Instituto Europeo di Design
COURSE SELECTION
Courses are offered at the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED).
Program participants are integrated with Italian and international students from around the world.
Courses are taught in English.
Students with a high language proficiency may enroll in courses taught in Italian.
This program is only offered for the
Academic Year and
Summer.
There is no Semester option.
ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAM
The following academic concentrations are offered during the academic year:
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Fashion Marketing
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Fashion Styling
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Fashion & Textile Design
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Industrial Design
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Interior Design
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Graphic Design
Students must enroll in
all courses offered by a
single department.
Furthermore, students must enroll in courses within the same LEVEL.
Depending on the academic concentration, students earn between 32 and 40 credits.
LEVEL 1: beginner to intermediate
LEVEL 2: intermediate to advanced
LEVEL 3: advanced to very advanced (graduate)
An optional Italian Language course (6 credits) is offered as an add-on to the regular program.
The Italian Language is taught in an intensive format, 20 hours per week for 4 weeks during the month of September.
This course is offered only if there are 6 or more students enrolled.
Students must enroll in
all courses offered by a
single department within the same LEVEL.
Italian language course is optional and requires early arrival and additional fee.
Click on a course title to view the description.
(Contact KEI if descriptions for your courses are not available.)
FASHION MARKETING COURSES
Level 1
1.1 Modern & Contemporary Art
Historical-critical analysis of the main modern and contemporary artistic movements, in relation with changes in societies and culture.
1.2 Computer I
Studies on Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the use of the Internet and Electronic Mail.
1.3 Communication, Advertising & Integrated Communication
Introduction to communication. Functions and advertising strategies. Customers. Agencies. The tools of integrated communication to draw, implement a communication plan coherent with corporate positioning.
1.4 Business Management I
Enterprises in their international organization and relationships with the environment-market, in regards to economic, management and cultural aspects.
1.5 Fashion Market
An introduction to the fashion market, analysis tools and research methodologies: trade fairs, locations, trends, observatories, market research.
1.6 Fashion Products
Fashion products, from their ideation to realization: technical and qualitative knowledge of products, marketing-mix, competitive advantages.
1.7 Marketing & Market Research
Analysis on the key elements of fashion marketing, identification of brand-positioning, research studies and marketing-mix management.
1.8 Sociology
Elements of analysis on social phenomena and consumer behavior, with particular attention given to problems linked to lifestyles.
1.9 History of Fashion
The historical and cultural evolution of fashion with particular reference to the stylistic research of the 20th century and the latest trends.
1.10 Technology of Materials I
Analysis and studies on natural and man-made fibers: general features, classifications, typologies and production methods.
1.11 Workshop/Case History
Project topics that are complementary and transversal to different professional fields. Intensive experiences, finalized in the realization of a project.
Level 2
2.1 Brand Management
The value of the brand: how to position, communicate and strengthen the company brand, by creating a unique brand identity. Methodology for brand positioning through the analysis of the competitive system, the coherence of communication, the distribution, the trade and customer satisfaction.
2.2 Computer II
Web design and communication
2.3 Customer Satisfaction
Customer satisfaction through all the aspects that can be associated to the quality of products: service offered as added value.
2.4 Business Management II
Business problem solving (profit and loss, balance sheets).
2.5 Distribution Channels
Italian and international distribution channels: mono-brand shops, independent retailers, organized distribution, department and shopping centers, factory outlets, e-commerce. Sales elements. Management and coordination of privately-owned or franchised shops.
2.6 Design Project I (Marketing Research Process)
Marketing research methodology: problem defining, model building, data collecting and interpreting.
2.7 Design Project II (Sell-Out)
Sales activities addressed to final customers: drawing up a budget, analyses of sales and payback trends.
2.9 Design Project III (Sell-In)
Cost planning for corporate sales activities: purchase emulations for department stores, the budget of a collection, operational, commercial and marketing costs.
2.10 Selling Techniques
Analysis and development of the competences to manage all the phases related to selling.
2.11 Technology of Materials II
In-depth studies on topical issues concerning fibers and manufacturing methods.
2.12 Workshops/Case History
Project topics that are complementary and transversal to different professional fields. Intensive experiences, finalized in the realization of a project.
