IFDA Italian Fashion & Design Academy

The incubator of young talents.

IFDA is one of the few fashion academies historically recognized by the Institutions.

IFDA Italian Fashion & Design Academy is a post-diploma and post-degree college and offers certificated Fashion, Design and Beauty courses and masters.

From 2001 in the very center of Milan, IFDA has a single goal: to create an Avantgarde Academy preserving tradition and educating in a very concrete and professional way its students, because they will be the future of the fashion system.

Today IFDA is an incubator of new talents involved in real fashion project.

The brand Italian Fashion and Design Academy (IFDA) was founded in 2001 by Daniele C. M. Fittole, a renowned industrial designer from 1989 who has worked with the likes of Katharine Hamnet, J.P. Gaultier, G. Venturi, L. Soprani plus many more. His vision was to create a finishing Avant-garde Academy, which would preserve the strong identity of true Italian fashion.

Mission

Through its qualified industry staff, IFDA offers their expert knowledge to a select number of dedicated students. The Academy is an incubator between tradition and the avant-garde.

Why IFDA is Special?

The IFDA is special because it offers training programs in line with the needs of the fashion system. There are numerous collaborations with national and international brands and fashion professionals, developing real fashion capsules. All students are directly involved in inter-company internships.

Location

Milan - Fashion City

Located the prestigious headquarters in Via Tortona 35, IFDA offers access to the latest fashion technologies and professionals in the heart of Milan's Fashion and Design District, home to some of the most famous Italian fashion houses, including Armani, Zegna, Fendi, Diesel, Stone Island, Moncler to name a few.

Every year, IFDA offers a practical learning experience to train students to become the best in a field of incredible professionals and prepare them to reach the highest industrial level.

Method

IFDA Italian Fashion & Design Academy has a unique approach to developing and nurturing the creativity of our students with the use of teaching materials and expert knowledge. Our lectures are designed to encompass seminars, workshops, meetings and external trips to the largest trade fairs and renowned fashion studios across Europe.

No two days are the same at IFDA- every day is different!

Stage and Workshop

During each academic year, IFDA offers internship and workshop opportunities with our partner companies, to learn and work directly with the professionals. Here at IFDA, we strongly believe hands-on experience is one of the best ways to fully understand the needs of a real working, fast paced fashion environment. Through the workshops, our exclusive guest speakers are available to speak with students, offering their own personal experiences and advice on a one-to-one basis.

IFDA Alumni who work in Fashion System: Elisa L. da Herno, Valentina S., Lara V. Greta S. da Armani, Lisa B. da Estee Lauder, Nathalie G. da Gucci, Daniela C. da Jil Sander, Veronica P. da Guess.

IFDA offers to our students: Competition, Seminars, Workshops, Fairs.

Fashion shows and Presentations: Milano Moda Donna (Fashion Week Milano), Milano Moda Uomo (Giorgio Armani, etc.), IFDA Fashion Show, Tortona Press Day, SI Sposaitalia.

Fairs: TheOne Milano, White, Lineapelle, The MICAM, Mipel, MilanoUnica, SuperPitti.

Exhibition: Triennale, Mudec, Armani Silos, Fondazione Prada, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo della Ragione, Palazzo Morando.

Competition: Onward Kashiyama, Who is On next, Moda Italia CNA.

Official Partners

• Ente Fiera Milano
• Confcommercio
• Federmoda Italia
• The One Milano
• Parah
• MyPlant & Garden
• Camera Italiana Buyer Moda
• Confartigianato Biella

Some of our professional teacher

• Armando Pollini (Pollini Design)
• Emiliano Rinaldi (Art director La Perla)
• Simona Polli (Director WHITE magazine)
• Flaminio Soncini (Founder of “Buyer Association”)
• Elena Salvaneschi (General Manager of TheOne Milano, owner of IAFIL Spa)
• Luca Zacco (Fashion coordinator Versace)
• Giovanni Cavagna (Fashion designer Max Mara, Les Copains, Loro Piana, YEdition)
• Stefano Anselmo (Founder of the Academy Stefano Anselmo)
• Maurizio Cinà (co-Founder of “Buyer Association”, ex A.D. of Frankie Morello)
• Lino Spina (Senior Pattern maker Prada, Genny, Celine)
• Emidio Summonte (Fashion designer Versace accessories)
• Eugenio Gallavotti (Deputy-director of ELLE)
• Elisa Pestrichella (Deputy Director IFDA, co-founder of the Fashion Creative Lab)
• Alice Lissoni (Senior designer Luciano Soprani, Allegri)
• Ornella Rigoletti (Senior Pattern maker Valentino, Armani, Ungaro, Richmond, Montana)
• and many others.