Standing in the Boboli Gardens in Florence

Author: Lilli Martin | Major: Apparel Merchandising and Product Development | Semester: Summer 2023

This past summer I spent two weeks traveling abroad in Italy for the Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Italy Study Tour. My goal was to be able to check off going to Italy on my bucket list, get credit towards my degree, and to explore and understand the rich history Italy has in fashion. Those two weeks were some of the most information rich weeks of my college career.

I chose this program because Italy is the hub for the fashion world, and being an apparel major, it felt the most fitting. Going into the trip, I really had no idea what to expect, as I had never gone abroad before. During the two weeks there, I had the opportunity to hear from business owners who had done artisanal work for brands like Gucci, Dior, and Fortuny, and see the historical side of Italy in a way I know I wouldn’t have been able to experience on my own. Being able to see and hear about these places in class is one thing, but being able to visit and hear from local workers is a whole other experience.

Upon arriving at Rome, we hit the ground and toured all the historical sites of Rome. From the Colosseum, the Roman forum, and the Trevi fountain, it felt like I was in the Lizzy McGuire movie. Being able to have a translator and be in a group was the way to go for traveling abroad for the first time. Hearing from locals and from tour guides who had studied the history of Rome, was such a unique experience. They were able to offer advice and recommendations that I wouldn’t have had if I had traveled alone. They also helped me make it out alive on the metro during rush hour. After three days, we then moved on to Florence. Taking the bullet train to Florence was a very neat experience. Once we arrived there the setting of Florence versus Rome was quite different. Rome was very busy, however Florence had this more laid-back feeling. In Florence we were able to hear from several local artisans. We visited a hat maker, several local shops, a metal worker, and a leather worker. This was such a neat experience to be able to visit these places and hear from the owners. This is for sure an experience I wouldn’t have been able to experience on my own. We also took day trips to Florence and Venice, and visited a department store, and visited the island where lace was created.

Going on this study tour was such a beautiful experience. Hearing from locals and seeing things firsthand was such a great experience and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Throughout my college career you hear of these places and history in class, but being able to see these places firsthand, and learn from the people running these businesses is learning on another level. My only advice for if you go, bring water! You’ll be doing a lot of walking. Even if you aren’t an apparel major, but have an inkling to go to Italy, this study tour is such a unique experience. You get to visit the historical sites of Italy, but also hear about their fashion history. And while even if you’re not a fashion major, there’s no denying that fashion is a big part of Italy’s history. As they say, “Speak English, kiss French, drive German, and dress Italian”.