Level 3
3.1 Licensing
Licensing contracts: advantages, risks, crucial elements concerning the parties involved, organizational implications of the different professional figures operating in the field of licensing.
3.2 Design Project IV (Project Communication)
Practical application of the tools for the right communication of projects.
3.3 Design Project V (Brand Positioning)
Analysis of competitors and consequent brand competitive positioning.
3.4 Design Project VI (Brand Licensing)
The study of a licensing strategy and brand licensing project and planning.
3.5 Cultural Seminars
Interdisciplinary seminars on project design culture with in-depth coverage on contemporary issues.
3.6 Communication Techniques
From problem-solving to project presentation, through the implementation of different visual, computer and verbal tools.
3.7 Visual Merchandising
Classification and aggregation of the marketable goods, rational organization of the sales area and optimization of product display.
3.8 Dissertation Project
Dissertation projects envisage the organization of students into work and study teams that tackle complex issues incurred in project design. The key goal is to pinpoint research pathways that simulate professional realities and develop project design competencies and autonomy. These teams are monitored and sustained by senior and junior members of our teaching faculty and professionals. Dissertation projects are generally managed in collaboration with external partners, Companies, Public Bodies and Private Associations that hold the role of the real customers of the projects. Dissertation design projects are flanked by specific seminars on the issue tackled with in depth coverage of cultural, technological and market issues. Topics and organization modalities are defined and communicated at the beginning of each academic year.
FASHION STYLING COURSES
Level 1
1.1 History of Fashion & Costume
Evolution of fashion in historical and cultural terms, with particular emphasis on researching styles of the 1900s. The course includes an opportunity to carry out in-depth research into a single particularly significant innovation occurring in the history of fashion.
1.2 History of Fashion Photography
This course is designed as a review of the major exponents of fashion photography, evaluating their impact on the iconography of fashion and analyzing compositional style, reciprocal influences and their role as catalyzers of trends.
1.3 Sociology
Elements of analysis on social phenomena and consumer behavior, with particular attention given to problems linked to lifestyles.
1.4 Fashion Marketing
An introduction to the fashion market, analysis tools and research methodologies: trade fairs, locations, trends, observatories, market research.
1.5 Photographic Techniques
1.6 Video Filming Techniques
1.7 Graphic Design
Fundamental principles of graphic design: from dynamic painting, to ways of working with color, to creating patterns. The course includes laboratory work.
Level 2
2.1 Budgeting & Advertising Planning
2.2 Design Work
2.3 Fashion Editor
2.4 History of Television
2.5 History of Cinema
Study of cinematographic language and principal trends in style, identifying links between cinema, the zeitgeist of images on which it draws (icons, divas, symbols, costumes) and the world of fashion.
2.6 Music Video Production
2.7 Fashion Communication
Level 3
3.1 Fashion Journalism
3.2 Styling
3.3 Art Direction
3.4 Trends in Contemporary Design
3.5 Publishing
3.6 Fashion Trade Fairs Organization
3.7 Fashion Show Organization
FASHION & TEXTILE DESIGN COURSES
Level 1
1.1 Modern & Contemporary Art
Historical-critical analysis of the main modern and contemporary artistic movements, in relation with changes in societies and culture.
1.2 Computer I
Studies on Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the use of the Internet and Electronic Mail.
1.3. Textile Drawing
Drawing for textile prints using digital techniques: study of types of prints, formal composition, colors and printing techniques.
1.4 Fashion Drawing
Study of the human form and its graphical depiction, stylized and formal figures. Illustrative techniques and rendering. Elements of technical drawing for clothing.
1.5 Methodology & Presentation of Projects
From inspiration to final product: this course studies a methodological journey from the conception of an idea to a concrete design, concluding with the final result and ways to convey the project effectively.
1.6 Presentation Techniques
Analysis of handdepiction techniques, from drawing from real life to graphic symbols, from texturization to developing a feeling for color.
1.7 Fashion Pattern Making & Tailoring Techniques
Transformation and recomposition- The course is based on the TR Technique (Transformation and Recomposition) and aims to develop a sense of balance for fashion model design and for stylized shapes. Basic sartorial techniques will be learned through laboratory work.
1.8 Design Project I
Learning correct technical methodology and useful frameworks for the creation of a clothing collection, from the initial idea to a complete analysis of the chosen theme, taking in the intermediate steps of choices of materials, colors and drawings.
