By Giulia Piceni. Cover Image: Marni Resort Cookie Monster Bag, drawn by Margie Mitchem for I’M Firenze Digest
Do you believe you have something special to show that can add value to the fashion system? Are you passionate about sketching and aspire to design a legendary it-bag as a pro accessories designer? Have you always wished to be part of an editorial staff as an illustrator or a creative contributor? If yes, then listen up, because this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
Istituto Marangoni Firenze is offering a 50% scholarship and direct subscription to the Art Department of I’M FIRENZE DIGEST to students who are interested in attending the Master’s in Luxury Accessories Design & Management.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you need to draw an innovative it-bag that can impress the recruiters and the editorial team and showcase your fashion design skills. It is a challenge for the tutors at Istituto Marangoni Firenze, who are called to bring the best out of their talented students, and a great opportunity to get noticed. Read on to learn more!
DEFINING THE IT-BAG PHENOMENON WITH ACCESSORIES DESIGNERS
“It’s not a bag, it’s a Birkin”, said the Hermès shopping assistant to Samantha Jones in Sex & The City just before purchasing the dream accessory of many. Bags played a massive role in a brand’s success Back then, when a Birkin cost ‘only’ 4 (check out the infamous clip), and they still do today.
Besides this last-quoted one, many other it bags have captured fashion lover attention including the norm-challenging Cagole by Balenciaga which directly references the homonym tacky French appellative or the Trash Bag: accessories that are the representatives of Demna’s fashion-driven social critique.
Looking at these two examples from the Paris-based fashion house and considering many others such as the micro version of Le Chiquito by Jacquemus, the Candy Wrap Bag my Margiela and even the Pigeon by JW Anderson, it seems like irony is an important element in the creation of a it bag success, especially during our modern times in which sarcasm seems to have become the most fluent language in the creative fields.
A symbol of social status, a subject of social media buzz, a fav accessory among influencers, and a highlight in fashion editorials, an it-bag has always featured unique design and superior craftsmanship. Whether it’s craved just for a season or its relevance remains over the years, an it-bag is a highly coveted item, omnipresent in every fashionista’s wishlist.
But why is it so important for designers to be able to create a popular bag? Well, most of the time, the ability to design one is key for creatives to access high-standing roles, such as creative director positions.
For example, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli both started out in the Accessory Design Department of Valentino and were the masterminds behind the Rockstud mania. Now, they are both creative directors bringing success to Dior and Valentino, respectively. Their story is quite inspiring, isn’t it?
THE LUXURY ACCESSORIES & DESIGN MASTER’S PROGRAMME TO BECOME A PRO
The luxury industry is constantly evolving, with changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns and digital transformation playing significant roles. In this new era, luxury accessories such as bags, shoes, belts and small leather goods have become new iconic objects of desire. They are a must-have for fashion enthusiasts and have the potential to become fashion legends. If you dream of becoming a professional in this fascinating world, there is a place where your dreams can become reality.
Bridging creativity and business, the Luxury Accessories & Design Master’s Programme at Istituto Marangoni Firenze prepares specialised accessory designers, accessories product managers and brand managers, as well as trend forecasters, fashion illustrators and digital renderers. You will learn about the magical Italian manufacturing techniques, explore some Italian companies through organised tours, and learn to design and create your own luxury collections. The programme will also help you study global trends and develop your research skills through digital and physical aspects.
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY! IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF SKETCHING AND FASHION DESIGN
Draw a unique “IT” bag for a chance to win a scholarship and secure a spot on the student illustrators editorial team of I’M Firenze Digest magazine. Your designs should strike a balance between innovation and responsible materials, taking into consideration new materials, sustainability, or repurposing/reusing materials to meet the current market’s needs.
Istituto Marangoni Firenze combines traditional technical skills, such as Made in Italy, artisanal, and hand-made craftsmanship, with the latest technologies that open up new possibilities and bring unexpected results to products.
Your presentation should be digital and include sketches of the proposed bag, technical details, a description of the concept, material and colour charts, and the research/process behind it. Take inspiration from iconic fashion brands, such as Bottega Veneta, Medea, Loewe and Fendi, and showcase your savoir-faire and quality with innovative and responsible thinking.
Get inspired by iconic fashion brands such as Bottega Veneta, Medea, Loewe, and Fendi, and showcase your savoir-faire and quality with innovative and responsible thinking.
Apply here to get a 50% scholarship for the Master’s programme in Luxury Accessories Design & Management at Istituto Marangoni Firenze – The School of Fashion & Art, and become part of the editorial team of student illustrators of IM Firenze Digest magazine.
Start sketching your ideas – the deadline is by January 4th!
