Week #4 My Last Week

Its hard to believe that it is my last week in Italy. The past month has flown by faster than I could have ever imagined. It is hard to think that in 3 short days I will be back on a plane with a nine hour flight ahead of me, and not heading to a foreign land, but home. I know that I am leaving this wonderful country with more knowledge about the industry and culture that I ever thought possible.

the girls and I enjoying a refreshing drink outside of Missoni

our view of the Missoni runway

Amber and I with Chiara Ferragni, the Blonde Salad

This past week was Milan Men’s Fashion Week. By no means was our last week here time to sit back, and relax.  We were running to shows and seeing a totally different side of high end fashion that I have always wanted to experience. It started off on Sunday with all of us as a group going to the Missoni fashion show. The theme was very tribal, with African music while the men walked down the bamboo runway. The highlight of this show was afterwards when I got to meet my favorite blogger, Chiara Ferragni, also know as The Blonde Salad. Amber and I were nearly starstruck when we saw her and immediately ran up to ask for a picture with her. Chiara willingly said yes! Afterwards we all jumped in taxis and drove cross down to the DAKS fashion show. This show had more of a dark medieval theme. It started with four men playing the violin to the opening outfit. The collection was in neutral tones, with classical music, or opera playing as the men walked the brightly lit rectangular outline runway. The third show Fulvio was able to get us into as a group was Jinwenbo. This Chinese designer has many Asian influences. As the male models walked down the runway I really noticed their interesting black cut out rubber platform shoes, and how they contrasted the bright white runway. I realized how hard it was for Fulvio to get all twenty-two of us into these shows at once. They normally do not let anyone other than buyers, journalists, socialites, bloggers, or photographers in.  This was a great experience for all of us to go in at once, and see these shows first hand.

at the DAKS fashion show

at the Jinwenbo fashion show

Each day this week there were shows that only a few girls could go to at a time.  On Tuesday it was time for Alyssa, Mackenzie, Kelsey, and myself to go. We had to follow Fulvio around all day starting at 10:30am with the John Richmond show.  Immediately as we enter Fulvio says, “Alexa, backstage now!” My heart fell into my stomach because at first all I thought was, do I look okay, how is my hair, will the male models think I am some creepy stalker? Those questions were the least of my problems when Fulvio asks if i wanted to interview someone. Now I am not the best with public speaking, and little did I know but Fulvio walks right up to John Richmond himself, and that is who I got to interview. I needed to remember to breathe, and it actually went well. He told me that the collection had a tribal theme with pops of color. The I asked if he likes to follow trends, and John Richmond said absolutely not. He likes to design his collections off what he likes at the moment. John Richmond’s advice for someone who wants to be in the fashion industry was to be ready for no sleep, and be yourself.  This was a dream come true, not only to go backstage, but to interview the designer of the show. Once I got back to my seat I had a huge smile on my face, and was able to enjoy that show so much more than I would have before hand. 

at the John Richmond fashion show

backstage at John Richmond

Then it was time for Gucci. What an amazing show! Just kidding, I was able to stand outside Gucci with Alyssa and Kelsey as Mackenzie was inside with Fulvio. While standing outside it was a great way to see the street style of Milan. The entire street in front of the Sheraton Diana Majestic was full of photographers taking pictures of the crazy, unique styles that walked by. After Gucci we went to the Ports fashion show. It was a mixture of a presentation and a fashion show. We were escorted into the upstairs of a beautiful building where the crowd stood on one side of a mirrored runway. The clothing of this collection were monochromatic, and classic. Afterwards we went across town to the Todd’s presentation. The men’s clothes, accessories, shoes, and brief cases were neatly displayed in an old villa of a noble family.  Finally our last visit of the day was in the MonteNapoleone district. We went to the presentation for JulianKeen by Alessandro D’Amico, and Alessandro Dell’Aqua. We got to talk to the woman who works PR for both designers, she also is PR for Leghila, the bags we all got to carry around this month. These shows were some of the best experiences I will take away with me from this trip. 

