Fashion in Florence & Paris: Craft, Culture & Couture
Four weeks inside the birthplaces of modern fashion — intensive studio training at Polimoda and IFA Paris, with a cultural detour through Milan.
Program Dates
June 26 – July 25, 2027
Duration
29 nights / 30 days~14 days Florence · 2 days Milan · ~13 days Paris
Program Cost
US $9,940
Twin-sharing
Locations
Florence · Paris
Application Deadline
March 30, 2027
Sustainable Development Goals
Two capitals, one immersive fashion education
As the birthplaces of modern fashion, Florence and Paris represent the world's most influential centers of haute couture and luxury craftsmanship, with Italy's fashion industry contributing to the European economy and France's luxury sector employing skilled artisans. This immersive program offers students an unprecedented opportunity to engage with both cities' unique approaches to fashion design through intensive coursework at two prestigious institutions: Polimoda in Florence and IFA Paris, combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with French haute couture techniques across 82 total instructional hours. Students will develop hands-on expertise in fashion design, pattern making, draping, sewing, and specialized workshops in leather craftsmanship and plumasserie (feather artistry).
Additionally, students will immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of both fashion capitals. In Florence, they will explore the Renaissance city's artisanal legacy through visits to a fashion archive, the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, and Prato's textile district, while experiencing traditional Florentine craftsmanship. In Paris, students will discover the epicenter of haute couture through field trips to the iconic Marché Saint-Pierre fabric market and CHANEL's 19M Métiers d'Art center, complemented by optional excursions to Giverny or Normandy. These experiences provide students with invaluable skills in design innovation, cultural competency, and global fashion industry understanding while contributing meaningfully to their professional development as future fashion leaders.
What you'll do across the program
Design Development in Florence
Engage in intensive instruction at Polimoda covering Fashion Design, Trend Research, Fashion Illustration, Technical Drawing, and Craftsmanship Workshops. Visit to a fashion archive and the iconic Ferragamo Museum.
Haute Couture Techniques in Paris
Complete comprehensive training at IFA Paris focusing on Introduction to Haute Couture Techniques, Pattern Making, Draping, Sewing Techniques, Plumassier Workshop, and Leather Atelier. Experience field trips to Marché St Pierre and 19M CHANEL Métiers d'Art.
Renaissance Heritage
Explore Florence's artisanal legacy through visits to a fashion archive, the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, and Prato's textile district. Experience traditional Florentine craftsmanship.
Fashion Capital Immersion
Discover Paris, the epicenter of haute couture, through visits to iconic locations including the Marché Saint-Pierre fabric market and CHANEL's 19M Métiers d'Art center. Optional excursions to Giverny or Normandy available.
Professional Industry Exposure
Gain invaluable insights through direct engagement with luxury fashion brands, artisan workshops, and specialized fashion facilities in both cities.
Skills you'll carry forward
Fashion Design Excellence
Develop advanced skills in fashion design, illustration, and technical drawing through hands-on practice in two global fashion capitals.
Pattern Making & Draping Mastery
Master essential haute couture techniques including pattern making, draping, and advanced sewing methods.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Learn specialized skills in leather craftsmanship and plumasserie (feather artistry) from expert artisans.
Trend Research & Analysis
Understand contemporary fashion trends and how to conduct effective trend research for design innovation.
Cross-Cultural Design Competency
Build cultural awareness and understanding of how Italian and French design philosophies differ and complement each other.
Global Fashion Industry Knowledge
Gain comprehensive insights into the international fashion industry, from luxury brands to traditional craftsmanship.
Professional Portfolio Development
Create portfolio-worthy work that demonstrates mastery of both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design techniques.
Who this program is for
Where you'll study
Polimoda, Florence
Polimoda, with headquarters in Florence, is recognized worldwide for its high-quality fashion education. Listed among the best fashion schools in the world, Polimoda prides itself on providing professional training through highly specialized working and research methodologies. Founded in 1986 as part of an initiative conceived and financed by the Cities of Florence and Prato along with fashion-sector trade associations, Polimoda boasts almost 40 years of experience in fashion and luxury education. It offers a wide range of educational programs, including 2–4-year undergraduate programs, 9-month master's programs, 1-month short courses, as well as online, orientation, and semester courses. These programs are designed to provide advanced training for major professional roles required by the industry.
IFA Paris
IFA Paris, based in central Paris, is an international fashion academy focused on design, creativity, marketing, and business programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Its campus includes advanced facilities like pattern-making studios, sewing workshops, and a fashion tech lab in a historic building. The school emphasizes industry-relevant training through projects, internships, and an international environment to foster creativity and professional success.
A four-week studio curriculum
This course offers students an immersive 4-week program split between Polimoda in Florence and IFA Paris with a blend of theory, workshops, design labs and field trips.
Florence — Polimoda
40 hrsScuderie di Villa Favard · Manifattura Tabacchi
- Fashion Design 12 hrs
- Trend Research 8 hrs
- Fashion Illustration 3 hrs
- Technical Drawing 3 hrs
- Craftsmanship Workshop 4 hrs
Plus field trips to a fashion archive and the Ferragamo Museum.
Paris — IFA Paris
42 hrsCampus Scipion
- Introduction to Haute Couture Techniques 6 hrs
- Pattern Making 6 hrs
- Draping 6 hrs
- Sewing Techniques 12 hrs
- Workshop Plumassier 3 hrs
- Workshop Leather Atelier 3 hrs
Plus field trips to Marché St Pierre and 19M CHANEL Métiers d'Art.
