Course Details
Course type: Group – In presence
Participants: Max 15
Schedule: Weekly; Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00, from 7 February to 28 March 2026* (*the external lesson will run from 9:30 to 13:30)
Duration: 8 lessons – total of 25 hours
Requirements/Support: None
Language: Italian
Instructor: Gilberto Calzolari
Location: Fashion Lab Ferrari Fashion School – Via Giovanni Enrico Pestalozzi, 4 – 20143 Milan
Registration deadline: January 2026
Fashion Design and the Art of Upcycling – Sustainable and Circular Fashion.
A hands-on course in upcycling, recycling, and reuse dedicated to Sustainable Fashion (covering knowledge and sourcing of green raw materials, international certifications for technologically advanced fabrics, Circular Fashion, Zero Waste, etc.). These are now essential skills that every new-generation designer must acquire and, above all, put into practice.
During the course, students will learn to select garments—both from their own wardrobes and from dedicated stores—to not only give them new life but also, through alterations, tailoring interventions, and especially personal creativity, enhance them, giving them a new look and added value, whether artistic, aesthetic, or design-oriented. By the end of the course, each student will present a new garment, fully created independently, within the framework of circular and sustainable fashion.
Program
Lesson 1: Introduction to Upcycling and Sustainable Fashion
What is upcycling? How did sustainable fashion emerge and why is it important?
The environmental impact of the fashion industry and how upcycling can reduce waste and pollution. The importance of circular fashion: from design to end-of-life. Practical exercise with “discarded” garments.
Lesson 2: Upcycling Techniques and Recycled & Sustainable Materials
How to choose and use them creatively. Practical exercise with “discarded” garments.
Lesson 3: Field Visit
How to identify and evaluate vintage clothing, and how to repair and personalize vintage pieces: sewing techniques, patchwork, and appliqués. The spaces of upcycling – off-site visit to stores, garment selection, and inspiration for moodboards.
Lesson 4: Creation of Sustainable Garments and Accessories
Shared project presentation, feedback, and work planning.
Lessons 5, 6, 7: Project Development
Implementation and refinement of details.
Lesson 8: Final Presentation
Presentation of individually crafted sustainable garments, outfits, or accessories made from upcycled materials.
Materials
Sewing Kit / Tools
Fabric scissors, seam ripper, needles and threads in various sizes, paper scissors, craft knife, scalpel, hot glue gun, as well as materials such as certified sustainable or recycled fabrics, dead-stock, pre-existing or end-of-line garments, vintage and second-hand pieces, decorative elements, and other objects to be transformed according to the student’s creativity.
For the first lesson, the basic sewing kit and a couple of “discarded” garments from the student’s own wardrobe (dresses, shirts, jackets, trousers, etc.) will be sufficient for the practical exercises.
Outcomes
- Learn the principles of upcycling and sustainable fashion, understanding the environmental impact of the industry and the value of circular fashion.
- Develop practical skills in using recycled and sustainable materials, transforming them into creative garments and accessories.
- Acquire sewing, patchwork, and personalization techniques for vintage and reclaimed clothing, integrating creativity with ecological awareness.
- Complete a final project including sustainable garments or accessories, from design to finishing, presenting an original handmade piece created with upcycled materials.
Fees
Course Fee:
€450 (single payment) or two installments of €230 (first installment due at the time of enrollment, second installment due 30 days later)
Financial Aid
- Plena Education Students and Alumni (RUFA, SPD, Ferrari Fashion School, Saint Louis College of Music, CIELS, CAST, MADE): 50% discount
- Former Participants of Plena Education Short and Summer Courses: 15% discount
- Current University Students: 10% discount (upon presentation of valid student ID or transcript)
- Special Agreements: Discounts for high schools in Lombardy and international schools, as well as group/family or multi-course packages, are available.
For more information, please contact: corsibrevi@plenaeducation.it
Lecturer
Gilberto Calzolari
Gilberto Calzolari, a faculty member of the Fashion Design Department at Ferrari Fashion School, was born and raised in Milan, where he graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in scenography and costume design.
After working for over 15 years as a fashion designer for some of the most prestigious international luxury brands, including Marni, Alberta Ferretti, Valentino, Miu Miu, and Giorgio Armani, Calzolari launched his own made-in-Italy sustainable prêt-à-porter brand under his name in 2015.
He has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Franca Sozzani Green Carpet Fashion Award for Best Emerging Designer in 2018; the Monte Carlo Fashion Week Award for Best Emerging Designer in 2019 for his contributions to sustainable fashion; the C.L.A.S.S. ICON Award in 2020; and the Young Designer DHL Award in 2021.
His collections have been showcased at Milan Fashion Week, Showcase Altaroma, The Next Trend Event, Budapest Central Europe Fashion Week, Monte Carlo Fashion Week, Expo China, White Milano, White’s WSM Fashion Reboot, and the Qingdao International Fashion Industries Alliance Festival.
He has also participated in exhibitions such as “Fashion_Revolution_Italia” (2022) and “Fashion to Reconnect” at the Fondazione Pistoletto (2023).
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