at the Ports fashion show

the girls and I at the Todd's presentation

My favorite industry visit of the week had to be Vogue Italia. Starting off this trip I had always wanted to be a buyer for either a high end department store, or a boutique. We had always been told to keep our options open during this trip because our expectations may change by the end of the month. My mind has most definitely been confused.  After visiting Vogue Italia, I realized that I think I would like to work in a magazine more. We were able to take an hour and a half tour, where we went to each department, and had them talk to us and explain what they contributed to the magazine. I have been reading Haper’s Bazaar, and Vogue since before I can remember. Being apart of a team that creates some of the greatest fashion literary pieces would be a dream job. This tour showed me there is a lot more to just writing articles, taking pictures, and slapping the whole thing together. There are a lot more behind the scene aspects that add to the final issue.

our industry visit to Vogue Italia

My favorite place in all of Milan is the Duomo. On Wednesday afternoon we were able to climb to the top of the Santa Maria Nascente Cathedral. The weather was beautiful and sunny. The only semi-bad part was the walk to the top. Although it did take a lot shorter than expected. Beig out of breath by the time we got to the top immediately went away once we saw the view. The sky was so clear you could see all the way to the Swiss Alps. The views were magnificent, and architecture from the top is just as beautiful as if you were standing on the ground. Italy is a breathtaking country.  

made it to the top! 

Yesterday was the day I was dreading. It was the day the girls and I had to return our Leghila bags.  Over the past 30 days my bag, the Woven Wetsuit, and I became very close.  I loved the versatility of this bag. It was easy to go from a casual outfit, to something more business, or even a going out outfit. For the past month the girls and I were in competition with each other to win one of the bags.  All we had to do was take pictures with the bags in a fashionable setting, and then post it on Instagram with the hashstag (#) Leghila. Yesterday was the day they also announced the winner. Drum roll please........I won! The winner was not based off how many “likes” you got on Instagram but who showed the picture in a positive fashionable way. I was actually surprised when they announced I was the winner. This meant I got to keep my Woven Wetsuit. This is better than any souvenir I could have bought for myself! Thank you very much Leghila for this opportunity.

my winning bag and I. thank you Leghila

It is crazy to me to think that this amazing once in a lifetime experience is almost over. I have always hated goodbyes, but with Italy and I, it is not a goodbye, it is a see you later.  This country has given me so much knowledge that I know this will not be the last time I am here. I have surprised myself so much, to think as a little college freshman coming on this program was my dream, and to sit here and be writing my final blog of this adventure amazes me. The memories I have gained in the past month will stay with me a lifetime. See you soon Italy! Ciao!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ― Augustine of Hippo.

We had to choose our favorite window display. Mine was this one at Larusmiani on MonteNapoleone. The clean white pieces are very fresh and romantic. They go very well with the display of a garden scene. The cream architectural building in the background brings out the clean structured lines of the pieces on the mannequins. Also with the flowers it brings out the romantic feel of the clothing. I am a girl that likes to dress in a lot of color, but I was drawn to these white monochromatic pieces in the window. They are very simple, and so is the background they are displayed on. 

Art vs. Fashion #4

This week we had different criteria. We have to incorporate an element from both a modern building, and a historical building into one. Then both must be present on a handbag from the Fall/Winter 2013/2014 collection. 

Anndra Neen, handbag, Fall 2013

Modern building, Piazza Duca D'Aosta

Historic building, Viale Umbria

Architecture is a great way to show structure of design details. In this case this caged silver clutch with flower accents on top is a perfect mixture of both modern and historic. The caged detail mimics the outer-most layer of the modern building. The flower detail on top shows the repetitiveness of the flower detailing on the brass window cage of the historic building. Both design details on the clutch are metal, as well as both architectural details of the modern and historic building. Anndra Neen's entire collection are metal and structured clutches. Each one also has either a floral design on it, or the metal is shaped into a flower petal design. The mixture of old and new elements makes this clutch unique and one of a kind. 

Art vs. Fashion #3

This week we have another art vs. fashion due. We have to compare the beautiful side streets and a motif on either a lamp post or a doorway, window trim, to a piece of jewelry for fall/winter 2013/2014. 

