Starting in February of 2026, the new Master in Costume Design, at the Polimoda in Florence, aims to train a new generation of professionals capable of intertwining creativity, tradition, and innovation in the realm of costumes for cinema, theatre, and visual arts.
The Polimoda institute in Florence has long been an international benchmark for fashion education and come February 2026, it will add yet another star to its lineup of legendary teachers and figures. In fact, that’s when Maria designer Massimo Cantini Parrini will begin teaching there, kicking off a new Master in Costume Design, an intensive 32-week program. According to the Polimoda’s description, “this specialized course aims to train a new generation of professionals capable of intertwining creativity, tradition, and innovation in the realm of costumes for cinema, theatre, and visual arts.”
To those who have followed my writing, the name of Cantini Parrini is anything but new. I’ve been going on and on about my fellow Florentine countryman and when I got to meet him earlier this year thanks to the Institut Français in London, it was a dream come true. They say, never meet your heroes, but this was one meeting that turned out to be more than I expected. We now follow each other on Instagram and catch up with one another from time to time. That, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been awed by his work on such cinematic masterpieces as Matteo Garrone’s 2018 Dogman and his 2015 film Tales of Tales, but also on the 2021 Garrone film Pinocchio and Joe Wright’s Cyrano (2022), for which he received Academy Award nominations, is just icing on the cake. And by the way, Cantini Parrini boasts five David di Donatello awards, five Nastri d’Argento, a European Film Award for Dogman as well as those Oscar nominations. In 2019, he was awarded the title of Honorary Academician by the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence.
“I am delighted to return to Polimoda, the school that was a fundamental part of my education. Costume design is a complex art that weaves together culture, research, and creativity: this master’s program will be an opportunity to impart my experience and train new talents capable of innovating this discipline with an ever-new and contemporary language.”
Currently in the spotlight for crafting the iconic costumes of Maria, a film by Pablo Larraín starring Angelina Jolie, the Florentine costume designer returns to the school where he trained to share his knowledge with new generations. Speaking of Maria, when I caught up with the designer in London, he confessed that he had help Larraín and crew campaign for the film and in the end, was kind of relieved that he was not nominated. In his tongue in cheek, dry humorous way, Cantini Parrini said he did not want to be remembered as winning an Oscar for “that robe!” Of course, he was talking about the iconic off-white wool robe that Angelina Jolie wears for a lot in Maria, while channeling opera diva Maria Callas.
For those who remain in doubt on my own position about fashion in cinema, I don’t believe a film can exists without a Costume Designer, not a film I’d like to watch anyway.
Again, courtesy of the Polimoda, a bit more about the upcoming course. “Polimoda's Master in Costume Design is conceived as a true laboratory of ideas, where theory and practice intertwine to explore the narrative power of costume. Students will have the opportunity to delve into both the techniques of costume construction and creation, as well as the analysis of characters, scripts, and historical contexts to best interpret the role of costume in visual storytelling.”
They also admit that the “program will integrate solid technical training—with practical insights into draping, pattern making, and prototyping—with a historical and socio-cultural analysis aimed at deciphering symbolisms and archetypes, making methodological research an integral part of the creative process. Additionally, students will develop collaborative skills essential for working in multidisciplinary teams, translating each project into a coherent and innovative visual narrative, and creating a professional portfolio that attests to their ability to combine technique, critical analysis, and storytelling.”
“Fashion and cinema are in constant dialogue, influencing each other in a continuous exchange of languages and visions.”
Concluding that this “integrated and multidisciplinary approach not only enriches the technical and theoretical knowledge but also positions the course as a true springboard towards creative and strategic roles in the entertainment world, such as Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Technician, or freelance Consultant for cinema, theatre, and television productions.”
About the new course and upcoming collaboration with Cantini Parrini, Massimiliano Giornetti, the Director of Polimoda said: “Fashion and cinema are in constant dialogue, influencing each other in a continuous exchange of languages and visions. In cinema, as in TV series or theatre, costumes are not mere stage garments but narrative tools capable of defining characters and creating a unique visual imagery. With this new master’s program, Polimoda aims to train professionals capable of grasping the narrative value of a costume and reinterpreting it with creativity and competence. Collaborating with masters like Massimo Cantini Parrini, we aim to prepare costume designers capable of bringing Italian savoir-faire to the international stage.”
Aiming to position itself as an international reference point for Costume Design, the Polimoda also stated, in their press release about the course “The Master's in Costume Design strengthens the dialogue between fashion and visual arts in Polimoda's curriculum, integrating into an educational offering that explores the connections between cinematic aesthetics and the language of fashion. Following the success of the Short Course in Costume Design, enriched by the participation of world-renowned mentors such as costume designer Jeffrey Kurland and choreographer Lorin Latarro, and initiatives from the Polimoda Library, such as the Film Archive or the CineCulture series, the program confirms the school's commitment to promoting cultural cross-pollination as a driver of innovation and education.”
With this master’s program, Polimoda not only offers a specialization path for future costume professionals but also affirms the centrality of costume design as a cultural expression and narrative language. The school stands out as an international reference point, capable of attracting talents from around the world and combining sartorial tradition with contemporary experimentation, in a continuous dialogue between fashion, cinema, and visual arts.
For more details, go on the Polimoda website.
Master in Costume Design
With mentorship by Massimo Cantini Parrini
February 2026 - October 2026
Language: English
To sign up, click here.
Images courtesy of the Polimoda, used with permission.