Students Explore Fashion in Florence
Humber students flew across the globe to have a firsthand experience in the world of fashion.
By: Nathalie Gomez, Bachelor of Commerce – Fashion Management Student
Many students had the opportunity to partake in study abroad programs during the summer, affording them diverse experiences across the globe. For three weeks, twelve fashion enthusiasts from the Bachelor of Commerce – Fashion Management degree program and the Fashion Arts and Business diploma program, travelled to Florence, Italy to experience the trip of a lifetime. The students were part of the Fashion Retail Management program at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) for 12 weeks from June to July.
Through FUA, students had access to the fashion building, including Fashion Loves You, a vintage store where a subset of students completed their summer placements. Conversely, the focal point of the Fashion Retail Management course revolved around imparting the skills required to manage a fashion brand and retail space. The curriculum presented a diverse spectrum, ranging from the principles of visual merchandising, consumer behaviours, strategies for achieving sales objectives, to a comprehensive understanding of metrics utilized in the retail sphere to increase brand visibility. The multifaceted coursework aimed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in the retail industry, catering to both established fashion houses and burgeoning enterprises in the competitive retail landscape.
The learning methods consisted of hybrid experiences integrating practical in-store lab exercises with traditional classroom lectures. The course not only taught students about the interaction of big brands with the public but also touched on small businesses and ways in which they can expand in the retail environment. The program facilitated firsthand exposure through organized visits to renowned establishments such as the Gucci Museum Garden, the original Gucci store founded in 1921 and conceptual luxury stores with known and emerging designers and artists
