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For years the glory of Italian fashion has mystified the world. Like a chic fairy godmother she waves her sleek wand every season, revealing meticulously crafted collections by the likes of Armani, Versace, Gucci, Prada etc, leaving fashionistas spell bound. Enticed, they ask, ‘How’s it all done?’ and few dare pursue the million dollar question: ‘How do I become a designer of such caliber?’
“Good question! I’ll tell you that it takes more than a few good sketches.” Smiles Dr. Vincenzo Guibba, headmaster and principal of the famous design institute, Accademia Italiana. “Often when students start out, they ‘ll have certain ideas and want to be the next Versace or etc, so they’ll focus on the creative aspects. Obviously that’s not enough. One needs to know the technical parts just as well”
And delivering this know-how was what Guibba set out to do 26 years ago. Seeing a need for an international design institute during the 80’s design boom, he established Accademia Italiana in Florence in 1984. Its success soon prompted the opening of one more campus in Rome and more recently, a third one in Bangkok. “We opened in Bangkok about three years ago. As we already had several connections and affiliations with Thai institutions, it was relatively easy to set up. Also it made sense to open here as there’s a lot of interest in fashion and applied arts.”
The Thonglor based academy sees its first batch of Thai graduates this year. “Part of the final exam for the graduating class is the runway show and so far from what I’ve seen, there are definitely some great pieces.” Held at Eight Thonglor, the fashion show included 120 outfits by graduates and current students, including celebrities like Pimpaporn Leenutapong, Pattamon Taechanarong and Sunissa Jet. Though held amidst a tense city atmosphere, the show was a roaring success-a promising sign for big brand hopefuls. “With regards to our Italian campus, we have alumni working with nearly all the big names like Gucci and Vivienne Westwood; while some started their own boutiques. The possibilities are endless.”
But designing, he warns, is no piece of cake, “Our program gives graduates the technical capabilities needed to translate their design dream into reality. But from the student, we need motivation, effort and goodwill. They have to see designing as a serious career choice; only then will they be greatly motivated.” Staying focused and doing the simple tasks may seem difficult especially when outsourcing to cheap Thai tailors seems so tempting. “As a designer, our students need to know how to take their idea to completion. Initially, if they leave it to someone else, then they’ll always be at the mercy of another person. It’s important to know the solution; otherwise the extent to which you can realize the design sketch is limited.”
In addition to fashion designing, the institute offers certified degrees in graphic, interior and product design as well. “I have a doctorate degree in architecture, but I’ve worked in the fashion world as well. In both, the designer is called upon to interpret collective dreams and to solidify them through images, objects and clothing. The project development process is basically the same, with the difference lying in methodology and materials.”
Having dabbled in multiple fields during his youth, Dr Guibba settled on ‘design education’, simply because it brought together tow contrasting worlds: transporting the world of art and creativity into that of methodology and deadlines. “I love to mix art and industry to create something beautiful.” Reflective of his own personality, this principal supports his students with firmness yet an open minded approach-simply giving them the right tools to bring out their best. “The younger generations have new ideas, and now more than ever, the world needs-these fresh ideas.”
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