A linking Middlesbrough with one of Europe's best-known fashion cities is giving students the chance to learn from two different creative traditions.
Teesside University and Ferrari Fashion School in Milan are working together on programmes that combine the University's practice-led academic approach with the Italian school's focus on craftsmanship, technical skill and close links to the fashion industry.
Students based in Milan can in English towards UK degrees awarded by Teesside University. The partnership covers areas including fashion design, styling and communication, fashion business, creative direction and luxury management.
The idea is not to flatten the differences between the two systems. Teesside's approach places weight on experimentation, , critical thinking and developing an creative voice, while Ferrari Fashion School brings expertise in areas such as tailoring, pattern cutting, garment construction and luxury production.
There is already a Teesside example of what that exchange can mean in practice. Graduate Tobechukwu 'Tobe' Asikoko spent around two months at Ferrari Fashion School through the Turing Scheme, working alongside designers and industry professionals and learning more about luxury fashion, branding and entrepreneurship.
Teesside University says the experience changed the direction of his career. Tobe has since launched his own fashion label and presented collections at international fashion events.
The relationship also involves academic staff on both sides, with Teesside contributing to development, validation and assessment while teams in Milan bring their direct connection to the city's fashion ecosystem.
Ferrari Fashion School separately confirms that its Teesside-validated programmes give students access to UK academic standards while studying within Milan's fashion environment.