Milan, globally renowned as a capital of fashion and design, became an immersive classroom for undergraduate students from The American University of Rome during a recent academic field trip. Over the course of an intensive weekend, students explored the heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation that define the “Made in Italy” brand — gaining invaluable insights into industries that continue to set international standards for quality and design.
The journey through Milan’s creative landscape began at GM Collezioni, a luxury footwear manufacturer renowned for its dedication to Italian craftsmanship. Students explored the complex process of creating bespoke shoes, learning how locally sourced materials from regions like Tuscany and Veneto sustain both authenticity and local economies. At Annibale Colombo, a heritage furniture maker, they saw tradition and modernity converge, with artisans crafting bespoke pieces for royal residences and global clients. Students then immersed themselves in Milan’s Quadrilatero della Moda, discovering the concept of "quiet luxury" — a focus on quality and understated elegance. At the Fiorella Ciaboco tailoring workshop, they gained hands-on insights into fabric selection, custom tailoring, and the tactile difference of premium craftsmanship, before exploring the evolution of Milanese fashion at Palazzo Morando.
The day concluded at the Prada Foundation, where contemporary art installations, including the thought-provoking “Preserving the Brain” exhibit, illuminated the intersections of art, fashion, and culture in Milan's dynamic creative landscape.
The final day brought students to the ADI Design Museum, a tribute to Italy’s design legacy. Iconic pieces such as the Olivetti typewriter and the Fiat 500 offered tangible examples of how Italian ingenuity seamlessly blends beauty with function, leaving an indelible mark on global design trends.
Throughout the weekend, AUR students gained far more than an understanding of Italian design and manufacturing. They experienced firsthand the dedication to excellence, the resilience of tradition, and the spirit of innovation that sustain the "Made in Italy" brand in an evolving global market. These lessons extend beyond the industries they explored, offering powerful insights into building meaningful careers and contributing to industries where authenticity and quality remain paramount.
This immersive field trip forms part of AUR’s commitment to experiential learning, connecting students with industry leaders and cultural institutions that deepen academic knowledge and prepare graduates for success in an interconnected, globalized world.