Bottega Veneta, Via Degli Strozzi 6 Nero, Florence, Italy

Deborah Pagani, bracelet, Fall 2013

The steel window overlay above the Bottega Veneta sign has a intricate spoke design. That same spoke design is seen on the side view of the Pagani bracelet. If the design above the door was repeated next to each other it would make the same scalloped pattern that is mimicked on the bracelet. A motif is a repeated figure or design in architecture. The steel window design was repeated on every window and doorway of the Bottega Veneta store. Therefore it matches the repeated design on each half circle part of the bracelet. Fashion can come from anywhere, not only are clothes represented by art and architecture, but accessories and jewelry are as well. 

Florence Week #3

As I was finally getting used to my surroundings in Milan, it was time to travel again. This time we all headed south to Tuscany. Florence is a beautiful city, and it was now time to experience new sights, culture, and the intense Italian sun. The bus ride was an adventure of its own. Don't worry Kim Wetherbee, Caroline, Silva, and Kelsey Cregg kept it lively with our lovely renditions of pretty much every song imaginable. Our first night in Florence we went out to dinner as a whole group, including our professors, and of course Fulvio. Here we were all able to sit down and be together. It was a nice change of pace from our usual day to day schedule. Just after my first night in Florence I can say the food is better than Milan. 

here is all of us out to dinner

my incredible ravioli, my favorite pasta

Tuesday morning was our first day of industry visits in Florence. They began with our trip to Angela Caputi. She was the most adorable woman to meet. Angela Caputi is a bijoux (made from resin and plastic) fashion jewelry designer. You could see the passion about her work as she spoke to us. A part of this visit that was most interesting to me was that Angela Caputi follows her products from production to delivery. All products are made and shipped right from her store in Florence. Her main reason behind that was Angela Caputi wants to keep the personal aspect of her company the most important and then everything else will come second. Another part of this visit that I found intriguing was that she started to sell her pieces in places other than Italy first. This was a way to get her name out there. Italy then came in a second phase were she was now already known to them and word of mouth advertising grew from there. Afterwards we went into the room where women sit and make her jewelry by hand. All of Angela's creations are made this way. Then we were able Do what girls do best, shop. Her designs and pieces are all one of a kind and unique. Lastly the words of wisdom she gave us, "..find your strengths, and trust yourself."

out visit with Angela Caputi

some of her beautiful handmade creations

Directly after this industry visit, the 72 hour madness began. Upon arrival in Florence we were given Firenze cards. It was like a fast pass to cut all of the lines at six flags, but instead of rides, you had access to over 60 different museums in Florence. Mission accepted! First my group and I decided to go to the Piti Palace. This one large palace held six different exhibits. I went into four of them, the Galleria Palatina, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Galleria del Costume, and the Gardino di Boboli. The renaissance paintings that were in these exhibits were really helpful when piecing together my art vs. fashion that was due. The similarities between old paintings, sculptures and architecture can directly correlate to the design details and fashion currently. Afterwards my group and I went to the Galleria degli Uffizi. This museum had incredible statues lining the hallways. At one point it almost felt as if they were going to come to life. Next my group and I went to the Palazzo Vecchio. My favorite part of Italy so far is the beautiful architecture, and Palazzo Vecchio is definitely in the running for first. You walk into a gigantic room with what seemed like three story ceilings and murals that covered the walls. Upstairs at the Palazzo Vecchio was a beautiful balcony that overlooked Florence. It was completely breathtaking. The next day we went to the Museo Galileo. Which is the science museum. Now you might ask what does that have to do with fashion, nothing. This was a museum my group and I decided would be a breathe of fresh air and just something fun to do. 

my group for the museums

view from the Boboli Gardens

Thursday we were all thrown into the fashion industry full force when we got passes to Pitti Uomo and W. Pitti Uomo is the world's most important trade show for men's clothing and accessory collections and for launching new projects in men's fashion. Pitti W is dedicated to experimental anf innovative projects in women's fashion. Here were were able to walk around and experience a more behind the scenes view of the fashion industry. Everyone walking around was dressed with impeccable taste. Companies displayed at Pitti were from all over the world. It gave us an inside look of global communications between everyone in the fashion industry.

