Director of Polimoda, Danilo Venturi and third-generation Ferragamo family member/Vice Chairman of the Salvatore Ferragamo brand James Ferragamo together announced a partnership in a nine-month Master’s in Shoe Design program via Facebook streaming. Polimoda school is world-renowned for its high level of fashion education, with 34% growth and 91% job placement in 2017, while Ferragamo, of course, is one of the most world-renowned luxury fashion brands in the world. The program will take the phrase ‘Made in Italy’ to a whole new level, and create a new generation of shoe designers, with the high level of expertise and craftsmanship of the fashion brand, along with the talent and skills from the educational institution.
Photo Credit: Salvatore Ferragamo
“When you talk about shoes, you are talking about one of the most profound elements of fetish and desire,” began Venturi. “An object which can totally transform the psychology and mindset of the wearer. The sociology behind this subject has been studied to such a large extent, which indicates how important it is for designers to constantly be aware of the world around them, as well as have a deep knowledge in their specialization and skillset. This means going deep into the history, but also the technicalities, then couple this with today’s zeitgeist. Shoe designers need to have inspiration, anatomical knowledge but also an acute awareness of their client, the mind, measurements, fit and stylistic desires that they have. Creating a beautiful shoe is no longer sufficient; designers must be versatile and able to navigate the shifting market. The Master’s program in collaboration with Ferragamo has this goal in mind: to provide students with the skills necessary to become the next generation of shoe designers.”
Photo Credit: Salvatore Ferragamo
The Master’s program will offer unparalleled direction from the Salvatore Ferragamo’s company, who is one of the most influential and innovative shoe designers, known for his technique, construction and craftsmanship. With traditional roots and a new generation of young designers bringing their creative spirit to the program, it will surely turn out a successful group of aspiring luxury shoe designers, especially with a curriculum of theoretical and practical based studies, a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, hands-on training and industry professionals from Polimoda leading the course.“We are proud to partner with Polimoda as it begins this new, specific Master’s program in Shoe Design,” added Ferragamo. “Today, the fashion world must set goals, and this includes training the next generation. It is important to share our know-how with students to train them and respond to market needs. It is a pleasure for us, as it was for Salvatore Ferragamo, to promote high-level training and tap top schools like Polimoda for new resources and young designers. We need the best professionals, designers who are specialized, yet flexible, with a solid training background. I firmly believe that a career in the shoe business must be founded on a comprehensive understanding of the product: design techniques, components, materials and construction, and what better way to learn than through hands-on training in the crafting of shoes at a company that has always designed and produced them.”
Photo Credit: Salvatore Ferragamo
The program will begin in January of 2019. For more information, please visit the Polimoda website.
