1. What makes the MA in Bespoke & New Couture special and unique?
The MA in Bespoke and New Couture is unique in that it is focused on slow fashion and quality artisan workmanship. Students will learn centuries old specialty skills and techniques to apply to contemporary designs and innovative concepts. Unlike schools that only focus on ideas or only on techniques, we combine both. There is no other program like this anywhere.
2. What type of student is the MA in Bespoke & New Couture program for?
The MA in Bespoke & New Couture is perfect for the student who possess a deep appreciate for bespoke and slow fashion, customization, historical influences, meticulous hand techniques, and exquisite craftsmanship as a basis for creativity and innovation. It is also for a student that wants to further elevate their fashion design practice in a personal, intentional and conscious way, while learning how to situate their professional bespoke profile and work.
3. Where do the courses take place?
Semesters 1 and 2 (13 weeks each) are taken online asynchronously and semester 3 (summer term of 7 weeks) takes place in Florence Italy at Polimoda.
4. What does asynchronous online classes mean? When do I go online to join the class and how long is each course?
An asynchronous course means that there is no set time each week that you have to be online. The online courses are flexible and self-paced. That means that the materials (lectures/lessons, exercises, demonstrations, quizzes, discussions topics and assignments) are already uploaded and the student can access weekly material at anytime. As long as the student completes the weekly tasks, it doesn’t matter when they go online to study.
5. What are the benefits of online asynchronous classes?
Online asynchronous courses are flexible and does not require you to meet at a certain time, relocate to another city/country or commute to and from the school. Some students continue to work full time while studying online. Some students are parents that need flexible study times. Some students travel a lot and cannot be in one place to go to class, the online asynchronous courses also work well for them.
6. With the online asynchronous courses, will I be studying all alone?
Studying online asynchronously does not mean that you will be studying alone. There will be virtual discussions and study halls, team projects and critiques where students will be able to share work and get peer and Instructor feedback. The Instructor is also available for one-to-one meetings by appointment and there may be scheduled optional synchronous workshops conducted by the faculty on an as needed basis. During the academic year, there will also be invited guest speakers and special workshops taking place live online.
7. How are the online classes delivered? How do I learn fashion online?
The online courses are developed using immersive digital technology to put education into the hands of the students. Material is delivered in engaging interactive ways through video, text, audio and activity formats with opportunities for repetition and self-study. To see what a course might look like, go to the Online Courses page to experience some of the sample modules.
8. Where will I get my diploma from?
Students will receive their MA degree from HK PolyU and they will also receive a certificate of completion from Polimoda for the courses taken in Italy.
9. Will I be able to participate in the graduate exhibition?
Yes, all students will get a chance to show their work in the graduate exhibition at Polimoda’s Villa Favard in Forence, Italy at the end of the program. Additionally, they will also get a chance to exhibit their work in New York City at the Doors Retail location in Soho.
10. What will I be doing in Italy?
Students will be taking 2 classes in Italy that will help them to complete their capstone projects and prepare for the Graduate Exhibition. Students will get to work alongside each other in person with the guidance of Polimoda faculty. Students will also go on field trips organized by Polimoda to artisan factories and studios that work for the top designer brands. In the students’ free time, they can explore the city of Florence and enjoy all the historical elements, art, design, culinary, architectural and cultural inspirations that it has to offer.
11. Where will I stay when in Italy?
Students are responsible for finding their own flights and accommodations for Italy. They can book an Airbnb or partner with a classmate(s) to rent a short-term accommodation together. Please visit the Polimoda page for a housing suggestion in the center of Florence.
12. How will I get my visa for Italy?
Registered students will receive invitation letters from Polimoda to apply for their visas.
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. For additional inquiries, please go to the contact page to reach out to us.