Deciding to study fashion can be challenging. There are many universities, each with its own strong points, which offer interesting and innovative courses and Master’s programs.

At So Catchy! Where Fashion Begins, we’ve interviewed current and former students from universities all over the world. From the university that we’re talking about today, Polimoda, we’ve talked to Anuk Yosebashvili, whose artistic pieces, interesting way of looking at fashion and research had caught our eye.

If you’re thinking about studying fashion then you’ll be interested in today’s interview. We talked to Linda Loppa, director of the Polimoda Fashion School located in the beautiful Italian city of Florence. Who hasn’t dreamed of living in the flourishing cradle of European art and creativity?

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Linda Loppa, photo by Mengoni

SO CATCHY! Your institution is considered to be one of the best places to study Fashion in the world.  How did you get this reputation?

LINDA LOPPA: We are focused on the world of tomorrow. Our didactic program is based on research, with emphasis on theoretical and practical analysis. We developed a Polimoda vocabulary; were recognize students who studied at our institute; they have a different approach on life and businesses.

SC!: Which programs are most sought after?

LL: Business and Design related courses.

SC!: How many students are there in your university?

LL: 1200 students from 60 different countries; 600 students in Business and 600 in Design.

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Villa Favard

SC!: On average, how much does it cost for one year of studies at you school?  How many scholarships do you award each year and what are the requirements to obtain one?

LL: The annual fees for undergraduate programs range between 9.500€ and 10.000€, while the annual fees for master programs range between 18.000e and 25.000€. We do not have a scholarship program, however, we offer our students the opportunity to attend Polimoda courses with scholarships offered by some of our partners, such as the Chalhoub group. Further information is available on the website.

SC!: What do you have to do or need to have in order be accepted into one of the different programs that your school offers?

LL: Students are selected on the basis of their portfolio, a written essay on a fashion related subject and a skype interview.

SC!: What are the requirements to study at Polimoda?

LL: An open mind and curiosity.

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Polimoda 2014 Show

SC!: Which countries do you receive the most applications from and why do you think that is?

LL: 33% of our students are European and Asian, another 33% are Italian and the remaining 33% are from different nationalities from all over the world.

SC!: What is the average student applying to your school like?

LL: We do not have an “average student” at Polimoda. All our students have their own characteristics, which make each one of them unique.

SC!: How is the tradition of Italian Fashion reflected in the courses that you offer in your university?

LL: We live in a global world and our courses are focused on global fashion rather than Italian fashion.

SC!: Do you have any advice for people who want to study at Polimoda?

LL: Yes, of course. We are very happy to have many different nationalities and varied visions on campus; this makes our didactic programs interesting. Studying at Polimoda is a life experience!

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Villa Favard

SC!: How well is the Polimoda positioned now in the world of fashion and how do you see it moving forward in the near future? Are there any social or cultural trends that you can see in the study of fashion?

LL: All our graduates are working in very prestigious companies; they are our ambassadors. Fashion based on research is the future, therefore our students study business and management. The methodology of Polimoda goes beyond the theoretical knowledge and pure science.

SC!: Name some of the great names who’ve come out of Polimoda.

LL: Fashion does not need great names anymore. We prefer not to rest on the laurels of individual student alumni but work in silence, confident that our contribution will benefit the fashion system.

SC!: What do you think about the rest of the universities that, like you, are at the top of the list for best schools in the world of fashion?

LL: Each of the top schools have their merits. We feel that the difference Polimoda offers lies in the institute’s vision and the creative atmosphere of Florence.

All images courtesy of Linda Loppa and Polimoda

Translation and layout by Michael Padilla