1.9 Contemporary Fashion
Analysis of contemporary fashion design: the most influential designers of recent years, styles, emerging personalities, fashion weeks, fashion culture on-line, current events.
1.10 Materials Technology I
The course investigates the main types of fibers, analyzing strengths, dyes, processing technique and suitable uses. Study of the evolution of materials used in fashion.
1.11 Contemporary Art Workshop
An intensive workshop as part of the history of art course, identifying qualities of real artworks. Analyses what is “contemporary” about recent art in order to understand the most recent goals of research.
1.12 Fashion Critique
A series of events for each fashion week (men/women, spring/summer and autumn/winter) to analyse and comment on the most interesting and important collections, identifying symbols, structures and trends.
1.13 Portfolio
Assembly and creation of a portfolio which gathers together the best work from the year. This “journal” becomes a visual record of the student's progress, both in technical ability and in creative refinement.
Level 2
2.1 Graphic Design
Fundamental principles of graphic design: from dynamic painting, to ways of working with color, to creating patterns. The course includes laboratory work.
2.2 Design Project II
Trendbook - Creation of a trendbook that identifies and analyses various trends in design. From a starting point that aims to refine observation of the visual world, students learn to research images thoroughly in order to reference the background to a creative idea.
2.3 Design Project III
Knitwear collection - Design and creation of a collection of knitwear in which the student can experiment with materials to create shapes, volumes and lines and explore chromatic possibilities. The course includes some specific laboratory work.
2.4 Design Project IV
Textile design - Study of textile printing techniques, from decorative to dyeing. The aim is to design a collection of clothing (for women and/or men) that uses materials to showcase creativity and as a sensory focus.
2.5 Design Project V
Womenswear collection - Design of a womenswear collection: studying trends and output of the sector and applying previously learnt techniques of production, presentation and communication.
2.6 Fashion Semiotics
The study of symbols as essential elements in communication, including the output of the fashion designer. In particular, fashion can be viewed as a narrative determined by a specific symbolic code, setting it apart from other types of communication.
2.7 Fashion System
Types of fashion products and market segmentation. The concept of the retail chain. Strategies for positioning and targeting products within the fashion sector (particularly in Italy), using an extensive analysis of the textile business, the principal shows and various important brands in the history of Italian style.
2.8 Sociology
Study of the principles of sociology (codes, cultures, languages, background, social phenomena). Review and analysis of trends in consumer behavior, the concept of a product and growing consumer demands.
2.9 History of Fashion
Evolution of fashion in historical and cultural terms, with particular emphasis on researching styles of the 1900s. The course includes an opportunity to carry out in-depth research into a single particularly significant innovation occurring in the history of fashion.
2.10 Tailoring Techniques II
Laboratory work to extend knowledge of the principal tailoring techniques.
2.11 Materials Technology II
Analysis of technological innovations in fibers and processing techniques. Study of the organization of production cycles in a business, with reference to new machines and tools.
2.12 Fashion Pattern Making II
Structured laboratory work for the further study of techniques to create traditional fashion models.
2.13 Contemporary Fashion Workshop
An intensive workshop aimed at demonstrating trends linked to actual styles in production today. The workshop will analyse what is “contemporary” in the fashion world, to become familiar with recent stylistic developments.
2.14 Fashion Critique
A series of events for each fashion week (men/women, spring/summer and autumn/winter) to analyse and comment on the most interesting and important collections, identifying symbols, structures and trends.
2.15 Portfolio
Assembly and creation of a portfolio which gathers together the best work from the year. This “journal” becomes a visual record of the student's progress, both in technical ability and in creative refinement.
Level 3
3.1 Print Design
Study of principal drawing techniques, formal composition, graphics and use of colors specific to textile printing. Laboratory work forms part of the course.
3.2 Product Management
Analysis of “costing” - The process of planning costs and evaluating profits. The product managers crucial role covers all stages from working out an initial budget and setting a price point to analyzing sales of the finished product.
3.3 Design Project VI
Sportswear collection - The designer should keep in mind concepts of resistance, speed and force in sporting disciplines to design and create a collection of clothing which interacts with the body to suggest sporting symbols and forms.
3.4 Design Project VII
Menswear collection - Design and creation of a menswear collection, studying trends and output of the sector and applying previously learned techniques of production, presentation and communication.
