The Course

Within a Communications/Journalism framework, ISI offers an interdisciplinary class in “Professional Fashion Writing” in Summer Term 2015.

To have a career in fashion and design, people must be able to articulate a vision. They need the skills to see in clothes and accessories not just the objects to wear or display, but meanings, trends, significance and cultural values. They need to perceive these and be able to transmit the vision to the public in words, images, and media. Students must have the ability to express themselves in original and persuasive language so that their views and judgments can be understood and have an impact on the essentially commercial activities which make fashion profitable. When a particular show is over and the designs are already seen and known, what remains are the words used to describe what was presented. Fashion is both what has been done already and what is coming. That is fashion communications.

Students will learn how to: View shows and exhibitions; Interpret collections past, present, potentially future; Increase understanding of quality, creativity, and inspiration in design; Plan, write, and evaluate headlines, reviews, features; Develop a personal style that is recognizably theirs in voice; and Work toward publication as students as well as social citizens.

The Fashion Writing class will also feature a PITTI DAY to take place during the ‘Pitti Uomo’ menswear fashion fair bringing together thousands of designers, stylists, buyers, journalists and bloggers.

At the conclusion of the course both in the ISI classroom as well as in the streets, ateliers, studios, stores, and exhibition centers of Florence, students will have produced a manageable portfolio of fashion-based features. This practical preparation in learning the language of fashion communications will be an advantage for career placement.