Saying goodbye to Florence yesterday was tough. I was able to learn and take in so much in such a short, fast paced week. Back to Milan we go for yet another even crazier week, Men's Fashion Week! 

The weekend before we arrived in Florence a few girls and I decided to take a day trip to Lake Como. Ever since I was little, it has been a dream destination of mine. I knew it was somewhere I couldn't leave Italy without going, and something that I definitely could not leave out of my blog. Going away from the city life of Milan for the day was a breath of fresh air. The girls and I had an amazing lunch right on the water, and then even went cliff jumping. This was one of the best non fashion experience so far!

from left to right: Lauren, Amy, Me, Carly, Kelsey, Mackenzie, Kim

our view from lunch 

One week left in this country that is immersed in fashion, culture, and everything in between. It's going to be hard to say goodbye. Until the next post, ciao! 

 

Art vs. Fashion #2

While being in Florence, we received Firenze cards, which give us a free pass into over 60 museums here. Our assignment is to find a current garment fall/winter 2013/2014 and find a painting from the renaissance period that compliments it. 

Sant'Agostino nello studio, Sandro Botticelli, 1490-1494, Uffizi Gallery

Balmain, Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear

Each renaissance painting has a specific mood to it. This outfit is very similar to the mood of this renaissance piece of artwork. There is a very dark, masculine mood in both. At the top of the painting there is intricate,structured details in the architecture. This goes along with the details in the leather at the chest and shoulders of the Balmain dress. The quilted leather almost matches the details in the ceiling of the painting. Also the way the curtain drapes to one side matches the beautiful red draping of the skirt of the dress. This displays how everything can inspire fashion. Not just the design details of fashion in art, but the art itself. 

Photo Credit:

www.polomuseale.firenze.it/en/musei/index.php?m=uffizi

www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2013RTW-BALMAIN (look37) 

Week 2

Starting out second week in Italy, I think I am finally adjusting to the time change. Each day we set out on a new adventure to explore the fashion and culture in this marvelous city. Every industry visit we go on is different from the next, and I am able to learn something new. As the days go on I start to think how I am going I be able to leave Italy. 

panoramic view of the Breara courtyard

On Saturday we started out morning at the Breara Museum. This was our first museum and we were looking for art vs. fashion. It is incredible to see how fashion is represented in all types of art, such as paintings or sculptures. Afterwards we went to the Santa Maria Nascente. I knew from the first day we went to the Duomo that would be a place I wanted to go. Unfortunately my shorts were a little too short and I had to make a skirt out of Mackenzie's scarf. Once I got inside I knew that by the looks of the architecture on the outside, the inside would be just as incredible. The intricate details from the floor to the ceilings had me in awe. I was at first confused when the professors told us this is where out first art vs. fashion would take place, but then as I looked around I was able to see the architectural details and compare them to design details you would see on the runway. Around every corner in Milan the architecture is astonishing.

in the Breara Gardens with my Leghila bag

Sunday was our first day off. Unfortunately it was pouring rain, but fortunately that gave my group and I enough time to get down to business for our project for our sponsor Veneto Banca.

Monday morning we went to the Milan Stock Exchange to visit a branch of Veneto Banca. This specific branch that we took a tour of specializes in private investments. Afterwards we went to the Palazzo Mezzanotte to have four employees (G. Torresan, M. Pettinicchio, G. Pedrazzi, and D. Accetta) to talk to us. They told us of the history an background of the company. Then I was our turn to as important questions I help us fill the gaps of our project. It is our job to make them decide wether to invest in luxury or independent retail here in Italy. (Hopefully they choose independent, which is they way my group is going to persuade them.) 

Later that night, Alberto Moltini, a head hunter in the fashion industry here in Italy came to speak to us. He was very informative with advice for the future, interviews, and resumes. 

Bibliotecca Della Moda

Tuesday's first appointment was to Bibliotecca Della Moda, the fashion library. Here is where almost every magazine, from every country, since the 1850s is housed. I did not even know half of the magazines they had existed.