3.5 Cultural Seminars
Interdisciplinary seminars on project design culture with in-depth coverage on contemporary issues.
3.6 History of Cinema
Study of cinematographic language and principal trends in style, identifying links between cinema, the zeitgeist of images on which it draws (icons, divas, symbols, costumes) and the world of fashion.
3.7 History of Fashion Photography
This course is designed as a review of the major exponents of fashion photography, evaluating their impact on the iconography of fashion and analyzing compositional style, reciprocal influences and their role as catalyzers of trends.
3.8 Communication Techniques
Methods and strategies of communicating a project: understanding the creative process (from inspiration to fulfillment), choice and organization of information, value of creative dialogue and study of the most effective communication method.
3.9 Fashion Pattern Making III
Laboratory work to deepen technical understanding for the creation of fashion models, concluding with the study and creation of models for menswear.
3.10 Tailoring Techniques III
Laboratory work to extend knowledge of the principal tailoring techniques, concluding with the study and creation of models for menswear.
3.11 Dissertation Project
Students will work on their dissertation project in groups, and will tackle complex issues in project design. The primary goal is to identify research pathways that simulate real professional situations, and to develop competency and autonomy in project design. The groups will be monitored by senior and junior members of the teaching faculty as well as professionals. The dissertation project is usually managed in collaboration with an external partner (a company, public or private body or association) which is the client for the project. The project is augmented by various seminars on specific issues of cultural, technological or professional relevance. Topics and organizational structure of the project are determined and announced at the start of each academic year.
3.12 Fashion Critique
A series of events for each fashion week (men/women, spring/summer and autumn/winter) to analyse and comment on the most interesting and important collections, identifying symbols, structures and trends.
3.13 Portfolio
Assembly and creation of a portfolio which gathers together the best work from the year. This “journal” becomes a visual record of the student's progress, both in technical ability and in creative refinement.
GRAPHIC DESIGN COURSES
Level 1
1.1 Modern & Contemporary Art
Historical-critical analysis of the main modern and contemporary artistic movements, in relation with changes in societies and culture.
1.2 Color
1.3 Quark Express
1.4 Macromedia Freehand
1.5 Adobe Photoshop
1.6 Morphology & Psychology of Shapes
1.7 Typography & Page Making
1.8 Semiotics
Level 2
2.1 History of Cinema
Study of cinematographic language and principal trends in style, identifying links between cinema, the zeitgeist of images on which it draws (icons, divas, symbols, costumes) and the world of fashion.
2.2 Polygraphic Technologies
2.3 Macromedia Director
2.4 Macromedia Flash
2.5 Contemporary Visual Communication
2.6 Photography
2.7 Design Project I (Signs, Brands, Posters)
2.8 Design Project II (Publishing & Graphics)
2.9 Design Project III (Web Design)
Level 3
3.1 Sociology of Communication
3.2 History of Graphics & Design
3.3 Writing Techniques
3.4 Management
3.5 Design Project IV (Coordinated Image)
3.6 Design Project V (Packaging)
3.7 Design Project VI (Multimedia)
3.8 Cultural Seminars
Interdisciplinary seminars on project design culture with in-depth coverage on contemporary issues. Contact KEI for a description.
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Level 1
1.1 History of Architecture & Design I
1.2 Marketing & Business Culture I
1.3 Materials Technology I
The course investigates the main types of fibers, analyzing strengths, dyes, processing technique and suitable uses. Study of the evolution of materials used in fashion.
1.4 CMF: Colors, Materials & Furnishings
1.5 Modern & Contemporary Art
Historical-critical analysis of the main modern and contemporary artistic movements, in relation with changes in societies and culture.
1.6 Project Methodology
1.7 Project I (Methodology)
1.8 Real-Life Drawing
1.9 Geometrical Drawing
1.10 Technical Drawing
1.11 Computer I (Digitalization & Vectorial Graphics)
1.12 Computer II (AutoCAD 2-D)
1.13 Modeling Lab
Level 2
2.1 Ergonomics
2.1 Sociology
Elements of analysis on social phenomena and consumer behavior, with particular attention given to problems linked to lifestyles.
