Fashion designer Kris Van Assche joins Polimoda

Belgian fashion designer Kris Van Assche has joined the Florence-based fashion school Polimoda as the new mentor for the Master in Creative Direction. Van Assche was previously the creative director of Dior Homme and the artistic director of Berluti.

The master begins this October, it is a nine-month course that will be taught in English and there is the possibility of completing an internship in the programme. Students will learn about the following themes: brand management, design, fashion business and management and fashion culture.

The course has been designed for those who wish to pursue a career as a creative director, someone to guide and artistically direct a team to continue or to create the identity of a brand. Additionally, students will have access to exhibitions, museums, shows and trade fairs in Italy.

Van Assche said in a statement: “I am hoping my experiences will allow me to get into the head of the mentees and their needs. I have to admit I am approaching this as a ‘win-win’ situation; I am counting on the fact I will probably learn a lot myself from my dialogue with this new generation and the energy and passion they bring.

“Being a creative director is, first of all, about understanding the brand you are working for. No two brands will have exactly the same needs. And more than ever before, creative directors must be capable of quickly adapting their ideas and concepts to an ever-changing reality. The pandemic gave a whole new side to the creative part of the job.

“Will there be a fashion week? Will buyers and journalists be able to travel? Will stores actually open? Will producers be able to complete the collection they have in mind? Fashion was always about making deadlines, but this just got a whole new dimension.”

Photo: Portrait by Anton Corbijn, via Polimoda