Sept 2024 Entry
1 year for MA (Full-time)
2 years for MA (Part-time)
1.5 years for PgD
33 for MA,
21 for PgD
This programme is offered as a full-time (stream code: 14108-BNC) and part-time MA programme (stream code: 14108-PNC) and a PgD programme (14108-PGD). Applicants are asked to specify the appropriate stream code in their online application.
Late application may be considered. Prospective students please contact Ms Mung Lar LAM (email: mung-lar.lam@polyu.edu.hk) or Dr Zhimin CHEN (email: zhimin.chen@polyu.edu.hk; tel: (852) 2766 6533) or Ms Sophia XIAO (email: sophia-fei.xiao@polyu.edu.hk; tel: (852) 2766 6479) for further inquiries in respect of the procedure.
What's New
This is the first online asynchronous programme offered by PolyU, with onsite components offered through international collaborations with the prestigious Italian fashion school, Polimoda, master artisans and top global fashion organisations.
Programme Aims
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To cultivate visionary and innovative design leaders in new heritage and bespoke fashion, with an emphasis on quality and artisanship.
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To merge contemporary concepts with historical techniques, thus fostering innovation and relevance in slow fashion practices while imparting an entrepreneurial mindset.
Programme Characteristics
This unique MA/PgD programme in Bespoke and New Couture has been designed for students who possess a deep appreciation for bespoke and slow fashion, customisation, historical influences, meticulous hand techniques and exquisite craftsmanship as a basis for creativity and innovation. The programme’s approach to fashion design is holistic, extending beyond ideation through a combination of conceptual and bespoke skills in leatherwork and various embellishment, fabric manipulation and artisanal techniques.
The programme takes a comprehensive approach to fashion design, prioritising creativity and exceptional artisanship. Its distinct advantage lies in its dynamic mix of students from around the world, which provides a unique opportunity for the rediscovery and recontextualisation of global artisanal skills as a basis for creativity and innovation. By sharing their respective cultural traditions, expertise, and interests, students can collectively contribute to the preservation and evolution of these craftsmanship techniques.
The onsite component includes a collaboration with Polimoda, Italy’s top school for couture fashion, which has been recognised by Forbes as one of the leading institutions shaping the future of fashion. Situated in Florence, the most important production hub for luxury goods, Polimoda boasts partnerships with esteemed brands such as Ferragamo, Gucci, LVMH, Bally, Richemont, Vogue, Lineappelle, Tods, the United Nations and more. These partnerships enable exclusive access to artisans’ studios and small-batch production factories and thus provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities.
The MA/PgD programme in Bespoke and New Couture stands out among fashion design and artisanal programmes worldwide. Unlike most programmes, which prioritise either creativity and concepts or artisanal skills, the programme in Bespoke and New Couture combines both elements. This distinctive combination of practical artisanal skills and innovative contemporary design thinking sets us apart.
Programme Structure
Core Areas of Study
Core Subjects (3 credits per subject)
- Craftsmanship & Culture
- Historical Research Methodologies
- Historical Pattern-making
- Essential Tailoring Techniques & Stitches
- Fashion Presentation & Communications
- Artisan Studio & Production (Polimoda, Italy)
Capstone Project
- Capstone Project I (3 credits)
- Capstone Project II (6 credits) (Polimoda, Italy)*
*Capstone Exhibition at Villa Favard in Polimoda
Elective Subjects (3 credits per subject)
- Apprenticeship
- Couture Embellishment
- Contemporary Passementerie Design
- Hand Embroidery
- Leatherwork Essentials
Important: The PgD can be completed in 1.5 years and requires students to complete 4 Compulsory and 3 Elective Subjects (excluding Capstone Projects).
33 for MA,
21 for PgD
Ms Mung Lar LAM
BA, MFA, MPhil
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A Bachelor’s degree (or above) in Fashion Design, Textiles Design, Costume Design or a related discipline. (No working experience is required, but preference will be given to applicants with a background and experience in the fashion industry.)
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Mature students, career changers, and entrepreneurs will be considered based on the strength of their skills and portfolio.
If you are not a native speaker of English, and your Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is award by institutions where the medium of instruction is not English, you are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the “Admission Requirements” section for details.
For further information on academic matters, please contact:
Ms Mung Lar Lam (email: mung-lar.lam@polyu.edu.hk);
or Dr Zhimin Chen (email: zhimin.chen@polyu.edu.hk;
or Ms Sophia Xiao (email: sophia-fei.xiao@polyu.edu.hk.
3 for local students
6 for non-local students
HK$6,500 per credit for local and non-local students
SFT Taught Postgraduate Programme Entry Scholarship Scheme
- This scheme is for students entering the MA/PgD programme in Bespoke and New Couture. It is available to applicants with outstanding academic achievements, such as a GPA of 3.8 or above in their bachelor’s degree programme or a 1st class honours award at graduation, and non-academic achievements, such as their interview performance and portfolio.
- A merit-based scholarship of HK$50,000 is awarded to each recipient.
A student can hold more than one scholarship administered by the University concurrently in an academic year if the total value of scholarships received does not exceed the annual tuition fee payable plus HK$50,000, unless otherwise stipulated. SFT reserves the right to change or withdraw the scholarship at any time. In cases involving any dispute or disagreement, SFT’s decision is final.
Required
Required
Supporting letter from employer (optional)
Please also provide the following documents:
- A copy of the results of English examinations such as the IELTS or TOEFL (for applicants who have graduated from universities where the medium of instruction is not English).
- A postal address in Chinese (for applicants from mainland China).
- Selected design work via an online portfolio.# Please indicate the URL of your personal website in the online application. The URL should enable reviewers to access and view your portfolio online without needing to download files. (Please upload a PDF document with this URL via the “Others” section under the “Additional Document” heading in the eAdmission system).
- The maximum file size for ALL supporting documents (including academic parchments, transcripts, and English test results) is 5 MB.
# Samples of work in your online portfolio should be provided in PDF format and include design development, design presentation sheets, pages from sketchbooks, and visuals of garments, products, and/or textiles. Candidates who are selected for an interview will be given further guidelines on preparing the portfolio to be shown at the interview.
