Ferragamo and Polimoda's program begins in January. Image credit: Ferragamo
Italian fashion label Ferragamo is partnering with Italian fashion design school Polimoda for a new Master’s in Shoe Design program.
The program will allow students to embark on intensive months of study covering everything from human anatomy to the craft of making fine leather shoes. Ferragamo’s commitment to education is helping to foster the next generation of luxury shoe designers.
Education program
Beginning in January, Polimoda will begin offering the Master’s in Shoe Deisgn program, operated in conjunction with Salvatore Ferragamo.
The program will focus on both the creative and technical sides of shoe design. Students will learn not only how to craft shoes but also the philosophical ideas behind creative shoe design and what makes a shoe appealing.
During the nine-month course, students will create their own capsule collections of shoes as a mid-term assignment and a full collection for their final assignment.
Students will learn the ins and outs of shoe design. Image credit: Ferragamo
From January to September, students will learn all the ins and outs of the creative, technical and business sides of creating footwear.
While Ferragamo’s work on the program will help foster the next generation of shoe designers, other luxury brands have invested in education in their own ways.
For instance, the Burberry Foundation is encouraging disadvantaged youth in Britain to consider careers in creative industries through a new grant program.
The fashion house’s philanthropic arm is providing grants to charity Teach First and the government supported Careers & Enterprise Company. Centered on Yorkshire and the Humber, this five-year initiative gives back to local communities integral to the Burberry business (see story).