Italian Fashion

I had the opportunity to study abroad with the Santa Reparata International School of Arts through Virginia Commonwealth University for 5 weeks in Summer of 2022. During this time, I studied Wine Marketing and the History of Italian Fashion. Both classes were incredibly impactful and eye opening in terms of learning about Italian culture and the fashion and marketing industries.

Gucci Gardens features exhibits based on previous ad campaigns.

I had little related knowledge going into my History of Italian Fashion class which made this class even more enlightening. I went in with a ready-to-learn mindset and eagerness to experience the city through fashion and history. The way in which this course was taught was largely experience-based learning which allowed us to make connections about what we learned in class to the city. Although we did have lectures about Italian designers, iconic fashion shows, and the “three fathers of ready-to-wear”, we also got the chance to see exhibits relating to these lectures. Visiting Gucci Gardens and the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum was the highlight of my trip because I was able to have an immersive store experience while learning about the history of the brand. These locations both have museum and retail elements which makes them especially unique. From a branding and marketing perspective, this is a phenomenal way to create a must-see destination in a city that has so much to offer.

The Salvatore Ferragamo Museum had an exquisite collection of vintage garments.

Since my time spent studying fashion in Italy, I have taken it upon myself to read as much as I can about the designers that I got an introduction to. I spend hours in the library paging through books that outline Italian fashion designers as I am eager to know everything I can. Fashion shows have been another way to experience the brands and watch their evolution.