Apparel Design Course
Photos by Amanda Torrisi
The Apparel Design course offers a foundation of the basic construction, draping, alteration, and fitting techniques used to create apparel. The emphasis of the course is on the proper fit and craftsmanship to produce high quality garments. Each student created one piece to be included in the collection. The garments are constructed by hand and need to be high quality as they are going to be sold in the FLY store.
This semester the students decided that the theme for their collection would be asymmetric lines using bold color blocks. Because of this, the target customer is a person who is not afraid to take risks! The age group is between 25 to 40 years old and can be a local Florentine or a foreigner. The color palette consists of neutrals such as off-white and light gray with pops of blue, purple, orange, and yellow. The students practiced creating their designs using muslin to get a sense of what the final product would look like. Overall, their designs turned out great and fit the models well. Next, they were able to adjust the sizes and finalize the patterns. The final design requires a lot more finishing details than the muslin prototype, such as adding lining and zippers. The Straw Class is creating hats and headpieces to match the theme and outfits which the Apparel Design students are creating. The students chose to use a clear shoe in order to keep the focus on the outfits. Another step along the process was to choose which model would where each outfit on the runway. This semester the students worked extremely well together creating a team atmosphere. They stated that the class was challenging but very rewarding!
Welcome to the Jungle
Article by Phoebe Murray & Kailyn StahlPhoto by Phoebe Murray
At this month’s FLY Fashion Aperitivo, Florence was honored to host the amazing FUA student and handbag designer, Rutendo Karikoga, from Zimbabwe in our subsequently themed ‘Into the Jungle’ night extravaganza. Her fabulous handbags were displayed on a wall of spotlights that stole the show. In the celebratory toast starting off the night, she explained that her “inspiration for the handbags came from tropical birds, especially the parrot Grees and 1920s architecture.” She also explained that her choice of color palette for the bags was inspired by her last trip to the beautiful city of Naples.
It was an absolute blast being able to walk around the FLY boutique and browse Rutendo’s hard work and dedication to her handmade handbag collection. Not to mention the photojournalism and fashion design students that ran the entire night behind the scenes. From tasty wines, to decadent pistachio cookies and chocolate cake, the authentic Italian pastries provided by the culinary students were the perfect bite of dessert. Overall, this month’s FLY-Fashion Loves You event was a hit!
GROW event at FLY
Photo by Alessandro Gueli
On Tuesday, March 13th, FLY Fashion Loves You hosted their spring event, GROW, souroundend by green plants and wonderfull new designs by Tiche. If you've happen to have missed this event you can catch up the photos by Alessandro Gueli, an EL student in intermidial digital photography who was there to document the event.
A Gypsy-Themed Evening at FLY
Article and Photo by Kiera MulhallOn Tuesday, September 19th, FLY Fashion Loves You hosted their first event of the Fall 2017 semester. The Florence University of the Arts school of fashion, also known as FAST: Fashion and Accessory Studies and Technology, collaborated with other programs to produce the Gypsy Caravan.
At first glance, FLY is another trendy store front, but once you enter you are surrounded by a world of emerging fashion. The consignment shop is operated by students in many different ways. Student interns manage the store and design students create pieces that are sometimes sold in the store. It is a great way for students to gain professional and authentic experience as well as interact with the Florence community.
The Tuesday night apertivo was a very unique experience. The store was very bright and filled with a wide array of people, many of whom were students. The attendees were all very fashionably dressed, not surprising for an event hosted by the fashion students. Upon entering the store guests were able to browse through the racks of clothes while making their way to the courtyard. One room was filled with wine and refreshments as well as small snacks and finger-foods. Despite the rainy and overcast day, it was a beautiful night to spend in the courtyard of FLY. The courtyard was dimly lit with strands of Christmas lights and colorful streamers. There was a two piece band comprised of an accordion player and a bass player. Throughout the night they filled the air with traditional folk music. The music was very lively and set the tone for the Gypsy Caravan theme.
