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Turn ideas into accessories with a creative, industry-focused Accessory Design Course at Istituto Marangoni Miami. Designed for aspiring creatives who want to explore fashion beyond clothing, this Summer Studio introduces you to the visual language, research, and design principles behind contemporary accessories.

From handbags and hats to small leather goods, you will explore how proportion, balance, function, materials, and storytelling shape a compelling accessory concept. Through guided studio work and hands-on creative exercises, you will develop your own design ideas and translate them into professional fashion illustrations and a cohesive accessory collection.

Set in Miami’s dynamic fashion and design environment, the program offers an opportunity to experiment, develop your creative point of view, and build work that can strengthen your fashion portfolio.

WHY CHOOSE THE ACCESSORY DESIGN COURSE AT ISTITUTO MARANGONI MIAMI?

Choosing a fashion program is about more than learning a set of techniques. It is about finding an environment where your creative direction can develop.

Istituto Marangoni Miami brings together fashion education, design, industry perspectives, and a strong international fashion identity. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, vocational, pre-college, and Summer Studio opportunities, allowing students to explore different levels and areas of fashion education.

The Accessory Design Course is particularly suited to students who want a concentrated creative experience without committing immediately to a full-length fashion degree.

A Focused Creative Experience

Instead of covering fashion design broadly, the program concentrates on the accessory category and the creative process behind it.

Portfolio-Oriented Learning

You finish the studio with developed visual work that can contribute to your creative portfolio.

Industry-Relevant Perspective

Trend research, market awareness, product functionality, and visual storytelling help connect creative development with the realities of contemporary fashion.

Miami Fashion Environment

The Miami Design District provides a distinctive backdrop for studying fashion and design, surrounded by luxury, contemporary design, and creative culture.

A Path to Further Fashion Education

The Summer Studio can also serve as an exploratory step for students considering longer-term study. As a fashion design school, Istituto Marangoni Miami offers a broad portfolio of fashion and design education, from vocational programs and pre-college opportunities to undergraduate and graduate degrees.

For students who discover a particular interest in accessories, this focused experience can help inform their next academic step while allowing them to develop a stronger understanding of the fashion industry and their own creative direction.

THE ART OF ACCESSORY DESIGN

Teaching Methods
From Inspiration to Accessory Collection
Materials, Function, and Visual Identity
Trend Research and Fashion Context
Portfolio Development
THE ART OF ACCESSORY DESIGN
Teaching Methods
Teaching Methods

Learning is centered on creative experimentation and practical development rather than passive theory. Through guided workshops, design exercises, visual research, and instructor feedback, students learn how professional accessory concepts evolve from an initial idea into a cohesive collection.

The course combines:

  • Hand-drawn accessory illustration
  • Concept and collection development
  • Mood board creation
  • Trend and visual research
  • Material exploration
  • Proportion, balance, and functionality
  • Creative storytelling
  • Portfolio-oriented presentation

This approach allows students to develop both creative intuition and a more structured design process.

From Inspiration to Accessory Collection
From Inspiration to Accessory Collection

A strong accessory collection begins with a concept.

Students start by identifying sources of inspiration and translating them into a visual direction. Mood boards help establish the collection’s atmosphere, references, colors, materials, and aesthetic identity. From there, ideas are developed through sketching, experimentation, and refinement.

The process encourages students to consider both the emotional and functional dimensions of an accessory. What makes a design visually distinctive? How does its scale affect the overall silhouette? What materials support the concept? How does the accessory communicate the identity of the collection?

By addressing these questions, students learn to approach accessory design as a complete creative discipline rather than simply designing individual products.

Materials, Function, and Visual Identity
Materials, Function, and Visual Identity

Successful accessories need to balance aesthetics and purpose.

Throughout the course, students explore how material choices, construction considerations, proportion, and functionality can influence the final design. They learn to think about accessories as products that exist within a wider fashion ecosystem, where creative identity and consumer appeal need to work together.

This perspective is particularly valuable for students interested in handbags, small leather goods, headwear, and other accessory categories.

Trend Research and Fashion Context
Trend Research and Fashion Context

Accessory design does not exist in isolation. It responds to changing fashion movements, cultural references, consumer behavior, and the direction of the luxury and contemporary markets.

Students learn to research current visual and fashion trends and use that research to inform their concepts without losing their individual creative perspective. The objective is not simply to reproduce what is already popular, but to understand the visual language of the market and develop original interpretations.