Tuesday night was one of the best experiences ever. It was the Glamour Italia fashion show. There is a huge fashion community here in Italy, and they all come together when large events like this happen. 

so many beads, so little time!

Wednesday we went to Happy Beads. A bead store where Angelica Montingelli, a small jewelry designer who runs this store all on her own. She decided to open her store because there are almost no bead shops in Italy. Beaders can come to her store and take courses to learn more experienced ways to make jewelry. Even in the bead community there are trends to be followed, and a forecasting of these trends. Angelica buys directly from the manufacturers instead of wholesalers from 70 suppliers in over 50 countries. Many customers come in to buy beads, but some come in to buy the finished product. That helps get Angelica's name out in the hand made beaded jewelry community. 

beautiful haute couture beaded jacket from the 60s 

Fredrico Sangalli is a designer of Haute couture (hand made) in Itsly. Friday we went to his atelier. We walked into his showroom and my jaw dropped to the ground because of the beautiful pieces he had. I learned a lot more about the haute couture techniques. There are 3 main aspects 1. 70% handmade 30% pedal sewing machine 2. Only precious fabrics 3. Made to measure. When we were shown the pieces it was surprised on how beautiful the I side of the garment looked ern though that is the part that isn't seen while worn. You could tell the hours that were put into these garments. We were then able to go into the work room where 4 women sat, of all different ages, seeing these beautiful garments by hand. We then spoke to the designer himself and one thing he said was that haute couture is the soul of fashion and its starting to loose its soul and is dying. It is very important to preserve the techniques because clothes don have the same quality or meaning when they are all mass produced. This is a tradition that should be passed on to future generations. 

Vladimiro Gioia's unique designs

We then went back to the Pink and Chic offices where Maria Chiara Arona's client Vladimiro Gioia came and spoke to us. He is a designer of high end fur and leather coats. His first collection in Winter 2010 was noticed by Dolce and Gabbana, and they were able to display his designs in their store to be sold. Later Anna Dello Russo loved his designs as well and was spotted wearing them. This is how many people got an interest in Vladimiro. He quickly began to spread all over Europe and Asia. I liked how Vladimiro Gioia stressed on being different and unique. Very one can make a fur coat, but his designs, patterns, and different materials used make his garments one of a kind. I also found it very heart warming when both Fulvio Anello and Maria Chiara Arona said tht Vladimiro Gioia is still the same person, even after all of his success. 

Now after almost being two weeks in a foreign country, I am beginning to understand fashion from a whole new angle. We are not just here to eat great food and see the beautiful sights, but to dig even deeper. The fashion industry had thick layers, and if you pay a lot of attention to them it is easy to get through. 

Sponsors:

VenetoBanca.com

PinkandChic.it

Mentioned:

VladimiroGioia.com

Angelica-Montingelli.jimdo.com

FedericoSangalli.it 

Art vs. Fashion #1

As a student understanding and interpreting dress from previous centuries to today's modern dress will allow me to better understand where and why a garment has been designed and produced. 

These art vs. fashion will utilize historic costume, architecture, paintings, and sculptures and how they transition into today's garments and accessories. 

Santa Maria Nascente, Simone da Orsenigo, 1386-1965, Milan, Italy

Dolce&Gabbana, Fall/Winter 2013/2014

As seen in the gate to the alter, the scroll design is replicated on the dress from the upcoming Fall/Winter 2013/2014 collection. The embroidery on the side of the dress matches the architectural aspect of the broze gate. The entire collection had a gothic feel to it. Each separate piece in the collection reminded me of the different parts of the cathedral. It is interesting to see that almost six thousand years later these design details are still used. 

