Industry Project

Ferragamo Industry Project | Final Presentation | Master in Accessories Design

Detail of a brown leather tote bag with a blue suede lining and the Ferragamo name

Our Master in Design degli Accessori students had the opportunity to present their projects at Ferragamo’s headquarters in Osmannoro, marking the conclusion of the Industry Project developed in collaboration with the Brand.

This significant opportunity for direct engagement with the industry marked the culmination of a journey dedicated to luxury accessories design, bringing together research, innovation and the appreciation of heritage.

A person in a white shirt talks with two students beside a long table with bags and sketches at Ferragamo's headquarters
A person in a white shirt lifts a black leather bag with a chain in front of a table with project materials
A person in a black shirt opens a brown tote bag while other people look on
Two people stand talking in the presentation room, one in a red T-shirt and one in a black shirt
A group of people around a white table looking at sketches and project boards
A person in a white shirt standing in the room next to a table with leather bags on display
Group photo of four smiling people posing together
Five people standing in front of the large windows of the room
Group photo with students and professionals in the room of the Final Presentation

Sophisticated Every Day Tote Bag: The Project with Ferragamo

The Industry Project, entitled “Sophisticated Every Day Tote Bag”, challenged students from the Master in Design degli Accessori to develop creative proposals in response to a real-world brief set by Ferragamo.

Under the guidance of Project Leader Luigi Mulas Debois, supported by Assistant Paolo Rinaldi, students worked on the development of a sophisticated, contemporary tote bag, designed to reinterpret the Brand’s aesthetic codes while responding to the demands of everyday life.

The project began with an exploration of Ferragamo’s identity and research into its Archive, examining the relationship between artisanal heritage, innovation, materials and functionality. Particular attention was given to luxury leather goods, material experimentation and the integration of distinctive hardware and branding elements.

The Final Presentation at Ferragamo’s Headquarters in Osmannoro

Following an initial review with the Brand’s professionals, the students behind the most outstanding projects were selected to present their proposals directly at Ferragamo’s headquarters in Osmannoro, near Florence.

The Final Presentation took place before representatives of Ferragamo’s Design and Merchandising Departments, in the presence of:

– James Ferragamo, Chief Product Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of Salvatore Ferragamo S.p.A.;

– Andrea Renieri, Head Designer of Women’s and Men’s Leather Goods;

– Francesca Maltinti, Senior Designer of Women’s and Men’s Leather Goods;

– Lisa Giommetti, Global Merchandising Director Women’s Leather Goods.

An exceptional opportunity for students to showcase their work, articulate their creative and design decisions, and engage directly with professionals involved in collection development and product strategy.

This dialogue between creativity, design and merchandising offered students valuable insight into the processes through which a creative concept evolves into an accessory that embodies a Brand’s identity.

Black smooth leather tote bag with croc-effect handles and a gold clasp
Detail of a powder-pink croc-effect leather strap with silver metal buckles
Black leather bag with a gold and black chain held in two hands
Detail of a red croc-effect leather bag with handles and a gold clasp
Detail of a canvas with zebra print and leather appliqués shaped like a giraffe and a zebra
Three leather bags, a feathered beige one, a shaded croc-effect one and a black one with a scarf, on a lilac background
Brown leather tote bag with a blue suede lining on a light background
Red leather bag with double handle on a light background

Bridging Education and Industry

The collaboration with Ferragamo reinforces the importance of Industry Projects within Accademia Costume & Moda’s educational approach, which brings together academic education, creative experimentation and professional expertise.

Through experiences such as this, students gain first-hand exposure to the demands of the luxury industry, developing a thoughtful approach to design that combines aesthetic research, product knowledge and commercial awareness.

Our sincere thanks go to Ferragamo and all the professionals involved for supporting our students throughout this journey, generously sharing their expertise, experience and vision, and helping to foster a meaningful dialogue between the next generation of designers and the industry.