75605 - Writing for Fashion

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has learnt to process professional written texts in the field of fashion communication through the advanced analysis of the generic features of several different types of texts, from literature to non-fiction, from journalism to advertising language.

Course contents

The course aims at investigating the strategies of fashion writings in the framework of Italian and European literature from the second half of the Nineteenth century until today, through the analysis of the generic features of several different styles and types of texts. Texts devoted to the theme of fashion, between literature, criticism, journalism and advertising languages will be in-depht analysed, in particular several excerpts concerning clothing, elegance and the development of the concept of beauty in modernity, with reference to authors such as Mallarmé, Baudelaire, d'Annunzio, Proust, the Futurists, Pasolini, Barthes, Arbasino, Quirino Conti. Particular attention will be devoted to female fashion writers and journalists, from Irene Brin to Gianna Manzini, from Camilla Cederna to Anna Piaggi. 

Classes start in the first semester, on 28th September 2015. Venue and schedule to be defined.

Readings/Bibliography

Irene Brin, Cose viste (1938-1939), Palermo, Sellerio, 1994.

"Writing for Fashion" course handouts (paper copies available at the end of September at Copisteria Tecnica di Rimini).

Quirino Conti, Mai il mondo saprà. Conversazioni sulla moda, Milano, Feltrinelli, 2005.

Daniela Baroncini, La moda nella letteratura contemporanea, Milano, Bruno Mondadori, 2010 (for students attending only the chapters that will be suggested in class).

 

 

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures.

As many of the texts to be dealt with are in Italian, exceptionally this lesson cycle will be held in the Italian language. In any case, also the English language can be used during the lessons.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists in an oral exam, during which the student must show:

- excellent knowledge of all mandatory readings as listed in the program

- critical consideration of the relevant topics and texts

- ability to interpret the proposed authors and their writing for fashion.

Individual written and oral papers are expected to be submitted during the course by those students who regularly attend classes.

The exam can be conducted also in English.

Office hours

See the website of Daniela Baroncini