A New Undergraduate Course Aims To Train Image-Makers At The Intersection Of Culture, Technology, And Fashion
Polimoda has partnered with Fondazione Sozzani to launch a new Undergraduate in Fashion Film & Photography, a two-year program set to begin in October and focused on training a new generation of visual storytellers across fashion film and photography. Developed in collaboration with one of the most authoritative cultural institutions operating at the intersection of photography, fashion, and visual arts, the course reflects a growing demand for image-makers who combine technical mastery with cultural awareness and critical vision.
The program arrives at a moment of profound transformation in visual communication, where the acceleration of imagery, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the emergence of digital identities are reshaping the boundaries between creator and tool. Within this shifting landscape, the role of fashion photography is being fundamentally redefined, calling for professionals capable not only of producing content but of interpreting and assigning cultural meaning to images.
“Fashion photography has a value that goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a cultural act, a way of interpreting the present. Today, in the age of AI-generated imagery, this awareness is more necessary than ever. Fashion photographers and filmmakers are tastemakers, and their dialogue with designers is what gives fashion its visual language. With this course, and through the partnership with Fondazione Sozzani, Polimoda offers students not only the skills to enter the industry, but the vision to help shape its evolution.” – Massimiliano Giornetti, Director of Polimoda
Structured around a holistic approach, the course integrates technical training with cultural studies. Students will develop skills across photography, filmmaking, narrative writing, production, and post-production, alongside a strong foundation in visual culture and contemporary aesthetics. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for roles including fashion photographer, fashion filmmaker, cinematographer, digital image specialist, video editor, production manager, and digital content creator. The program includes 600 hours of annual instruction and is taught in English.
Fondazione Sozzani will contribute directly to the course through guest lectures, workshops, project work, and access to its archive and exhibitions. The collaboration also introduces opportunities for dialogue with curators and industry professionals, while Sara Sozzani Maino, Creative Director of the Foundation, will help shape the program and participate in portfolio reviews.
“Cultivating the future of imagery in fashion means weaving together innovation and tradition, valuing research in archives… building a conscious future.” – Sara Sozzani Maino, Direttrice Creativa di Fondazione Sozzani.
Founded in Milan in 2016 by Carla Sozzani, the Foundation continues the legacy of the Galleria Carla Sozzani, active since 1990, as a platform dedicated to photography, fashion, and the arts. Its involvement extends the program beyond academic training, embedding it within a broader cultural ecosystem that connects image-making with research, publishing, and contemporary practice.
At Polimoda, photography is already integrated across disciplines including design, styling, art direction, and communication. Students will have access to six professional photographic studios at the Manifattura Campus, as well as the Polimoda Library, one of Europe’s most extensive fashion libraries, supporting both technical development and visual research.
Two scholarships of €14,000 each will be available for the inaugural intake, with applications open until April 17. The program will be formally presented during Polimoda’s Open Day on May 7 and 8, where prospective students can explore the campus and participate in a studio shoot.