The Fashions of Florence program is designed to give you a complete and real-world introduction to the fashion industry. Rather than focusing on just one path, you will explore many different areas of fashion such as design, styling, trend analysis, sustainability, branding and visual merchandising.

Throughout the program, you will work closely with professors who are active professionals in the industry. These mentors will guide your learning and can share personal insights from their own careers. You will have the chance to ask questions, hear real-life experiences, and use their knowledge as a resource to better understand the wide range of career paths in fashion.

You may arrive thinking you want to be a fashion designer. But after sketching, visiting factories, studying brand identities, and learning how trends are forecasted, you might discover a passion for another area of the industry that you had not considered.

By being exposed to many roles within the fashion world, you will be better equipped to find what truly excites you. Just as importantly, you will also begin to understand what does not. It’s okay (and important!) to find out what doesn’t fit you.

By the end of the program, you will have a clearer sense of your strengths and interests, helping you move forward in your fashion journey with more clarity and confidence.

Because the program is immersive and filled with passionate peers from around the world, you will quickly meet people who share your excitement for fashion, creativity, and new experiences. Many students arrive not knowing anyone, but within days they find themselves surrounded by like-minded individuals who understand their passions and values.

Over the years, we have seen real friendships grow from these connections. Some students still keep in touch on social media, sharing updates, cheering each other on, and offering advice as they continue to grow in their creative journeys.

There have been tearful goodbyes at the end of the program, followed by joyful reunions as students travel to visit each other in different countries. These bonds are formed through the intensity of the shared experience of walking through Florence, creating, learning, laughing, and sometimes struggling as a team. This kind of connection is hard to find and even harder to forget.

For many, these friendships become some of the most meaningful and lasting parts of the program. And in some cases, they also turn into professional collaborations or industry contacts that last well beyond your time in Italy.

Florence is one of the most historically rich cities in the world, and part of your experience in the program includes exploring its incredible art and fashion museums. These visits go far beyond sightseeing. They are opportunities to deepen your understanding of fashion by seeing how it connects to art, culture, and history.

One of our most anticipated stops is the Uffizi Gallery, one of the oldest and most famous museums in Europe. As you walk through its halls, you will see masterpieces by artists like Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. This exposure to centuries of visual storytelling helps develop your eye for detail, color, and composition, which are essential skills for any career in fashion.

You will also visit the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, which celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic designers. This museum explores Ferragamo’s life and legacy through shoes, sketches, patents, films, and personal stories. It gives you insight into how one designer’s vision helped shape the global fashion industry.

Another highlight of the program is our visit to the Museum of Costume and Fashion inside Palazzo Pitti. This was the first museum in Italy dedicated to fashion history, and it houses thousands of garments, accessories, and costumes from the 1700s to today. Walking through these exhibits gives you a front row view of how fashion has evolved across centuries.

One room in the palace, the Sala Bianca, holds a special place in fashion history. On July 22, 1952, it became the stage for the first official Italian fashion show. That moment helped define the international reputation of Made in Italy and marked the beginning of Italy’s modern fashion identity.

Exploring these historic spaces and seeing vintage gowns, couture designs, you begin to see fashion not just as clothing, but as a reflection of history, identity, and innovation. These museum experiences give you new ideas, spark creativity, and can influence how you shape your own path in the fashion world.

Because Florence’s historic center is compact and mostly pedestrian, you will be doing a lot of walking during the program. Between going to classes, visiting museums, going out to dinner, and exploring the city center, it is completely normal to rack up between 15,000 and 20,000 steps each day.

While we occasionally use public transportation such as buses or trams, most days will be spent on foot. Walking is the best way to discover Florence’s hidden corners, charming side streets, local cafés, and even some spontaneous street style inspiration. It is also the fastest and most convenient way to get around. Many streets in the historic center are pedestrian-only, and the rest are often small, narrow, or one-way, which can make taking a bus slower than simply walking.

Bring comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle, and be ready to spend time outdoors under the summer sun. July in Florence is hot, so think light, breathable clothing and plenty of sunscreen. And just when you think it’s all sunshine, a surprise afternoon thunderstorm might roll through. It happened last year summer, so a small umbrella or light rain jacket can be a smart addition to your bag.

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