Students will create a collection of shoes with specific themes, such as specific age groups or markets, selecting colors, textiles, or designs to apply. Then, they choose a topic, create shoe design plans, and research various types of shoe designs, modern techniques, and special functions.
The course also teaches the structure of the human foot, draw several types of design, and prepares for more advanced design. Students will perform research on the variation of colors and materials, as well as market trends, and learn to express their free ideas in the actual design.
The ultimate goal of the course is that each student will acquire enough skills to start working as a professional.

Students enrolled in the "One-Year Course" will also acquire general inter-discipline knowledge of "Italian Basic Art" (Art History, Painting, 3D Design, Color Theory) and take part in guided art visits and stages, to cultivate their artistic sensibilities and global perspective as a designer and complete a season’s collection.

I. Construction and Techniques
- The various components, the constructive way, the assembly
- The heels, the upper, the accessories

II. Design
- Starting sketches
- Modifying strategies
- Possibilities of customization
- Processing the shape and several applications on the footwear
- Designing with decorations materials
- The logo and its decorative use

III. Technical Drawing
- Representation techniques
- The use of color and application techniques
- Texturizing through the computer
- Application of existing materials.

“Photoshop” and “Illustrator” are the software used during design classes.

ONE-YEAR programs
I. Sep 5, 2022 - Apr 21, 2023
II. Jan 9, 2023 - Jul 28, 2023
III. May 2, 2023 - Dec 7, 2023
IV. Sep 4, 2023 - Apr 19, 2024

SEMESTER programs
Summer 2023: May 2 - Jul 28, 2023
Fall 2023: Sep 4 - Dec 7, 2023
Spring 2024: Jan 8 - Apr 19, 2024

The students enrolled in the Master Course will pursue more advanced techniques of shoe design according to their research topic. During the course, students will explore various aspects of the shoe industry, including the expression of creativity and techniques in the shoe design process as well as the practical process of sales and business side, with emphasis on the practical application of their study to the shoe industry.

Accademia Riaci offers unique opportunities for students, thanks to its close relationship with the leather industry. Students will have a chance to learn first-hand how shoe design is realized through concept work-production-sales, by visiting shoe factories, shoe companies, etc. During the second semester of the course, students will work on “Corporate Study”, in which students can work on projects together with local companies/designers under the supervision of the professor, to learn the actual production process in Italy, which is known for designing shoes of the highest quality in the world.

I. Sep 5, 2022 - Apr 21, 2023
II. Jan 9, 2023 - Jul 28, 2023
III. May 2, 2023 - Dec 7, 2023
IV. Sep 4, 2023 - Apr 19, 2024

Semester program
Summer 2023: May 2 - Jul 28, 2023
Fall 2023: Sep 4 - Dec 7, 2023
Spring 2024: Jan 8 - Apr 19, 2024

Students will study the fundamental techniques for shoe design, such as basic design, brief sketch, rendering, and finish various types of shoe design (including finishing expression, developing variations by computer, research on materials, technical structure and its application, color variations and material variations, according to their experience and period of study. The students are encouraged to express their free ideas. Students with experience will learn specific design techniques according to the theme.

Note: the "Summer Intensive Course" has the same contents as the "Short Course", but with a double number of lessons. Furthermore, it includes housing and extracurricular activities, and services.

Overview

Students will study the fundamental techniques for shoe design, such as basic design, brief sketch, rendering basic, etc. and finish various types of shoe design (including finishing expression, developing variations by computer, research on materials, technical structure and its application, color variations and material variations, according to their experience and period of study. The students are encouraged to express their free ideas. Students with experience will learn specific design techniques according to the theme.