Photo Credit: www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/F2013RTW-DGABBANA  look 38

www.tourism.milan.it/wps/portal/?WCM_GLOBAL_context=en/situr/he/arteculturs/architectural/loc106

As my departure date drew closer, I was starting to become an anxiety stricken wreck, just ask my mother.  It was deciding what to pack, and thinking about staying under the fifty pound weight limit were most difficult to me. I also am the biggest procrastinator, so when did I finally decide to pack, Sunday night, aka the night before my flight. Finally Monday June 3rd had arrived, and that night I would be taking an Alitalia flight out of JFK International Airport in New York at 7:15pm with Alyssa Haray. As my mother and father dropped me off at the airport I started to tear up. I get to the check-in line and what do you know, my suitcase weighs exactly 50.0 lbs. I could not have planned that if I tried, and I guess I will not be bringing home any heavy souvenirs. Finally on the plane, the excitement kicked into full gear because I did not get one wink of sleep on my seven and a half hour flight. Arriving in Italy at 9:30am, which is 3:30am EST, it was a bit of a shock. Some of the girls were there to meet Alyssa and I as we got into arrivals, and I felt completely at ease. At 10:30 Professor St. Jean, and Professor McCrohan arrived with the bus hat would take us to the airport, and our new paparazzi for the month Fulvio. He will be with us as close to 24/7 as possible, video taping our every moves, since we will be new web reality stars here in Milan. As all 20 of us arrive at the hotel, we have time to unpack and unwind for a little bit, before all the fashion madness begins.

View from Hotel Mennini

We start out the gate running, first with a small walking tour of the area around our hotel, such as a supermarket, pharmacy, shopping, and of course the gelato shop. After that it was time for our welcome dinner. At this point we were all running on over 24 hours of no sleep, but we kept on going, just like the energizer bunny. Then we went over the itinerary of the entire month, and I could tell even though we were all miserably tired, excitement still filled the room. But I think we all may have been a little but more excited when the professors finally said,”Okay girls, we are done for the night, you can go to bed.” 

Joking around at the Public Garden

Waking up the next morning was a little but harder than expected, but knowing we had a lot planned for the day ahead, it made it easier. Today was the first day we used our metro cards, which give us access to all trains in Milan for the month, and surprisingly no one got lost or left behind. Our first appointment was with Maria Chiara, and Elenora Monti, the wonderful women of Pink and Chic, a fashion PR agency, bright and early at 10am. We arrived early and were able to walk around the Milan Public Gardens, and it immediately reminded me of being home in New York, at Central Park. As our appointment time came near we went to Pink and Chic and Maria, and Elenora gave us such insightful information. Before arriving in Italy, I was not 100% sure what a PR agency exactly did, but they were able to clear that up right away.  They work with designers, to work on brand image, and event organization, also with journalists who are able to help with that process, and stylists, who are able to come in and choose products to shoot for magazines. Two main ways they are able to get these designers out there are with press releases, which are meant to be fun, and eye catching to the reader to get them interested, and look books, which show the collection with multiple pictures of the designers pieces. While at Pink and Chic we were able to meet Bimbi DiStefano of DotGirl. She is a fashion designer turned blogger here in Italy. She explained to use that fashion is not just in clothing shoes and accessories, but in everything around you such as art, and emotions, but not in pasta. Fashion is you, add your style and your personality to it, and make it fun. She was able to give us all some great insight into our blogs, and my favorite line she said was, “Always be different, and experiment.”

Group with Maria, Elenora, and Bimbi

After we left Maria’s office, Professor St.Jean told the group that two girls who be chosen to attend a press release party tonight for an up and coming sunglass company with Fulvio. Drum roll please.......I was chosen! Along with Kim Wehterbee! Finally picked first where it counts, and not in high school gym class for dodgeball where I was no where near first to being picked. I’ll tell you more about that later. First we were al thrown our first curve ball, to find our way back to the hotel on the metro without our professors, and then a few ours later find our way to the Duomo to meet back up with them. Challenge accepted! Let’s just say the metro here is a lot more easy to take than any subway in New York City. All of us, 20 girls, were able to find our way back without any trouble. 

We now had time to break into our groups, and work on our project by our sponsor here in Milan, Veneto Banca, an Italian based market firm that wants to invest in a new company that will be a strong competitor in the retail industry, and wether or not that new company should be luxury, or independent. 

Next was the challenge to take the metro and meet our professors at the Duomo. We were all able to get there without getting lost, and early. Walking out of the metro station all of our jaws dropped. The Duomo is such a beautiful piece of architecture that it took a while for us to soak it all in. Afterwards Professor St. Jean and Professor McCrohan showed us around all of the shops in this area. They went from H&M, Zara, and Mango, to Louis Vuitton, Prada, Celine, and any other luxury store you could think of. As the rest of our friends were able to explore, Kim and I had to go back to the Hotel to get ready for the night ahead of us.

