Florence — Polimoda has opened its doors to introduce its talent to the industry.
The leading fashion school, based in Florence, held its Business Week networking event from May 13th to 17th, attended by 289 international undergraduate and master's business and design graduates. Human resources representatives from 107 luxury fashion companies (43 overseas) conducted interviews.
Interviews were held online until Thursday, with an in-person session held on Friday at the Manifattura Tabacchi campus. Upstairs and in the attic, design students displayed their portfolios and allowed companies to work on their work. Meanwhile, on the first floor, a business student conducted a one-on-one interview with her.
Participating companies include Bottega Veneta, Max Mara Fashion Group, Christian Dior, Luisa Via Roma, Loro Piana, Givenchy and Salvatore Ferragamo.
WWD spoke with Massimiliano Giornetti, director of Polimoda, about the impact this week has had on students, its importance to Polimoda, and how the school has prepared students throughout the year. Ta.
“Business Week is obviously a very important event for our students, but it also highlights why Polimoda started in 1985: a research space created by strong links with the fashion industry. , to create a space for experimentation, “to ensure a smooth transition for students from training to joining the company,'' Giornetti said.
He stressed the importance of having both an online and a face-to-face format, the latter giving students from more than 70 countries the opportunity to demonstrate their talents not only in Italy and Europe but also abroad.
Giornetti said the Florence setting will serve as a bridge between the students' past and cultural backgrounds and their future career paths, which begin with this event. “This is our first major meeting, but it's just the beginning of an evolving path,” he said.
Throughout the year, reviews of lessons and collections are scheduled to help students build a functional curriculum according to their talents and abilities. According to the director, who personally attends the design review, “The ability to get to know students throughout the year and recognize their talents creates matches between companies and students. This is the school's strength.” … apparently …
Polimoda Business Week at Manifattura Tabacchi Campus.
Polimoda/Courtesy of Serena Gallorini
The school said it has developed new courses to train professionals in fields adjacent to fashion, such as art directors and stylists.
The two Business Weeks held twice a year (with a smaller Business Week in November) are an essential resource for career offices. “Because we have time to talk to companies and adjust our course focus, our student recruitment focus, and also take some things into account.” It's important now that change is faster than ever before, within the companies themselves. “There are changes taking place,” he explained.
“Fashion is a big world, but it's also a small world, where relationships are stronger than resumes or LinkedIn,” Giornetti says she often tells her students.
The final fashion show will be a great showcase for selected fashion design students. But after the pandemic, its importance is in doubt, Giornetti said.
“The models, the catwalk, the silence before the start, the lighting… it’s like a religious expression, it’s like a liturgy. “I understand that,” he said.
When students were asked about their expectations for this week, the consensus was that they wanted to show themselves, not just be liked. “We want people who are interested in our work and our personality. A company that reflects our values,” said one student.
He said that because of their self-awareness and the techniques they learned, the students were prepared to see “what's out there in the outside world.”
Polimoda Business Week at Manifattura Tabacchi Campus.
Polimoda/Courtesy of Serena Gallorini
