Growing up, I always wanted to go to FIT, The Fashion Institute of Technology, and become a fashion designer. When it came time to apply to colleges, I had to be realistic with myself and my career aspirations. While I love styling outfits, I decided I didn’t have the creative edge necessary for design, so I turned to the business side of fashion. This led me to look into different schools’ fashion marketing and merchandising programs.
I wanted to go to a school that offered many academic programs in case I changed my mind about what I wanted to do. Fairfield presented itself as a great option with over 50 majors and minors to choose from and concentrations within some of them. While it may seem like I gave up on my pursuit of fashion by choosing Fairfield, I actually did not.
Fairfield offers a Marketing Major with a Concentration in Fashion Marketing in collaboration with Florence University of the Arts. In order to participate in this program you must be willing to spend the spring semester of your junior year abroad in Florence, Italy. The program is set up so that students take the required courses for the Marketing Major: Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research and Global Marketing Strategies, at Fairfield University, and four fashion marketing electives at Florence University of the Arts. A highlight of the program is that you get the same business education as every business student at Fairfield, with a specialty in something you’re interested in.
While it may seem like a daunting commitment to study abroad, it’s a once in a lifetime experience I highly recommend. I was lucky enough to participate in this program last spring and loved every second. It seems to be one of the lesser known study abroad programs, but it’s a great way to pursue a love of fashion in a practical way.
Last spring, a small group of about eighteen Stags, including myself, departed for Florence on Jan. 2. The fashion program starts a few weeks earlier than the typical semester long program since you participate in an experiential learning course. This course is similar to an internship and has a requirement of working 150 hours at the student-run vintage store, FLY- Fashion Loves You. This may seem like a lot but it was extremely manageable and did not interfere with any of my weekend travel. My daily tasks at the store included styling mannequins, pricing vintage items on consignment and deciding the store layout. This experience was great for my resume as it displays that I could perform these tasks in a completely foreign environment.
During the first week you also have the opportunity to attend the Men’s Pitti Immagine fashion show. This trade show is one of the most important events for men’s fashion in Europe. It was such a unique experience to interact with local designers and see their spring collections.
The three other electives you take in Florence are Strategic Fashion Marketing, Fashion Business in Italy and Fashion Buying Strategies: From Personal Shopper to Retail Merchandising. I learned valuable information and skills in these courses that prepared me for a business career in the fashion industry. Fashion Marketing students also have the option to stay in Florence for an additional month after the semester ends and participate in another internship with a local company. I did not extend my time in Florence, but for those who did it was a beneficial experience personally and professionally.
Since this is a smaller program there’s a good chance you may not know anyone going in– I encourage you not to let this deter you. I went into this program not knowing anyone and came out with lasting friendships. It’s a great way to meet people that you may not have otherwise connected with on campus, but share a love of fashion and Fairfield with! Another comfort is that you become immersed with the other Fairfield students once they arrive in Florence for the semester-long program later in January. Three of my best friends joined me in Florence during that time and I got to be their tour guide since I was already adjusted!
Studying abroad allows you to continue your education while immersing yourself in a new culture. Not only was I able to experience Florence, I also traveled to cities such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Prague, Budapest and Amsterdam on weekends and breaks. The Fashion Marketing program is a great way to gain professional knowledge of and experience in the business side of the fashion industry. Fairfield may not be known for its fashion program, but it definitely deserves some recognition.