Portfolio Development
Portfolio Development

One of the most valuable outcomes of a short, focused design studio is the opportunity to create tangible creative work.

Throughout the Accessory Design Course, students develop sketches, mood boards, concepts, and collection presentations that demonstrate their approach to research and design. The completed illustrated collection can be incorporated into a broader portfolio for future applications, academic programs, internships, or creative opportunities.

For students considering a longer-term education in fashion, this experience can also help clarify whether accessory design is the right creative direction for them.

SUMMER STUDIOS SPECIFICS

DOWNLOAD PROGRAM BROCHURE
CREDENTIALS

Certificate of Completion

START TERM

June 15th

DURATION

3 weeks | 60 hours

MODALITY

Full-Time | 4 Days a Week, 5 Hours a Day

TUITION

Domestic: $3,750 USD | International $4,600 | Early Bird Discount: Pay the full amount by March 31st and receive a $500 discount

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Master the Fundamentals of Accessory Design

Understand the essential principles that define successful accessory design, including balance, proportion, scale, silhouette, functionality, and visual harmony. Learn how these elements work together to create accessories that are both expressive and relevant to the fashion market.

working on a sketch
Develop Fashion Illustration Skills

Build confidence in hand-drawn fashion illustration and learn how to communicate accessory concepts clearly through professional sketches. Explore proportion, line, shape, color, and detail to transform an initial idea into a compelling visual proposal.

creative fashion workshops
Build Strong Concepts and Mood Boards

Learn how to translate inspiration into a clear design direction. You will research references, develop visual narratives, and create mood boards that establish the aesthetic, atmosphere, materials, and story behind your accessory collection.

creative design process
Explore Trends and Market Influences

Discover how fashion trends, cultural references, consumer preferences, and contemporary aesthetics influence accessory design. Learn to conduct visual research and use trend insights as a starting point for developing relevant and distinctive concepts.

hands with rings
Strengthen Creative Storytelling

Go beyond the individual product and learn how to communicate the story behind a collection. Develop a cohesive visual language that connects your inspiration, materials, silhouettes, colors, and design details.

Fashion Summer Camp - 3
Develop a Portfolio-Ready Collection

Bring your concepts together into an illustrated accessory collection that demonstrates your creative thinking and design development. The final work can become a valuable addition to your fashion portfolio and a foundation for future study in fashion and accessory design.

jewelry making

COST OF ATTENDANCE

Program Name Domestic International
Accessory Design  $3,750 $4,600
Program Name Domestic International
Accessory Design  $3,750 $4,600

Secure your spot in one of our Summer Studios by registering early and take advantage of our Early Bird Discount: pay the full amount by March 31st and receive a $500 discount. Regular cost applies to registrations completed after the deadline.

STUDY ACCESSORY DESIGN IN MIAMI

Location is part of the creative experience.

Istituto Marangoni Miami is positioned in the Miami Design District, an environment shaped by fashion, art, luxury, design, and contemporary culture. The school describes its Miami campus as a creative environment with professional facilities, including design studios, fashion resources, material libraries, and specialized spaces that support hands-on learning.

For students, studying accessory design in Miami means developing ideas in a city with a distinctive relationship to fashion, visual culture, hospitality, art, and luxury.

The experience is particularly relevant for creatives who want to explore how fashion operates across different cultural and commercial environments.

WHO IS THIS ACCESSORY DESIGN COURSE FOR?

The program is designed for students and emerging creatives who want to explore accessory design in a focused, immersive format.

It can be a strong fit for:

  • Aspiring accessory designers
  • Fashion design students
  • Creative students building a fashion portfolio
  • Students interested in handbags, hats, and small leather goods
  • Beginners looking for an introduction to accessory design
  • Creatives considering a future in the fashion industry
  • Students exploring a specialized area before committing to a longer academic program

No previous professional experience in accessory design is required to benefit from the creative exploration and structured design process of the Summer Studio.

ACCESSORY DESIGN COURSE VS. OTHER FASHION PROGRAMS

Not every student needs the same type of fashion education.

If your goal is to explore a specialized creative discipline in a short, focused format, an accessory design studio can offer a more concentrated experience than a broad fashion design curriculum.