Guests at the apertivo had the option of having their tarot cards read, very appropriate considering the history of tarot cards and their presence in the gypsy culture. They also could spend time in a classroom that was transformed into a colorful photo booth. One very notable aspect of the evening was the collaboration between the different schools of the university. Students of DIVA, FAST, and APICUS came together to create a beautiful evening for the rest of the university as well as native Florentines. The students who created the event did an impressive job with their interpretation of the Gypsy culture and provided a fun night for all who attended.
The Many Shapes of Art & Fashion
Article and Photo by Ariana AndrettaTo conclude the Spring 2017, FLY & FAST of Florence University of the Arts held its last showcase on Tuesday, May 2nd. The final theme was “The White Party,” which highlighted students’ innovative use of an often-overlooked material, straw, in the forms of hats.
A highlight of the night was the runway display of models who brought these pieces to life. According to FLY & Fast’s social media guru for this semester, Olivia, the theme of the show pulled from spheres of influence such as P. Diddy’s infamous white parties and the overall idea of luxury. She explained that the goal was to “make everything seem more elegant and a step-up of a party.” Guests could also become personally engaged through the interactive ability to dress to the theme.
Since the end is nearing, Olivia also reflected a bit on how this experience has shaped her time in Florence. She shared that being the social media coordinator for FLY & FAST has taught her about “the Italian side of business opposed to the American side we have come to know.” The beauty of experiential learning based educational programs such as this one is getting a sense of what it would be like actually working in this industry, which is something students can take home with them to apply to their future.
The models were accompanied by a live acoustic performance throughout the evening to create a relaxed ambiance in the background for guests. Similar to the 90s catwalks played on screens at the first FLY event, this was an activity to make everyone connect more to the material being showcased. There was an artisanal atmosphere mixed with entertainment based activities, proving that the event included a little taste of something for everyone.
To put a cap on the night, there was a special dance performance from FUA’s choreography workshop class taught by Keith Ferrone. When asked about the inspiration behind the piece, Keith shared that the students had “free realm of putting what their experience was in Florence into dance.” They used different stimuli from all aspects of art they encountered during their these past few months.
The experience of studying and living abroad is one that will last a lifetime. Despite the cliché sentiments that this phrase may initially suggest, it still rings true because of community involved events like FLY. The garden was a sociocultural bubble of students, professors, and locals alike because everyone came with the same intent of participating in a night of fashion and fun.
No One Can Be As "BeYOUtiful" As You
By Ariana Andretta"BeGiuls" Clothing Embraces Self-Expression in Fashion at recent FLY event.
On March 14th, FLY & FAST of Florence University of the Arts welcomed the public to their second fashion & aperitivo event of the semester. This show’s theme centered on the launch of the store’s new emerging designer, Giuliana Becattini, and her new spring collection entitled "BeGiuls, Be You." She is a Florentine fashion designer who has established two brands, “L’Abito che… Vorrei” and now more recently in 2011, "BeGiuls."
The atmosphere of this collection was popularized as "easy formal." According to Michaela Rynecki, a student of Fashion Retail Management Experiential Learning, this is because of the clothing's versatility, as she explained that some winter collection pieces on display feature reversible sides. Many of Giuliana’s products include these flexible ideals so they can be dressed up or down and worn suitably to the occasion.
Giuliana gave the incredible opportunity of being an attendee to this event, which allowed the mutually beneficial discovery for her to see how guests reacted and unveil herself as the mastermind behind these clothes. When discussing the idea of the welcome gifts, she explained that they were the same patterns as in the collection. The mixed, reversible patterns show how she designs in a personalized sense so the wearer can adjust everything to their liking. She believes a person should be able "joke" with clothes because "they're a part of our lives and so are jokes." Patterns do not have to always match perfectly – stripes can be on one side and checkered print on the other – and a person’s wardrobe should be a quirky and fun experience.
The other course involved with this show was the apparel design class, which was responsible for crafting all of the student design pieces. Similar to the last showcase, these students had three weeks to prepare their designs from sketches to fabric selection to construction. Gaia Poli, their professor, explained that students “learn to work under stress, which makes the presentation at the party a goal and worthwhile celebratory engagement.” The efforts of their process start-to-finish encircled the outside area of the back of the store. Their newly found designer minds were on display along with all of their possible pattern selections hanging above.
