity
• Creative research techniques

Participants will be able to evaluate and develop fashion proposals in relation not only to sport and performance requirements, but also in line with the specific regulations of individual sport categories. In addition, they will acquire the ability to design comfort wear or garments with stretch and elasticated characteristics, considering new interpretations and fabric manipulation techniques depending on the target or sport in question. Further research and investigation into messages of body positivity, individuality, genderless or unisex sizing, together with the role of top ‘sports stars’ in luxury sportswear and activewear promotion, aims to provide designers with a complete framework of sportswear design for fashion. The strong design and practical elements of the course run alongside contextual, theoretical, conceptual and forward-looking perspectives, leading to a dissertation accompanied by an individually inspired capsule collection that responds to the realities and the opportunities of fashionable sportswear apparel.

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.