Students who want to explore fashion more generally can consider a fashion summer camp, while those looking for a longer professional education can explore Istituto Marangoni Miami’s vocational programs, undergraduate, or graduate offerings.

If you already know that accessories are where your creative interests lie, the Accessory Design Course provides a direct way to investigate that discipline through research, illustration, concept development, and collection building.

MEET OUR FACULTY

All faculty
All faculty
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy. He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher. Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School. Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection  
read more
advanced illustration techniques
Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami. Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
read more
Berkowitz_977
Amy Berkowitz
Events and Competitions Leader | Fashion Design Professor
Mena Lombard is a multi-talented fashion designer, educator, and editor with a global perspective. She showcases her creations at high-profile events and in leading fashion magazines such as WWD and Harper's Bazaar. Playing a dual role as the creative force behind her brand and a fashion editor at Avessa Magazine, she imparts her knowledge and skills by teaching fashion design at Istituto Marangoni Miami. With roots in Uruguay and a diverse background spanning Argentina, Spain, and Italy, Mena now calls Miami home.
read more
Sustainable fashion fairs
Mena Lombard
Fashion Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
read more
Rofe_1
Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor
MEET OUR FACULTY
All faculty
All faculty
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy. He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher. Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School. Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection  
read more
advanced illustration techniques
Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami. Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
read more
Berkowitz_977
Amy Berkowitz
Events and Competitions Leader | Fashion Design Professor
Mena Lombard is a multi-talented fashion designer, educator, and editor with a global perspective. She showcases her creations at high-profile events and in leading fashion magazines such as WWD and Harper's Bazaar. Playing a dual role as the creative force behind her brand and a fashion editor at Avessa Magazine, she imparts her knowledge and skills by teaching fashion design at Istituto Marangoni Miami. With roots in Uruguay and a diverse background spanning Argentina, Spain, and Italy, Mena now calls Miami home.
read more
Sustainable fashion fairs
Mena Lombard
Fashion Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
read more
Rofe_1
Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor
MEET OUR FACULTY
All faculty
All faculty
Mario Braghieri has been involved in fashion production for over thirty years. At a young age, his parents owned a manufacturing company that created high-quality samples and prototypes for countless well-known brands in Italy. He attended Istituto Marangoni Milan with the desire to leave his mark in the fashion market as a pattern maker. Upon graduating, he developed samples and worked in fashion production for the Nadini Group, an Italian designer label manufacturer based in Modena-Italy, including designer houses such as Gianfranco Ferrè and Fendi. Subsequently, he worked as a fashion production consultant and started his career at Marangoni as an assistant teacher. Mario has always pursued his career with determination, focusing on deepening his knowledge and skills in garment construction and pattern making. He has worked for renowned fashion names such as Emporio Armani, Maska, Cerruti, Mariella Burani, and Karl Lagerfeld. For the past 27 years, Mario has been a major player in guiding Istituto Marangoni through its international growth, bringing his technical knowledge, industry expertise, and garment-making finesse to the School. Teaching Areas: Construction Resale & Development, Digital Pattern Cutting II, Pattern Cutting Fundamentals III, Atelier & Studio Time and Final Collection  
read more
advanced illustration techniques
Mario Braghieri
Dean of Fashion
Amy Berkowitz obtained her BFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1978. Subsequently, she ventured into the Film & Television Industry, contributing to the special effects for the inaugural Star Wars movie. She established Artgear, a renowned fashion label favored by global celebrities. In 1994, she achieved a Master of Art in Teaching and imparted her art and design knowledge for over 25 years. Amy's proficiency encompasses drawing, painting, textile design, and fashion. She presently serves as Fashion Program Leader for Events & Competitions in Fashion Design at Marangoni Istituto Miami. Teaching Areas: Fashion Illustration Fundamentals, Fashion Drawing I and Collection Sketching
read more
Berkowitz_977
Amy Berkowitz
Events and Competitions Leader | Fashion Design Professor
Mena Lombard is a multi-talented fashion designer, educator, and editor with a global perspective. She showcases her creations at high-profile events and in leading fashion magazines such as WWD and Harper's Bazaar. Playing a dual role as the creative force behind her brand and a fashion editor at Avessa Magazine, she imparts her knowledge and skills by teaching fashion design at Istituto Marangoni Miami. With roots in Uruguay and a diverse background spanning Argentina, Spain, and Italy, Mena now calls Miami home.
read more
Sustainable fashion fairs
Mena Lombard
Fashion Design Professor
Michelle Rofe was born in Mexico but moved to Israel at a very early age. She was Israel national champion in gymnastics and participated and won several international competitions. Being a gymnast allowed her to travel the world and learn about different cultures. She always loved fashion and started her formal fashion education in San Antonio-Texas, graduating cum laude from the fashion management and design program. After her graduation, she worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years first for a catalog business and later for a fashion ready to wear company. In the last 12 years, she has been working as a professor teaching undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion and graphic design programs. Michelle Rofe has her master’s degree in graphic design from MIU. She believes that these two art disciplines complement each other in many ways. She also works as a co-producer and editor for a media production company. The concept of beauty and aesthetics are themes that she is passionate about and loves to share her ideas and experience and knowledge with others. “Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable. Style is more about being yourself.” Oscar de la Renta
read more
Rofe_1
Michelle Rofe
Fashion Design and Master's Professor

