13 Days
Fashions of Florence Program
Spend an unforgettable summer in Italy and study at one of the most prestigious fashion schools in the world, Polimoda.
Program Description
The pre college fashion program will immerse students in the world of fashion through visits to artisan workshops, fashion ateliers, manufacturing factories and course work. Participants will join like-minded students to learn first hand what to expect when pursuing a degree in fashion. Students will have 40 hours of college level fashion courses taught by industry leaders in their field, visits to various fashion related museums and companies. Students will gain valuable insight into the real world life of fashion industry professionals, employment prospects for fashion degrees and fashion curriculums. The precollege program will give students a head start on planning for a future in fashion.
This unique learning experience offers students an in-depth look at the fashion industry, with exclusive visits to artisan workshops, fashion ateliers, and bustling manufacturing factories. Join a group of passionate, like-minded students and learn firsthand about the expectations, challenges, and rewards of pursuing a degree in fashion. Over the course of the program, you’ll complete 40 hours of college-level fashion courses, all instructed by industry leaders in the field and enriched through visits to various fashion-related museums and companies, where you’ll get a firsthand glimpse into the dynamic daily life of fashion industry professionals.
The Precollege Program serves as your launchpad into the fashion industry, providing a valuable head start in planning for a successful future in fashion.
Your Tour Includes
● Resident Advisor in house for the duration of the program with 24/7 support
● Program Director in Florence for the duration of the program
● Transportation from the Florence Airport to Hotel on arrival and departure days
● Twelve nights hotel accommodation in Florence (The Social Hub Belfiore)
● Program Orientation
● Public transportation tickets in Florence
● Breakfast
● Dinner each night at a local restaurant or at hotel restaurant
● Visit Piazza della Signoria
● Admission to Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
● Admission to Palazzo Pitti Costume Museum
● Class field visits (Gucci Garden Museum, Prato Textile Company)
● Visit to the Florence Duomo
● Admission to the Uffizi Gallery
● Visit Piazzale Michelangelo
● Florence Artisan Tour
● Leather Accessory Workshop
● Visit to textile factory or fashion company
● Trip delay and medical insurance coverage up to $50,000 per person
A Typical Day
The program’s immersive experience has an intense schedule, packed with fashion, culture and art. Most days, the group will be together from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Students will wake and have breakfast at the hotel, then gather with classmates and the resident advisor to walk to campus together. A typical class will last 3 or 4 hours with a break halfway through to grab water or a snack at the cafes near campus. Some days there will be class in the morning and afternoon, some days there will be class in the morning and a museum visit or activity in the afternoon. After some down time at the hotel, students will have dinner either at the hotel where dinner is served between 7:30pm and 10:00pm or gather to go together to dine at a local restaurant.
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Students will arrive at the Florence Airport (FLR) on arrival day, where they will meet their resident advisor and be transferred to the hotel. After settling in, you’ll gather in the common room to meet fellow participants, followed by an orientation to the program and the city. A group walk through Florence will take you to iconic sites like the Duomo, a magnificent Gothic cathedral with a Renaissance dome, and Piazza della Signoria, home to a replica of Michelangelo’s David. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Monday, June 30, 2025
You’ll start the day with breakfast before departing for your first day of school. While Florence is very walkable and you’ll usually travel on foot, transportation tickets will be provided when needed. After a program orientation at the school, you’ll attend your first class, followed by a visit to Piazza Michelangelo for breathtaking views of the city.
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class, followed by a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of Europe’s oldest and most famous art museums, featuring masterpieces by Italian artists such as Botticelli, Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raffaello.
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
After breakfast, then you’ll attend classes followed by a company visit.
Thursday, July 3, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll take a guided tour of the exhibit at the Gucci Garden and Museum, immersing yourself in the brand’s rich history and iconic designs. Later, you’ll return for class.
Friday, July 4, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class before taking a private coach to Prato, where you’ll visit a textile factory or a fashion company to gain insights into the region’s renowned textile industry.
Saturday, July 5, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll participate in a leather accessory-making workshop, where you’ll craft a personalized item to take home.
Sunday, July 6, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class, followed by a visit to Palazzo Pitti, the grand Renaissance palace of the Medici family. During your visit, you’ll explore the Costume Museum, which houses over 6,000 pieces of historical fashion and accessories, spanning from the 16th century to the present.
Monday, July 7, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class, followed by a visit to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, where you’ll explore the designer’s significant contributions to shoe design and international fashion. The museum features a rich collection of photographs, patents, sketches, magazines, and over 10,000 designs created by Ferragamo, along with wooden shoe lasts from famous clients.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class before embarking on an artisan tour of Florence’s boutiques, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local artisans and learn about their craft, gaining insight into the city’s rich tradition of handmade goods.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll attend class, followed by a hands-on fashion lab at the renowned Manifattura Tabacchi, where you’ll dive deeper into the world of fashion design and creation.
Thursday, July 10, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll present your final project, showcasing the culmination of your work and creativity throughout the program..
Friday, July 11, 2025
After breakfast, you’ll head to the airport to catch your return flight home, marking the end of your experience.