Since experiential learning is such a huge component to FLY, the school is notorious for creatively converting classroom spaces for events. This time around, something especially unique took place for the benefit of both guests and students because the collection in the store was having its first live photoshoot. Giuliana voiced that the first picture in her mind when designing these pieces was "a place full of flowers where there was a lady without shoes," reminding her of the concept of freedom. This idea refers to the 70s with the combination of vibrant materials like tulle serving as her childhood in a contemporary context. The designer wanted her life and style to be reflected in her clothes as well as their photographs.
The overall hope of this event was to have a building full of people embracing what it means to "Be You." Fashion is one of the most innovative outlets to use for self-expression and leaves open room for whether or not it provides the definition of the self. The "BeGiuls" brand and team wants people to make their own decision and incorporate a part of themselves in their everyday style.
The 90s Are All That: FLY Spring 2017 Event
By Arianna AndrettaPhoto by the author
FLY & FAST of Florence University of the Arts showcased the first of their series of four fashion & aperitivo nights for this semester on Tuesday evening. FAST is the shorthand for FUA’s Fashion & Accessories Studies & Technology department, which comprises not only classes for students, but also the opportunity to gain experience working in a professional setting through FLY. The vintage and consignment store produces student-crafted fashion pieces in addition to promoting a new emerging designer each semester. The chosen theme for their first event centered on the 90s – the era of grunge, floppy disks, and of course, the beloved slinky.
The comeback of the 90s exemplifies a common tie between those who experienced the trends of the time and those who aspire to retain the style without actually living through it. Feelings of childhood nostalgia and reminiscence of youth are the cause of the craze. According to Olivia, the store’s student social media manager, incorporating the 90s was a way to mix in the fashionably popularized grunge look with the current generation that embraces it. “Since FLY is a vintage store to begin with that includes unique designs, the 90s theme was a good way to incorporate the purpose of the store itself,” she added. Hence the tagline “FLY back to the 90s” was created.
It was a not so puzzling choice to select this time warp theme in the midst of the holiday of candy hearts. While speaking with Gaia Poli, store manager and faculty member, she explained that the 90s are “a praise of casualty.” They did not want to paralyze the event with Valentine’s Day, as others could easily do, and made it hinted at instead as to not completely ignore the holiday festivities. A few light decorations that would be hidden to the distracted eye – such as hearts hung in some of the fashion labs – were implanted throughout the building.
The current featured emerging designer, Marakita, also presented some of her pieces at the event that included such subtlety. One of the clutches, for example, included a heart shaped option while the other’s form could be equated to that of a love letter. The genius behind Marakita’s designs is their unique quality. Fabrics are specifically designed for the brand so the pieces will literally be one-of-a-kind. Aside from a clutch with an original pattern matched to the buyer’s requests, the leather used is also vegan. The bag will not only be personalized but additionally eco-friendly.
While the event heavily focused on the current goals of the fashion department, it was a time to put all areas of experiential learning to work, including event management, hospitality, culinary, digital media, and more. The best part of the abundance of student involvement in these programs is that it provides them with something as close to real life experience as possible. According to Nico, the student designer of the choker giveaways for the first guests to arrive, there is a constant dialogue open about how to problem solve and decide on the smartest option at hand.
In the case of the chokers, the original design was a cross-back piece, which presented a concern of potentially overusing leather. After some deliberation, the crossing feature of the necklace was eliminated but the choice to pick the importance of style over saving leather was made. “The halfway choker uses more material but better fit the look of the era,” he explained. The lucky first 30 attendees seemed pleased regardless to walk away with their 90s inspired accessories.
FLY’s first event was ultimately a success thanks to the joint efforts of faculty, students, and community alike. The 90s atmosphere lived in the band posters, floppy CDs, and colorful pops of slinkies throughout the store. With a continued atmospheric blend of 90s catwalks playing as a backdrop and great cuisine, guests enjoyed themselves as they flew back in time for a few hours.
