An Interview with Ms. Linda Loppa, Director of Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing Florence Italy
(Interview by Marco de la Pierre, Communication Manager of DotFlorence.com & StudentsVille.it)
1. When was the school founded?
Polimoda came into being in 1986, an initiative which was organized and financed by the city councils of Florence and Prato, and by business associations in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), State University of New York.
2. How many students are there every year?
More than 950 students attend the Polimoda International Institute of Fashion Design & Marketing Florence Italy every year.
3. Where do the students come from?
40% of the students are international and come from all over the world, while 60% are Italian and about 25% are from Tuscany.
4. Why do students choose Polimoda in Florence?
Polimoda is known for its high standards and has well over twenty years experience in fashion education. The Institute’s strong point is without doubt its close relationship with businesses which on the one hand allows us to adapt our study programmes to real market needs, and on the other facilitates access to employment for the students as they undertake a period of internship undertaken at the end of their courses and Master courses. We are very proud of the rate of employment of our graduates, which is 90% within six months of completing their studies.
5. What kind of courses do you offer? Which are the most popular courses?
Polimoda programmes are subdivided into the two general areas of Design and Marketing, covering all professional careers in the fashion system. The three-year post-diploma courses are our core business – Fashion Design, Footwear Design, Pattern Making, Marketing Management and Marketing Communications – and as of this year an optional fourth year master class is available. In addition to these, there is a wide and constantly updated range of Masters courses taught in English and Italian. The most recent are the Masters for Fashion Stylists and Fashion Brand Management.
As for the most popular courses, this year we have seen a significant increase – up to 40 per cent – in enrolments on courses in the marketing area, especially for the three-year courses in marketing management and marketing communication. The Fashion Design course, one of our strongest options, is also greatly in demand.
6. How has the school developed over the years?
Today Ferruccio Ferragamo is the President of Polimoda, while the Chairman of Polimoda Consulting is Santo Versace: the support provided by such important personalities of the fashion world is of immense value to the Institute and is confirmation of the faith that both the fashion system and businesses have in our teaching methods.
7. What plans are there for the future (courses, new premises, new partnerships)?
8. Industrial/commercial/institutional partnerships?
As already mentioned our relationship with the business world is extremely important for Polimoda Florence. In addition to the 35 members of Polimoda Consulting – Ferragamo, Gucci, Tod’s and the Chalhoub Group, for example – we are constantly in contact with the foremost national and international brand names, as well as with local businesses. Our relationship with Florentine industries, renowned for their craftsmanship, the quality of their prime materials, and production in the fashion sector, enables Polimoda to appreciate and understand the most vital characteristics of fashion.
9. Internships and professional employment.
10. The relationship between the school and the city (events, festivals, exhibitions, etc..)?
Polimoda and Florence are very closely linked. I believe that, with its sense of aesthetics, its culture, art and crafts, the city has much to offer the world of fashion and our institute. I also think that the city, in turn, believes strongly in Polimoda and the contribution we can make in promoting Florence as one of the major fashion cities. We have excellent relationships and collaborate in many important Florentine events, such as Pitti Immagine, the ‘Galleria del Costume’ and the Fashion Archives. Every year we organise many events that are open to the public: already organised for 2010 are three Open Days to be held at the end of March, and the second edition of the Polimoda Fashion Week, from 10 to 20 June, including the Polimoda fashion show and talks, events and exhibits throughout the city.
11. Do you think that studying in Florence and Italy still gives students a plus factor? Why?
If the concept of Made in Italy implies quality and style throughout the world, then studying in Florence provides an amazing plus factor. Not only does the city offer art, culture and a sense of aesthetics, but it is also a centre of excellence for fashion production. The opportunity to contact fashion companies and proximity to the areas of textile and leather production is a wonderful asset for our students. And we shouldn’t forget that this is also one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
12. Who are your major international competitors? Which cities, countries or schools can compete with Polimoda?
London and England certainly have very important schools, with more than half a century of experience in the teaching and study of fashion. There are also competitive schools in the United States and Antwerp also has an excellent reputation for style….
However, every fashion school has its own distinctive characteristics: what distinguishes Polimoda is its awareness of and response to professional requirements within the fashion system, and the ability to produce new designers who will be the makers of tomorrow’s fashion.
13. Which do you think are the “coolest” cities today for studying fashion?
These days all the world is a city, there are so many different cross currents and links and I don’t think you can define a city as “cool” or “not cool” in any true sense. But I do believe that if you really want to study fashion seriously, it is better to choose a city which is less influenced by fashion and trends, as it allows a greater freedom for creative expression and development of a personal style.
14. Outstanding Polimoda teachers past and present.
All our teachers are experts and professionals with a background of long experience working for companies in the sector. Some are former students who have returned to Polimoda bringing their skills and knowledge to pass on to future professionals.
15. Success stories of Polimoda students and teachers
Now when you’re thinking about student accommodation close to Polimoda Florence, you shouldn’t look any further because you can find a lot of apartments in Florence Italy near Polimoda right on our website, and if you’re wondering what courses are on offer atm you can see that too.
Polimoda official website: www.polimoda.com
Polimoda in StudentsVille.it: www.studentsville.it/masters.html