If you have, chances are you know that today the highlight in the world of fashionis Italy. Just mention that something is Italian and everyone will know that,if you are talking about fashion, it belongs to the top of the line.

And everyone knows that for that very reason the best fashion designer schools are in Italy. But because there are so many good ones, how do people go about selecting the right one?

If you are thinking of traveling to Italy to attend one of the many schools of
fashion design, here are some tips that may help you decide which one will
best meet your needs.

1- School Background:

Some schools tend to focus on one or another area, and that is important
when making your selection. What field interests you the most? Are there any well
known designers in that field that have graduated from that school? How well
have other exalumnae fared after graduation? The school mission and goals are important aspects to understand, as they will inform you about what you should expect to achieve there, and what the school expects from its students.

2- Word of Mouth:

Besides learning about a school from their own publications, another way to
find out what it is truly like is to talk to graduates from that school, or others that have attended there. Find out what positive and negative experiences they had, and what they liked and disliked about it. Then consider what you have learned and weigh the pros and cons. Keep in mind that not all schools are made for everyone, and not everyone is cut out for all schools. Compare your own goals and interests with what you glean from others’ experiences.

3- Finances:

This will obviously be a determining factor in your selection process. Check
the fees carefully to ensure that all possibilities are covered. Are all the expenses listed, or are there any hidden fees? What about room and board? Do you have to find an apartment on your own, or does the school have anything available for students? Are the materials included? If not, will you
be able to afford the extras? Or can you work and study at the same time and,
if so, are there jobs readily available? Don’t be afraid to ask, for you do not
want to discover that you have unexpected costs once you are in Italy.

4- Entrance Requirements:

Most schools have a specific list of qualifications needed in order to be
admitted into their school. Be sure to review this list carefully; some find that
a checklist can be very helpful to ensure that nothing is missed. Gather
and send all the necessary documents together. This will save you and the
admissions officer time and additional expense. It will also allow you to
understand whether or not you do possess the required conditions, and
will allow you to concentrate on the schools where you are more apt to be
admitted.

If you have the appropriate qualifications, and are determined to get into
the Italian school of fashion design you have selected, the tips listed
above will certainly help you obtain your goal. It may not be easy to gain
admittance, but with clear and concise guidelines your dream of becoming a
renowned fashion designer may become a reality before you know it!

For more information on fashion design schools please visit [http://fashiondesign-school-info.com] a website which specializes in tips, advice and resources on fashion design schools [http://www.fashiondesign-school-info.com]

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The first of the three fountains that you’ll probably notice in the piazza is the central large fountain that leads up to the magnificent Palace of the Senators. Although originally planned by Michelangelo when he laid out designs for the piazza, the fountain was only constructed in the reign of Sixtus V who diverted a water supply from the Acqua Felice that could then supply a fountain. Original plans had decreed that this fountain would contain the figure of Jove as its centerpiece; instead it was built around the figure of Minerva who stands as the figurehead of Rome. Minerva’s statue has partly been restored in modern times but the torso was brought to Rome from Cori so it is of great historical significance.

In front of the Minerva fountain you’ll find the second fountain-decorated with the sculptures of two river gods. These statues are of great historical interest; unlike many lost treasures they have survived without burial in all of the turbulent times since Rome’s downfall. Initially they were located in front of Aurelian’s Temple of the Sun but they have since been moved around various settings in Rome before settling in their current location. Like the Palace of the Senators before which they stand, much of this fountain is constructed of travertine. This fountain seamlessly melds into the palace, as if it had been placed there at the dawn of time.

You’ll find the third fountain at the Piazza del Campidoglio in the gardens of the Palazzo dei Conservatori. This fountain has barely earned its name as it is technically more of a basin with an unusual sculpture attached. The sculpture, which was added to the square in 1903, shows a lion feasting on a horse. Although this fountain may not look significant, the large statuary itself is of crucial historical import. If you look closely at the lion you’ll note that it appears to show the effects of being exposed to water for long periods of time. It was primarily discovered in the River Almo more than a thousand years ago. Its history before that remains a mystery.

Colonna

The fountain that stands in the Piazza Colonna in Rome is one of the oldest fountains in the history of the modern city. The fountain was built three hundred and twenty five years ago, is made from Porta Santa marble, and is of particular architectural and design note partly due to its original water source. The Colonna fountain was built to be fed water by the Acqua Vergine – this water source was not simply used to feed Rome’s fountains at the time but was also used as a general water supply. This meant that it was difficult to feed a fountain that required the kind of water pressure for high jets. This basically meant that fountain builders of that time had to rely on their design skills to create beautiful fountain structures rather than just making an impact with high plumes of water.

The designer of the Colonna fountain, Giacomo della Porta, was skilled in harnessing the existing water supply while still creating beautiful structures. In fact, the Colonna fountain is widely held to be one the most magnificent fountains within the city to this day. The fountain is designed in a hectagon shape and was originally to be used partly as a fountain basin and partly as a standard drinking trough. The two sections are combined by straps bearing decorations of lion heads.

The fountain’s large water features come from two sources – the first, via a vase sculpture in the center of the structure and the second, by two small jets between the vase and the edges of the basin. The vase currently in place is a replacement to the original vase, which was damaged. During the replacement the current architect, Stocchi, also added some decorative touches of dolphins and shells.

The fountain that stands within the Piazza Colonna is also of interest to historians for reasons other than its design. This fountain has long been used as a pilgrim’s fountain due to its proximity to the Column of St Paul. Whether you wish to appreciate its history or its design, this fountain is worth the visit for any traveler passing through Rome.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer specializing in finance, home improvements, and travel. For more information on garden fountains please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com

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