Ferrari Fashion School has completed an academic collaboration with Norman Group, a leading Italian company specializing in technical materials for sustainable sportswear. The project involved first-year students of the Fashion Design Bachelor program, under the creative direction of designer Anna Molteni, in developing women’s capsule collections inspired by the world of sports and activewear. The initiative blended stylistic research, functionality, and high-performance materials, transforming the academic path into a true multidisciplinary design lab.
Activewear: A Growing Market and Design Opportunity
The global activewear market is projected to exceed €381 billion in 2025, with a strong upward trajectory expected to reach nearly €625 billion by 2033, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 5%. According to Fortune Business Insights, the sportswear industry will grow from approximately €298 billion in 2025 to €563 billion by 2032, driven by rising demand for functional fashion, athleisure, and performance-driven apparel. This sustained expansion highlights significant opportunities for designers and brands operating in the evolving activewear and athleisure sectors.
Capsule Collections: Sportswear, Accessories, and Brand Identity
Each student team developed a 10-look capsule collection including soft accessories, starting from a randomly assigned Italian total look brand and a specific sport. The collections were shaped through an in-depth analysis of brand identity, technical needs of the sport, and performance materials supplied by Norman Group. The aim was to design hybrid garments that merge urban aesthetics with functional design, in line with the latest athleisure and contemporary activewear trends.
Material Innovation: High-Tech and Sustainable Textiles
Norman Group provided cutting-edge fabrics, including windproof softshells, breathable and water-repellent textiles, stretch nylon, and thermoregulating yarns. These technologies enabled students to create garments where functionality and design coexist, reflecting the evolving global landscape of activewear, where innovation and performance are key drivers. The project culminated in a final presentation, celebrating the intersection of creativity, feasibility, and industrial potential.
Activewear, Education, and Future Perspectives
In a moment when activewear is reshaping contemporary fashion, with global brands like Nike, Adidas, and Lululemon—which has just opened its first stores in Milan—leading a fast-growing market, Ferrari Fashion School and Norman Group have developed a forward-thinking educational model. This project not only equips future designers with tools to navigate the activewear industry but also redefines the design of technical womenswear, combining aesthetic vision, performance design, and responsible storytelling.
