Polimoda

Polimoda is a private fashion school in Florence, capital of Tuscany, Italy. The school was originally founded by Shirley Goodman, the former Executive Vice President Emeritus at Fashion Institute of Technology New York and Don Emilio Pucci, founder of the famous Florentine brand Emilio Pucci. The management includes Ferruccio Ferragamo as the President, Massimiliano Giornetti as the Director and Linda Loppa as the Advisor of Strategy and Vision.

Stemming from an initiative designed and funded by the Municipalities of Florence and Prato, the Province of Florence, Centro di Firenze per la Moda Italiana, Associazione degli Industriali della Provincia di Firenze and Unione Industriale Pratese, in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) of the State University of New York, Polimoda was established in 1986.

New York, 1986. FIT representative Shirley Goodman and City of Florence representative Marquis Emilio Pucci signed the founding agreement of the "Politecnico Internazionale della Moda". Since then the school has grown in every way, becoming stronger, bigger, more influential, more cutting-edge and more independent.

And while Polimoda has never lost sight of its roots, it has also understood that you have to anticipate the future rather than chase it. With this in mind, in 2006 Polimoda brought in Ferruccio Ferragamo, former vice chairman and leading light of Italian fashion, as Chairman, together with Linda Loppa, currently Strategy and Vision Consultant and former Director of the school.

This marked the start of a new era for the institute and 2011 saw the opening of the Villa Favard campus, now the headquarters of Polimoda. In 2021 Massimiliano Giornetti was appointed Director. Formerly Creative Director of Salvatore Ferragamo and head of the Fashion Design department at Polimoda, he is a Polimoda alumnus and believes in the school’s international vocation, its bond with the city of Florence and the development of relations with the most important businesses in the sector.

In 2024, Polimoda opened a new building at Manifattura Tabacchi, bringing together the many disciplines from across the school and creating a single creative hub where business and design students can collaborate and learn together. This building consolidates the Polimoda Manifattura Campus and sets a precedent for the future development of the school.

From the executive team to the faculty, the institute is led by qualified and expert figures with exceptional professional backgrounds that are widely respected all over the world. An outstanding team committed to supporting the learning and growth of the students, aided by the contribution of the Members’ Assembly and the Board of Directors, which gather together representatives of local bodies and institutions, as well as important figures from the fashion industry.

Ferruccio Ferragamo has been President of Polimoda since 2006. Now chairman of Ferragamo Finanziaria, having led Salvatore Ferragamo for many years, he is an enlightened entrepreneur and an ambassador of Made in Italy across the world. In these years his in-depth knowledge of the international luxury industry, together with the commitment and support of his work group, have enabled him to increase the size, prestige and authoritativeness of the institute, making it one of the most important centers of excellence for fashion in Italy and the world.

Polimoda offers undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral programmes in design, management, and technology. Their undergraduate programs are the heart of Polimoda’s educational curricula, ideal for young people who have completed high school and want to gain expert training in fashion. 

Undergraduate programs span Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Art Direction and Fashion Marketing Management. Polimoda also offers three-month internships towards the end of these courses to further develop students’ skills in a professional set up. Some popular courses include Digital Strategy for Fashion, Fashion Design, Fashion Business, Fashion Art Direction, Fashion Styling, Fashion Marketing Management, Atelier Design, Fashion Accessories Design, Product Management and Fashion Design Management. 

Polimoda, a renowned fashion school in Florence, Italy, does not offer a traditional Global MBA program. Instead, it provides specialized master's degrees focusing on various aspects of the fashion industry, such as International Fashion Business, Luxury Business, and Fashion Design. These programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles within the fashion sector. While Polimoda's master's programs are highly regarded in the fashion industry, they are distinct from conventional Global MBA programs. Therefore, Polimoda is not included in traditional Global MBA rankings.
Polimoda Fashion School
 

In contrast, institutions like INSEAD, IE Business School, and SDA Bocconi School of Management offer Global MBA programs that are frequently ranked among the top in various global rankings. These programs are recognized for their comprehensive business education, international exposure, and strong alumni networks. For instance, INSEAD has been consistently ranked as one of the top business schools globally. However, it's important to note that these rankings pertain to traditional MBA programs and not to specialized master's degrees in fashion or related fields.
 

For individuals interested in pursuing a career in the fashion industry, Polimoda's specialized master's programs offer targeted education and training. These programs are tailored to the unique demands of the fashion sector, providing students with industry-specific expertise. While they may not be classified under traditional Global MBA rankings, Polimoda's reputation and the success of its alumni underscore the value of its specialized education in the fashion industry.

Polimoda, a prestigious fashion school located in Florence, Italy, boasts a strong track record of graduate employment. According to a 2019 Hypebeast article, the institution reported a 91% job placement rate for its graduates. This statistic underscores Polimoda's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the fashion industry .

The school's emphasis on practical training and industry connections contributes to its high placement rate. Polimoda offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and master's degrees in fashion design, business, and event management. Students benefit from mentorship by industry professionals and have opportunities for internships with leading fashion companies . These experiences enhance students' employability and facilitate their transition into the workforce.
 

Furthermore, Polimoda's global reputation and strategic partnerships with renowned fashion brands play a pivotal role in its graduates' career success. The institution's collaborations with companies like Salvatore Ferragamo and Tod's provide students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities. These affiliations not only enrich the educational experience but also open doors to employment prospects in the competitive fashion sector 

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