HOW TO APPLY

Ready to explore accessory design at Istituto Marangoni Miami?

Begin by completing the online application and selecting the Accessory Design Summer Studio. Review the current program availability, tuition, dates, and admission information before submitting your application.

Because Summer Studio availability can vary, students should apply early and confirm the current enrollment requirements directly with the school.

CHOOSE YOUR NEXT CREATIVE DIRECTION

Fashion is not limited to garments. Accessories can define a silhouette, communicate a brand identity, transform an outfit, and become powerful objects of design in their own right.

If you are fascinated by handbags, hats, small leather goods, fashion illustration, materials, trends, and visual storytelling, the Accessory Design Course at Istituto Marangoni Miami gives you a focused environment to explore those interests and turn them into developed creative work.

Study in Miami. Build your visual language. Create your collection. Start defining your place in fashion.

Explore the Accessory Design Course at Istituto Marangoni Miami and take the first step toward developing your own accessory design perspective.

FAQ

What is the Accessory Design Course at Istituto Marangoni Miami?

The Accessory Design Course at Istituto Marangoni Miami is an intensive summer program focused on the creative and technical development of fashion accessories. This course introduces students to the design process behind handbags, footwear, jewelry, and small leather goods, combining conceptual research with practical design methodologies aligned with the global fashion and luxury industries.

What will I learn in the Accessory Design Course?

In the Accessory Design Course, students explore concept development, material research, trend analysis, and product visualization techniques. The curriculum covers sketching, technical drawing, color studies, and the fundamentals of accessory construction, enabling participants to transform creative ideas into cohesive accessory collections that reflect contemporary market demands.

Is the Accessory Design Course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The program can be suitable for aspiring designers and creative students who want to explore accessory design without committing to a full-length fashion degree. It can also be useful for fashion students who want to develop a more specialized accessory-focused portfolio.

What types of accessories can I design?

The course explores accessory categories including handbags, hats, and small leather goods. The emphasis is on developing original concepts and understanding how proportion, function, materials, and visual identity contribute to an accessory design.

Will I create a portfolio during the course?

Yes. Students develop sketches, mood boards, concepts, and an illustrated accessory collection. This final body of work can be used as part of a broader fashion portfolio for future academic or creative opportunities.

Does the course include hands-on learning?

Yes. The Summer Studio emphasizes creative development through guided exercises, workshops, visual research, sketching, and collection development rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction.

Where does the Accessory Design Course take place?

The program takes place at Istituto Marangoni Miami, located in the Miami Design District. The school's facilities and creative resources are designed to support fashion and design education.

Can this course help me prepare for further fashion studies?

Yes. A focused Summer Studio can help students explore a specific area of fashion before choosing a longer academic pathway. Istituto Marangoni Miami offers multiple levels of fashion education, including pre-college, vocational, undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

Why study accessory design at Istituto Marangoni Miami?

The program combines focused accessory design education with the creative environment of Miami and the wider Istituto Marangoni fashion education ecosystem. Students can develop practical creative work while exploring whether accessory design could become part of their longer-term academic or professional direction.

CONTACT

1.305.555.5555
miami@immiami.edu
3rd Floor Office - 301
Wednesdays 9am - 5pm

Outside of office hours we currently offer appointments virtually. Please click on the link below and schedules an appointment with our team through the Calendly system.

download catalog Book a virtual appointment 
 SUMMER CAMP SPECIFICS
Let's Design The Future Together

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