Delivering fashion education across borders

Fashion education is being enriched through an international partnership that brings together two of Europe's most influential creative traditions. Through a collaboration between Teesside University and Ferrari Fashion School in Milan, students benefit from a unique academic experience that combines the strengths of both institutions.

Italy is renowned for its fashion heritage, design culture and luxury manufacturing industry, supported by an exceptional network of fashion houses and skilled craftspeople. Meanwhile, the UK's approach to creative education is recognised for encouraging experimentation, critical thinking and independent research.

Together, these complementary strengths provide students with a broader perspective on the global fashion industry and the skills needed to succeed within it. The partnership between Teesside University and Ferrari Fashion School in Milan, these different traditions come together within a shared academic experience.

The collaboration combines Teesside University's internationally recognised academic framework with Ferrari Fashion School's distinctive approach to fashion education and close connection to the Italian fashion industry, allowing students to experience different perspectives on creativity, practice and professional development.

For Ferrari Fashion School, the partnership offered an opportunity to place its established strengths within an increasingly international academic environment.

Anna Lottersberger, Dean of Ferrari Fashion School, said: “Ferrari Fashion School was looking for an academic model capable of combining Italian creative culture and craftsmanship with a more international, practice-based and industry-oriented approach.”

Teesside University's educational philosophy, with its emphasis on practice-led projects, research, critical thinking and professional development, found common ground with Ferrari Fashion School's approach to technical knowledge, creative experimentation and industry engagement.

Within the validated programmes, expertise in areas such as tailoring, pattern cutting and garment construction interacts with independent research, conceptual development and interdisciplinary practice.

Rather than replacing one educational tradition with another, the partnership creates a space in which the two can inform each other. While both the UK and Italy have played significant roles in international fashion education, their respective traditions offer different perspectives.

Italian fashion education has developed in close relationship with the country's design culture, craftsmanship, luxury industry and manufacturing ecosystem. In the UK, creative education has become particularly associated with experimentation, conceptual exploration, critical reflection and the development of an independent creative voice.

Victoria Rodgers, Course Leader for Fashion at Teesside University, believes bringing these perspectives together creates particular value for students, saying: “At Teesside University, we encourage creativity, experimentation and concept development, while Ferrari Fashion School brings exceptional expertise in craftsmanship, technical excellence and luxury production. Together, these approaches create a rich learning environment that prepares students for a rapidly evolving global fashion industry.”

Across practical projects, presentations, research and professional practice, students are encouraged not only to develop ideas and technical skills, but also to question their decisions, articulate their thinking and progressively establish their own creative identity.

One of the distinctive aspects of the partnership is the opportunity to study in English for a UK degree awarded by Teesside University while being based at Ferrari Fashion School in Milan. This creates an unusual combination: a British academic framework experienced within one of the world's leading fashion capitals.

Ferrari Fashion School's position in Milan connects students with an industry ecosystem spanning fashion houses, manufacturers, ateliers, showrooms, communication agencies and independent creative practices. Internships, guest professionals and live industry projects allow this context to become part of the wider learning experience.

Anna Lottersberger adds: “Students respond very positively to the opportunity to study within an international academic framework while being based in Milan. They appreciate the balance between practical creative work and analytical development, as well as the strong focus on portfolio building, research and industry readiness.”

Studying in English within an international student community adds another dimension, with different cultural perspectives becoming part of classroom discussion, research and creative practice. The relationship also creates an ongoing exchange between academic teams in the UK and Italy.

Teesside University academics contributed to the development and validation of the curricula, ensuring that programmes meet the University's academic standards while recognising the distinctive educational approach and industry context of Ferrari Fashion School. Collaboration continues through assessment, student presentations, academic dialogue and the sharing of teaching practices and expertise between the two institutions. Teesside brings its experience of UK practice-led higher education, research and critical reflection, while Ferrari Fashion School contributes its proximity to Italian fashion culture, technical expertise and direct relationship with the Milan fashion industry.

From Teesside to Milan: Tobe's Journey The value of learning across cultures can also be seen through student mobility.

Teesside University graduate Tobechukwu 'Tobe' Asikoko spent approximately two months at Ferrari Fashion School through the Turing Scheme, an experience he describes as transformational.

“I spent approximately two months at Ferrari Fashion School and it changed my career trajectory,” says Tobe. During his time in Milan, he worked alongside designers and industry professionals, gaining practical insight into luxury fashion, branding and entrepreneurship.

“They organised one-on-one practical and hands-on mentoring sessions about starting a luxury fashion brand, tailoring for luxury brands, branding and the entire pillar on which premium fashion brands rest.”

The experience influenced the way Tobe approached his own creative practice. He has since launched his own fashion label and presented collections at international fashion events. “The Ferrari experience lit the fire on how I approach my craft to produce fashion to the highest standards.” His journey demonstrates another dimension of international education: encountering a different creative culture can change not only what students learn, but also how they understand their own practice and ambitions.

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