This tailored curriculum fosters practical skills and industry exposure in two global fashion hubs — 82 total instructional hours.
Beyond the studio
Day by day
Thirty days across three cities. Dates below follow the confirmed draft itinerary, beginning Saturday, June 26, 2027.
Arrival in Florence
Arrive and check in at the student residence. Airport transfer is not included.
Orientation & welcome dinner
Program orientation with a health and safety briefing, a guided neighborhood walking tour, free time, and a welcome dinner.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Polimoda + Duomo Complex
Academic program, then a guided visit to the Duomo Complex.
Polimoda + Ferragamo Museum
Academic program, then a field trip to Museo Salvatore Ferragamo.
Polimoda + Uffizi Gallery
Academic program, then a guided visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Prato textile district
Full-day excursion to Prato: the Museo del Tessuto and a textile company or mill.
Free time
Free time to explore Florence independently.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Polimoda + fashion archive
Academic program, then a field trip to a fashion archive.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Polimoda Fashion School
Academic program at Polimoda in Florence.
Train to Milan + Milan museums
Check out, high-speed train Florence to Milan, then a guided cultural visit to Milan's museums. Train · Florence → Milan
Free time
Free time to explore Milan independently.
Travel to Paris
Check out, train from Milan to Paris, and check in at the Paris student residence. Train · Milan → Paris
IFA Paris + Le Marais
Academic program at IFA Paris, then a guided walking tour of the Le Marais district.
Bastille Day city immersion
Bastille Day celebrations across Paris. French national holiday — no classes.
IFA Paris + Notre-Dame
Academic program at IFA Paris, then a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral.
IFA Paris + Seine river cruise
Academic program at IFA Paris, then a Seine river cruise with Bateaux Mouches.
Optional cultural excursion
Optional full-day excursion to Giverny or Normandy. Free time for non-participating students.
Free time
Free time to explore Paris independently.
IFA Paris + Marché Saint-Pierre
Academic program at IFA Paris, then a field trip to the Marché Saint-Pierre fabric market.
IFA Paris
Academic program at IFA Paris (Campus Scipion).
IFA Paris + 19M CHANEL
Academic program at IFA Paris, then a field trip to 19M CHANEL Métiers d'Art.
IFA Paris
Academic program at IFA Paris (Campus Scipion).
IFA Paris
Academic program at IFA Paris (Campus Scipion).
Academic program & farewell
Final academic program at IFA Paris, followed by a farewell ceremony and dinner.
Departure
Check out from the student residence and depart. Airport transfer is not included.
What's included
Your program fee covers
- Accommodation: Twin-sharing rooms for 29 nights / 30 days — a student residence in Florence, a hotel in Milan, and a student residence in Paris. All accommodations include Wi-Fi.
- Train — Florence to Milan: High-speed train on Day 15.
- Train — Milan to Paris: On Day 17.
- Train station transfers: In Florence, Milan and Paris on the days of train travel.
- Group meals: 2 dinners and 1 boxed lunch (welcome dinner and farewell ceremony included).
- Program orientation: With a health and safety briefing, followed by a neighborhood walking tour.
- Cultural visits: Such as the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, Bateaux Mouches and Champs-Élysées.
- 24×7 support throughout the program.
- Sustainability: Carbon offset for participants; certificates provided after program completion.
- Academic content: 82 instructional hours and participation certificates.
- All taxes.
Not included: Airport transfers on arrival (Day 1, Florence) and departure (Day 30, Paris).
Questions about the program
What is the duration of this program?
The program runs for 30 days (29 nights) from June 26, 2027. You'll spend approximately 14 days in Florence, 2 days in Milan, and 13 days in Paris.
Where will I be staying during the program?
In Florence, you'll stay in a student residence with twin-sharing rooms. In Milan, you'll stay in a hotel on a twin-sharing basis. In Paris, you'll be accommodated in a student residence. All accommodations include Wi-Fi.
Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers are not included on Day 1 (arrival in Florence) or on Day 30 (departure from Paris). Train station transfers are included in Florence, Milan and Paris on the days of train travel.
How will I travel from Florence to Milan and to Paris?
Travel from Florence to Milan on Day 15 and from Milan to Paris on Day 17 is included in the program and will be by train.
What meals are included in the program?
The program includes 2 group dinners and 1 boxed lunch. The welcome dinner and farewell ceremony are included.
Will there be field trips to fashion companies?
Yes, the program includes field trips to leading fashion companies, visits to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, an excursion to Prato's textile district, and visits to the Marché Saint-Pierre fabric market and 19M CHANEL Métiers d'Art center in Paris.
What specialized workshops are included?
You'll participate in specialized workshops including leather craftsmanship and plumasserie (feather artistry), along with comprehensive instruction in fashion design, pattern making, draping, and sewing techniques.
What academic credentials will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive participation certificates. The program includes comprehensive academic content at both Polimoda and IFA Paris.
Is the program environmentally sustainable?
Yes, carbon offset is provided for all participants as part of our commitment to sustainability. Certificates documenting this will be provided after program completion.
What safety measures are in place during the program?
The safety of our participants is our top priority. We provide comprehensive safety briefings, 24/7 emergency support, and ensure accommodations and activities adhere to high safety standards. The program group will be accompanied by Authentica team member(s), who will be available 24×7 during the program. They have also been certified by the Red Cross in first-aid emergency training. In case of an emergency, measures will be taken in real-time.
Ready to study where modern fashion began?
Apply now, or send us your questions and our team will walk you through the program.