Beautiful architecture at the Duomo

Fulvio met us in the lobby at 6pm to take us to our first party. It did not hit us until we got there that we would be rubbing elbows with anyone who is anyone, but it also did not click that everyone we would want to talk to most likely spoke very little English. The displays of sunglasses were a sight to be seen. Fulvio then said we were off to yet another party. This one was for a spanish espadrille company that was just starting up, where we met Andrea Tisci, who was coming to talk to our group the next morning at the hotel. This night was fun and exciting because we saw exactly what Maria and Elenora spoke to us about earlier. 

Press Release part time with Kim Wetherbee!

The next morning we woke up and Andrea Tisci, another famous fashion blogger here in Italy, from Fashion Ancien, came to speak to us about the art of blogging. He told us that every blog has a mission, and that comes from the heart. Also every blog has a target audience and a theme. To be a great blogger you must be yourself, and have followers, but it is better to have the quality of your blog be up to your standards, rather than the quantity of your followers. The easiest way to gain followers is with a hashtag, it will get more people to notice your blog if you highlight the keywords of your posts with hashtags. The photos on your blog should have meaning behind them, and look professional. Andrea also said to always find new things, do your research, and find something exclusive. My favorite quote he said to us was, “Just living is an art, you can be the art.” I took that as living your life to the fullest and capturing every moment because not only is art in a museum, but it is in everything you do.

Andrea Tisci, Fashion Ancien

Later that day, we had to ourselves. This was a time to really explore. A few girls and I went shopping by the Duomo. It was fun just to have time to relax and do what fashion majors do best, shop. We all came back to the hotel later that night with at least one bag in tow. On our way back to the metro we saw multiple street performers that were particularly eye catching. First was a man who seemed to defy gravity and work in slow motion with rings, and a glass orb. Next were three very good looking men that were doing all types of acrobatics and crazy break dancing moves, who came a little to close at some moments during their performance, but it was funny to watch. 

Friday was a day full of walking. Many girls already had blisters that were now getting worse, and the girls without blisters came home that day with new ones. Professor St. Jean was not joking when she said to bring your most comfortable shoes.

We started the day at Fashion Camp, which was a place for the italian fashion community to come and meet. A lot of bloggers, journalists, stylists, and others in the community can share tips and tricks of the trade.  There were many sponsors there such as Yves Saint Laurent, Samsung, and many more, along with a pop-up boutique of many independent retailers in Italy. It was a great experience to see the community come together and display their hard work. 

Our next visit was to the Branca Museum, and Fernet Branca Distilleries. We were able to take a tour of the museum with our two tour guides Marco, and Michaele. They showed us how after six generations the distillery is still being run by the same family. Not only was it to show us the past, with historical manufacturing system, advertisements, and their experimental liquors, along with their ones that have stayed in the collection, but also into present day. We then put on our oh, so trendy white coats and hats to take a tour of where the alcohol is fermented in large oak barrels for many of years at a time. I was most surprised to hear that the building held 800 of the huge barrels. On our way back to the room where we kept our belongings, what else is a fashion major to do but design a wedding dress out of the white coats my friends and I were wearing, and it took no more than 5 minutes. We then thanked our tour guides and went on to our next appointment. 

During our tour.

Last of the day we went to the Leghila store, where we picked up our bags that are ours to use for the remainder of our trip. At the end of our 30 days one winner will get to keep this bag, but the contest is to take great pictures with this bag and post them on instagram with the hashtag #Leghila. These bags are so fashion forward, lightweight, and even machine washable. This was the last stop of the day. 

Not even a full week has gone by and I feel as if many great opportunities have been put in front of me. As for the rest of my days here, I want to gain more knowledge, and soak in as much culture and fashion as possible. This is an experience that will stay with me forever. Therefore I am taking as many pictures as I can, and have vowed to myself never to eat at the same restaurant twice.