The purpose of the course is to give students the instruments required for selecting materials for textiles, accessories and footwear, together with the use in fashion design of intelligent materials, new technologies (laser cutting, fast prototyping, micro-encapsulation,...) and finishing processes (waterproofing, antibacterial, stain resistance, self-cleaning).

Students:
- know and understand the instruments for selecting the materials for the textile products, accessories and footwear;
- know how to apply the instruments presented in the Fashion Sector.

The course completes the education on materials and technology given during the three years Bachelor Degree (Laurea).

The course is divided into two modules.

The module “Materials selection for product performance in fashion design” will provide theoretical tools and practical methods to understand how materials and technology affect the performance of a product, considering both technical and expressive-sensorial requirements. The main topics covered include the criteria for materials selection, focused on textiles and accessories, and a case study will be carried out as practical activity. 

Main subjects are:

• Materials classes: - metals and alloys - polymers - ceramics - composites - natural materials. Properties per class of materials: physical, thermal, electrical, degradation and mechanical properties. Meaning of the most relevant mechanical properties to be used in the project: elastic limit, tensile strength, elongation, Young's modulus.
• Fibres: types and classification. Yarn, fabric and textiles.
• Fibre properties: natural and synthetic fibres; thermal, mechanical, aesthetical properties.
• Fundamentals of environmental sustainability; Life Cycle Assessment of materials; environmental performance of materials and selection criteria.

The module “Process and materials innovation in fashion design” will be focused on new advanced technologies and finishing process for textile, footwear and accessories. 

Main subjects are:

• surface modification for textile, (plasma, sol-gel, nanotechnology)
• smart materials
• electrospinning
• rapid prototyping techniques
• fabric characterisation systems (mechanic, comfort, antibacterial)

 Slides and other contributions will be published online during the semester.

There are no pre-requisites for attendance.

Evaluation is based on written tests performed at the end of the semester.