2.3 Marketing & Business Culture II
2.4 Lighting Techniques
2.5 Cinema & Design
2.6 History of Architecture & Design II
2.7 Materials Technology II
Analysis of technological innovations in fibers and processing techniques. Study of the organization of production cycles in a business, with reference to new machines and tools.
2.8 CMF II
2.9 Representation Techniques
2.10 Project II (Product Design)
2.11 Project III (Travel Design)
2.12 Project IVA (Light Design)
2.13 Project IVB (Furniture Design)
2.14 Computer III (AutoCAD 3-D)
2.15 Computer IV (Rhinoceros)
INTERIOR DESIGN COURSES
Level 1
1.1 History of Architecture & Design I
1.2 Marketing & Business Culture I
1.3 Materials Technology I
The course investigates the main types of fibers, analyzing strengths, dyes, processing technique and suitable uses. Study of the evolution of materials used in fashion.
1.4 CMF: Colors, Materials & Furnishings
1.5 Modern & Contemporary Art
Historical-critical analysis of the main modern and contemporary artistic movements, in relation with changes in societies and culture.
1.6 Project Methodology
1.7 Project I (Methodology)
1.8 Real-Life Drawing
1.9 Geometrical Drawing
1.10 Plot & Survey
1.11 Computer I (Digitalization & Vectorial Graphics)
1.12 Computer II (AutoCAD 2-D)
1.13 Modeling Lab
Level 2
2.1 Ergonomics
2.2 Sociology
Elements of analysis on social phenomena and consumer behavior, with particular attention given to problems linked to lifestyles.
2.3 Marketing & Business Culture II
2.4 Lighting Techniques
2.5 Cinema & Design
2.6 History of Architecture & Design II
2.7 Materials Technology II
Analysis of technological innovations in fibers and processing techniques. Study of the organization of production cycles in a business, with reference to new machines and tools.
2.8 CMF II
2.9 Representation Techniques
2.10 Project II (Shop Design)
2.11 Project III (Hybrid Spaces)
2.12 Project IVA (Light Design)
2.13 Project IVB (Furniture Design)
2.14 Computer III (AutoCAD 3-D)
2.15 Computer IV (Rhinoceros)
ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Italian Language (Beginner)
This course aims to help the student to acquire some knowledge of basic Italian, so that s/he can communicate with Italians, using basic vocabulary and grammar to express him/herself. This course is offered in an intensive format, 20 hours per week for four weeks, during the month of September.
Italian Language (Intermediate)
This course aims to help the students enhance their knowledge of Italian language and expand their vocabulary. This course is offered in an intensive format, 20 hours per week for four weeks, during the month of September.
SUMMER COURSES
Students choose one course in fashion, jewelry, furniture or interior design.
All courses are 6 credits and offered in an intensive format for a total of 72 in-class hours plus independent project work.
All courses are 4 days per week, 6 hours per day.
Fashion Design
The course aims to teach how to design a fashion collection through a series of theoretical and practical lessons. The course analyses the evolution of the fashion market with a particular interest as regards to the style trends for the years 2007-2008. The course also introduces the concept of coordination and includes the study of styling techniques.
Jewelry Design
The course aims to teach how to conceive and design a jewelry collection through a series of theoretical and practical lessons. The course analyses the evolution of the jewelry world with a particular interest as regards to the style trends for the years 2007-2008.
Fashion Marketing
The course aims to teach how to develop a brand diagnostics through a series of analytical tools.
Interior & Shop Design
The aim of the course is an in-depth study in interior design focused on shop design where shop means selling space or relation space managing visual communication and product display. The course consists in lessons that analyse the most relevant designers of the last few years, as well as lectures held by professionals from the design field. Students will also develop projects with three Italian designers for intensive workshop experiences.
Lamp Design
The aim of the course is an in-depth study of the space lighting design through the careful use of light, where light means not just the light fitting but also quality of light fitting and quality of light source. The newly-structured IED avant-garde light laboratory will have great relevance, enabling students to come into direct contact with light technologies. The course will also consist of lectures held by professionals from the design field, as well as individual experience in the light laboratory.
Furniture Design
The aim of the course is to explore different typologies of furniture and to develop a concept into an actual object ready for fabrication through exercises in ideation, sketching, material exploration, model building and construction drawings. Students will be exposed to the latest trends of Italian design and will visit furniture manufacturers.
