VELVET CIRCLE
FASHION SCHOOL E-MAGAZINE
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2 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
Yo u r fu tu re in fa s h i o n b e g in s w ith u s .
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TABL E of C O NTENTS
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ABOUT THE VELVET CIRCLE Take an inside look at what we do
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THE FASHION SCHOOL Get to know the courses, faculty and the immersion experiences offered
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SISTER CITIES IN FASHION Discover how studying in Florence and Milan with give you unique experiences unlike any other
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PROGRAM STRUCTURE Learn how the fashion school’s programs run and what they include
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Ready to enroll? Find out what’s needed
Photos by Gloria Marco Munueral
CONTACT www.velvetcircle.tv velvet@velvetcircle.tv +39 389 5154754 Florence, Italy facebook.com/thevelvetcircle 5
6 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
ABOUT THE VELVET CIRCLE The Velvet Circle provides educational training and multimedia services in the fashion, cuisine, and lifestyle sectors. The Velvet Circle Fashion Program offers short-term fashion courses in Italy in fashion design, the business of fashion, fashion marketing, fashion media, and access to fashion tours and trade fairs. Operating in New York and Italy, The Velvet Circle TV is a niche web TV magazine with international video coverage of fashion events, runway shows, culinary delights, and interviews with people in the worlds of design, art, gastronomy, and luxury. Our goal is to offer an integrated market approach, combining the best elements of the traditional tools of marketing and the new instruments of communication to increase awareness of brands in the marketplace.
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THE FASHION SCHOOL
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Photos courtesy of Ermanno Scervino Fall/Winter ‘14/’15 Collection Show
CAMPUS Our short-term Fashion Courses and Immersion Experiences are perfectly designed for those who wish to gain hands-on and practical instruction in Fashion Design, Fashion Business, and Fashion Communications in a brief but intense study period. You will learn from professionals who are up-to-date in the latest trends and technology, without sacrificing the quality and heritage for which Italy is most noted. Our partner school SRISA focuses on Italy’s international students and the campus in the center of Florence is an ideal place to be inspired in the study of fashion. For our forty four years SRISA has served students who attend and participate in the coursework assignments. Those students will receive a Certificate at the end of the fashion course from our accredited school partner. Students will attend class in a state of the art facility in the center of Florence. The campus is located just 5 minutes away from the city’s main monuments, such as the Duomo. For more than 44 years, the school has served students from the US and all over the world. The school has spacious studios, a large design lab, student lounge, computer workstations, library, and contemporary art gallery. The Velvet Circle courses are unique and tailored just for our program participants. Although the school campus offers other programs of study, the 4-week full time fashion courses are only available through our program. The fashion lab includes all equipment such as dress forms, sewing machines, work stations, computers, and materials.
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11 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
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FACULTY You will learn about fashion design and the business of fashion from professors who have worked in the industry for years. Instructors have a background in teaching design, pattern-making, trend forecast, production, and marketing, and have a respected reputation for motivating course material and interactive learning. As a private institution, quality education is provided as a result of professional staff, quality resources and personalized instruction.
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IMMERSION EXPERIENCES The Velvet Circle also offers a once in a lifetime experience of attending an exclusive fashion runway show, trade fair, and exhibits in Florence or Milan during Fashion Week.
IMMERSION EXPERIENCE EXAMPLES Combine your Fashion Course with the Immersion Experience and take advantage of your exciting time in the Italian fashion capitals of Florence and Milan! Attend Milan Fashion Week and Exhibits!
FEBRUARY // MILAN FASHION WEEK
SEPTEMBER // MILAN FASHION WEEK
*Limited Availability
Attend Pitti Uomo, Immagine Italia Shows, Fashion Museums and Exhibits in Florence!
JANUARY // PITTI UOMO & DONNA FAIR
FEBRUARY // IMMAGINE ITALIA FAIR
JUNE // PITTI UOMO & DONNA FAIR
JULY // PITTI FILATI FAIR
NOVEMBER // MODAPRIMA FAIR
*Limited Availability
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15 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
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Photos courtesy of Ermanno Scervino Fall/Winter ‘14/’15 Collection Show
MILAN & FLORENCE SISTER CITIES IN FASHION The Velvet Circle provides an opportunity for fashion students and fashion lovers to follow their passion in Italy. 17
18 Photos by Alfronso Catalano
color A SPLASH OF
STUDYING FASHION IN MILAN & FLORENCE
Studying in Florence is an unparalleled experience, and you will be surrounded by world-class art, indulgent cuisine, and quaint cobblestone streets leading you to medieval masterpieces. As the seat of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is synonymous with craftsmanship an artisans, with many of the top brands starting their practice in the city and its environs. Ferragamo, Ermano Scervino, Cavalli, and Gucci are just a few world class names that began and continue to operate in Florence. Milan has emerged as a powerhouse of banking, commerce and fashion. Many international brands have their headquarters here, and every year, Milan plays host to numerous design trade fairs. Hundreds of showrooms, public relation agencies, photographers, designers and international offices all work together in this vibrant city. We welcome fashion students from all over the world to come study at a leading international design school in Florence. All courses are conducted in English language. 19
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Photos courtesy of Ermanno Scervino Fall/Winter ‘14/’15 Collection Show
OUR PROGRAMS 21
CERTIFICATE PROGRAM STRUCTURE The Velvet Circle Fashion Program offers professional certificate programs for those students seeking to develop new skills or enhance their portfolio and professional experience in an international learning environment. The Certificate Program program in Fashion Design and Fashion Business offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the fashion industry through direct experience and experimentation. Coursework is based in Florence and students will be surrounded by the historical and cultural traditions that provides the foundations to today’s innovation in the world of fashion. By exploring Florentine fashion businesses, the aim of this program is to provide insider experience in fashion design and garment construction. Core courses are taught by professionals in the fashion industry, and are enhanced with guest lecturers, on-site visits, and attendance at local trade events. The school provides equipped laboratories for tailoring, pattern-making, sketching, and graphic design.
