Italian Fashion Experience: Rome, Florence, and Milan
After two trips to Paris, Fashion Mentor set our sights on another fashion capital: Italy. For the Italian Fashion Experience, our attendees didn't just visit one city, they experienced the big three: Rome, Florence, and Milan.
That's the beauty of a fashion group trip through Italy. A short train ride takes you from one city to a completely different world, each with its own take on fashion and craftsmanship. This wasn't a class. It was an immersive trip for fashion lovers who wanted to see how Italy shaped the industry, one city at a time.
Rome: Where It All Started
We kicked things off in Rome with a walk down Via del Corso, then hit the classic spots: the Colosseum, and a Vespa tour through the city streets (major Lizzie McGuire moment). Besides, what’s a trip to Italy without a pasta making bonding activity? Rome gave the group a taste of Italian culture and history before the trip turned fully fashion focused in the cities ahead.
Florence: The Leather Capital
In Florence, the group got an up close look at the art of luxury leather handbag making in the Tuscan hills. We toured a handbag factory and watched every piece hand cut, getting a real sense of Italian craftsmanship and the different leathers that go into a finished bag. Of course, there was time for shopping too, plus a historical tour covering the Medici family and no shortage of gelato.
Florence: The Birthplace Of Gucci
No fashionistas visit to Firenze is complete without a visit to Gucci to learn the origin story of one of fashion’s most legendary brands. Though no one in the Gucci family is involved in the brand anymore (they were brought out by LVMH competitor, The Kerring group), knowing the history and how it all started is just as important. Plus, it never hurt to be in a room full of beautiful gowns.
Milan: The Armani Takeover
A short train ride from Florence brought us to Milan, where we toured the Brera Fashion District and spent the day fully immersed in Giorgio Armani's world: the Armani Museum, Armani Hotel, Armani Library, and Armani Café. The group left with a real appreciation for how much Armani did to put Milan on the map as a global fashion capital.
Having a local lead the Brera tour made all the difference. It's one thing to explore a city on your own, and another entirely to have someone born and raised there show you around and translate as you go. The warmth and hospitality throughout Italy made the whole trip feel personal.
Milan: Designer Atelier Visit
Should we go back? Absolutely. If you're looking for a fashion group trip where you can connect with like minded fashion lovers and experience Italy's fashion capitals firsthand, this is exactly that. Our first stamp was Paris, and next we're headed to Tokyo.