Mixed mode: Flexible asynchronous learning with onsite Italy courses/
The convergence of heritage techniques with contemporary concepts /
Mixed mode: Flexible asynchronous learning with onsite Italy courses/ The convergence of heritage techniques with contemporary concepts /
The MA / PgD in Bespoke and New Couture is uniquely designed for students who possess a deep appreciation for bespoke and slow fashion, customisation, historical influences, meticulous hand techniques, and exquisite craftsmanship as a basis for creativity and innovation. It provides a holistic approach to fashion design beyond the ideation phase with a combination of concept and bespoke skills in leatherwork and a range of embellishments, fabric manipulation, and artisanal techniques.
The MA / PgD in Bespoke and New Couture is a hybrid distancing learning programme supplemented with a summer term at Polimoda in Florence, Italy. The online courses leverage innovative technology to put students in control of their educational experience, while making learning easy, accessible and fun. Material is delivered in engaging interactive ways through video, text, audio, virtual environments and activity formats with opportunities for repetition and self-study.
The onsite component includes a collaboration with Polimoda, Italy’s best school for couture fashion, and is recognised by Forbes as one of the leading institutions shaping the future of fashion. Situated in Florence, the most important luxury production hub, Polimoda boasts partnerships with esteemed brands such as Ferragamo, Gucci, LVMH, Bally, Richemont, Vogue, Lineapelle, Tods, the United Nations, and more. This partnership grants exclusive access to brands, artisan studios and small-batch production factories, providing unparalleled learning opportunities for the students.
The MA / PgD in Bespoke and New Couture stands out among the majority of fashion design and artisan programmes worldwide. Unlike most programmes that prioritise either creativity and concepts or artisanal skills, this programme uniquely combines both elements. This distinctive combination of practical artisanal skills and innovative contemporary design thinking sets us apart.
DOORS NYC is a revolutionary omnichannel platform and a full-service brand-building agency for independent fashion and accessories designers, cult niche brands and emerging artists to grow in the USA. Their retail location is located in the heart of Soho, New York. They also boast a showroom location in Paris.
Doors is collaborating with us to host a Graduate Pop-Up event in their NY location. Three lucky graduates will be chosen for the Doors Incubator Program for six months of mentorship in, Collection Competency, Business Strategies, and Brand Storytelling, as well as the chance to enter the US market.
GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY
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This course establishes a firm understanding of artisan craftsmanship being actively employed in the fashion industry today. The course provides students with historical and cultural context for each technique studied and practical understanding around contemporary application and practical durability.
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This course is designed to encourage an intellectual discovery process that will inspire more thoughtful and engaging design. Students will be introduced to core analytical methodologies used in art and fashion history and given the language and theories to interrogate their own practice and creative concepts. At the end of this course, students will have formulated their thesis proposal through methods of effective storytelling.
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In this course students explore the evolution of fashion and study historical garment designs, details and construction as inspiration for contemporary designs and patternmaking.
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In this course students explore the essentials of tailoring techniques and stitches as well as fabric preparation, garment construction and finishing details.
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In this course students will develop a professional and personal bespoke narrative for their work. Students will acquire skills in storytelling, image curation, art direction and multi-media strategies to promote their work. Students will develop visually captivating presentations and master impactful verbal and visual communication strategies with confidence and clarity.
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In this course, students use the thesis proposal approved in Research Methodologies to begin the process and development stages of their Capstone Project, focusing on experimentation and project planning. Students will work on sample iterations and explore presentation strategies, complete patterns & muslins, procure all final materials and begin handwork.
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This course provides access to Italian artisan studios and factories, many of which produce for the top luxury brands, to gain an understanding of their operations, small batch production and manufacturing relationships and processes. The field trips will be paired with studio design modules taught by Polimoda faculty providing students instruction and practice in areas of leatherwork, embellishments and fabric manipulation.
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In this course students will complete their Capstone projects with the creative and practical guidance and support of in-person Polimoda faculty. Students will work together in a studio environment and learn from each others skills and processes, while faculty provide individual support and relevant creative and technical class presentations and demos.
PROGRAMME SUBJECTS
Compulsory Subjects (3 credits per subject, unless specified)Elective Subjects (Select 2) (3 credits per subject)
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This optional Apprenticeship elective course allows students to study with a master craftsperson, of their choice in their region, to learn skills they wish to include in their Capstone project. Assessment includes a site evaluation at midterm and finals as well as a term presentation of the apprenticeship including the historical context, tools, techniques, and contemporary applications of the craft learned.
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This course provides an in-depth, industry standard understanding of couture hand embroidery and embellishment techniques including concepts, processes and terminology, identifying material qualities, equipment and tools, and hand finishing techniques and contemporary design applications.
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This course provides an introductory understanding of how to design and create handmade, contemporary passementerie embellishments for fashion design. This course will provide students with a solid overview of theories & concepts, terminology, identifying techniques and material qualities, tools, hand textile making techniques and processes, finishing techniques and design applications.
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This course provides an in-depth, industry standard understanding of traditional hand embroidery including Concepts, processes and terminology; Identifying material qualities, equipment and tools; Design ideation and applications; Hand finishing techniques and production planning.
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The course provides a basic understanding of leatherwork including developing design concepts, material processes and terminology, identifying material qualities for design relevance, working with hand tools, basic stitching and finishing techniques, construction and design applications.
“The programme is unique as it is offering such a 360 view on the world of new couture and design. There are so many subjects that interlink into fashion and this gives students the opportunity to learn about such a wide variety of them.
I would like the students to really understand the use of design and stitch within a fashion setting and to learn how to manipulate fabric into telling their own story”
Jessica Pile
Embroidery Artist; Former Managing & Production Director of Hand & Lock; Author of Fashion Embroidery: Embroidery Techniques and Inspiration For Haute Couture Clothing