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Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
DURATION Certificate programs may be taken for one or two semesters. Both options allow students to focus on the development of a professional portfolio. Over the 15-week semester students will take five courses which provide a solid foundation, and four seminars on related specialized areas of study. The program includes portfolio development to help prepare students for a professional career in the fashion industry. The end of each semester will culminate with a runway fashion show organized by students and fashion professors. Students who pass all courses will obtain a transcript for credit and Certificate in Fashion Design.
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24 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
INTRO TO FASHION DESIGN 4 WEEKS
Fashion Design is the creation of clothing including ready-to-wear, womens-wear, menswear and costume design. The four week introductory course will guide you through the design process, encouraging you to develop a personal vision and design philosophy. The curriculum highlights the entire process starting with visual research, illustration and figure drawing, design development, sourcing materials, creating line plans, draping, and constructing garments. The course will seek to establish foundational understanding of fashion design principles, market sectors, and shipping seasons. The class is supplemented with seminars, on-site visits, and guest lecturers in various topics. See Seminar list. At the end of the course you will: • Be able to conduct design research and maintain a sketchbook compiling ideas incorporating colors, textures and fabrics • Have the fundamental skills to create a portfolio • Gain technical skills in draping and garment construction
THE BUSINESS OF FASHION 4 WEEKS
This four week introductory course explores the design profession by acquainting students with the functions necessary to run a successful operation that develops, promotes and sells fashion products. Students will learn about buying, product line development and manufacturing, marketing, promotion, retail, expansion strategies, emerging marketing, luxury goods, and the industry calendar – through a series of lectures, research, and projects. Students will also analyze brand positioning and brand management. At the end of the course, each student will profile and present a fashion company and develop a business plan draft. On-site visits and industry speakers supplement reading and research. Course also includes refining resumes and portfolio.
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FASHION STYLING 3 WEEKS
Fashion Styling is creating fashion imagery that delivers the message of the designer or brand. Fashion culture is emphasized in this three week introductory course. Students will develop a styling portfolio and gain hands-on experience developing concepts and assembling compelling outfits for photo shoots. Students will gain knowledge of the history of fashion, the fashion industry and trends – past, present and future, and be introduced to Art Direction: the choosing of props, location, model, photographic style, make-up and hair. At the end of the course, students will have directed a photoshoot as well as created a style portfolio.
FASHION SEMINAR During the four week program – whether it is Fashion Design, Fashion Business or Fashion Styling – students will be able to participate in seminars and workshops on a variety of topics dedicated to the fashion industry. • Fashion Journalism • Social Media in Fashion • Clothing and Society • Fashion Illustration and New Media • Trend Forecast • Sustainability and Eco Fashion • Fashion Event Management and Public Relations • Portfolio Presentation and CV Development
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27 Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
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Photo by Vasu Leeaphon
FASHION BLOGGING 1 WEEK
There are many fashion and style bloggers out there today. That doesn’t mean that all are successful or popular. The key to being an accomplished blogger is to have a unique voice, style, and a loyal following. In the fashion industry, blogging goes hand-in-hand with public relations, branding, and sales. Part photo- journalism, part marketing, and part networking, the blogging industry has changed the lives of many individuals, emerging designers, and top brands. This course will help you to showcase your style, position yourself as an expert, and give tips on how to become known in the fashion world, locally and globally. · · · · · ·
Social media and marketing Technical aspects of blogging Key bloggers today Brand identity Content calendar And much more!
1-Week Course On-site in Florence or Online Course
FASHION TOURS Have you ever wanted to attend a high fashion runway show or go backstage to assist during Fashion Week? This is your opportunity to take your classroom learnings into the real-world. The Immersion Experience lets you see the Florence and Milan fashion events up close. Guided by our fashion group leader, you will have the experience of a lifetime!
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Photo by Gloria Marco Munueral
HOUSING The fashion program consists of short-term courses, from two weeks to eight months. Students have the option of reserving lodging in an apartment through our housing partner or searching for an apartment or hotel on their own. There are many shortterm apartment rentals in the center of Florence, catering to travelers and students. Apartments are within walking distance of campus. Apartments vary in style, amenities, and price range. Rent includes furniture, utilities, and Internet access. Apartments are for single or double occupancy.
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ADMISSIONS Log on to www.velvetcircle.tv to learn more about the programs and admissions process. Requirements: • 18 Years of age • School Records (Transcript) • Curriculum Vitae • Portfolio (Optional)
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www.velvetcircle.tv velvet@velvetcircle.tv +39 389 5154754 Florence, Italy facebook.com/thevelvetcircle 32