FAST'S First Student Straw Collection
FAST’S FIRST STUDENT STRAW COLLECTIONBy Jessica Pitocco and Amber Wright
When people think of fashion in Tuscany, leather is usually the first to come to mind. In Florence, leather products abound in high and low-end stores as well as at the outdoor markets. What most people don’t know is that straw, while in today’s fashion less popular, is also a classic material with strong roots in this region.
Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring 2016 collection featured straw materials in handbags and clutches, and on December 6th, FUA’s Fly event did the same. Titled “Winter Garden Fashion Party,” student Emily Russell headlined the event, displaying her collection of hats and bags for which she utilized this historical material and lessons learned in class.
Russell was the first student from a special accesories class to feature her artisanal straw designs at a FLY event. As the only student in her beginner-level class, "Straw Hats and Bags: A Florentine Dynasty," Russell felt nervous about being one-on-one with the professor, Francesca Mocali. But, as she later mentioned, the class moved at a proper pace and gave her more opportunity than she had ever previously had to explore her creativity as a designer. In fact, Russell never planned on designing anything; as a Fashion Merchandising major at the University of South Carolina, she hadn’t previously encountered the opportunity to design anything before.
"Through this class I not only got this amazing opportunity for a show, but I also learned new skills like sewing, by hand and with a machine, sketching, and design. I can now manipulate the straw into different shapes and edges, and even match different colors and materials together," Russell said.
Russell and her professor started preparing for “Winter Garden Fashion Party” in mid-October. During her time in the classroom, Prof. Mocali taught her how to manipulate sinamay: a straw-like fabric made from banana leaves that Russell used for her collection of five hats and two bags. While working with the material, she experimented with the natural colors of sinamay in taupes, blues, and browns to create a cohesive line for the show.
Russell said she sees how sinamay could be used as an eco-friendly alternative fabric in modern fashion; taking an old Italian technique and making it modern through design, color, and styling. Her inspiration was drawn from from historical Florence and artworks at the Uffizi.
"I love the look of draped fabrics on marble statues. My collection has a subtle Renaissance-feel because of the way I folded the sinamay and used curves in the hats to mimic that," Russell said. "Looking at paintings in the Uffizi Gallery, or even the basilica’s gothic arches, I experimented with each element in an avant-garde way."
While this is Russell’s first design class, after this course she is open to the idea of taking similar classes at her college and exploring her creative side more thoroughly.
"I appreciate all sides of fashion more than ever, and I feel like anyone in this business should get to experience this too," Russell said. "I never really thought of myself as a designer, but now I've had my own show and could not be happier!"
Fast Mission
- FAST sustains the local Florentine traditions of Straw, Leather, and Knit production.
- FAST sustains our local economy, using only local materials and resources.
- FAST is our present and our sustainable future.
- FAST in an integration project with the local culture.
- FAST is supported by local green-mapped small businesses that interact and share their expertise, cultural lore, and craftsmanship with our international students.
- FAST’s vision does NOT seek to evoke nor cling to a glorious past but unites tradition with technology for the following purpose: preserve local traditions and trade techniques while constructing a contemporary, forward-looking future for the present and coming generations who will continue to create in Florence.
MISSION
- FAST was founded in order to bridge the widening gap between design and manual skills in fashion and accessories.
- FAST has the objective of integrating the current cultures in Florence.
- To offer students a hands-on experience that allows them to acquire a real knowledge of the materials and how to create fashion and
- explore the concept of beauty based on local resources.
- To provide a laboratory experience where the fresh eyes of students and seasoned expertise of instructors who come from the artisanal,
- professional, and academic fields will result in exciting proposals in the fields of fashion and accessories.
- To add a new perspective to Florence’s longstanding position in fashion design and accessories.
- To explore and implement environmentally intelligent practices in the areas of fashion and accessories in two ways: preserving
- the local microcosm of traditional techniques and the search for alternative approaches to the production process that produces less environmental waste and damage.
VALUES
- Cultural and technical support from local green-mapped small businesses, which support our international students by sharing their expertise and cultural lore.
- An international teaching staff whose backgrounds include professional and academic experiences in the fashion industry and currently practicing artisans.
- Cutting edge and equipped lab facilities in the completely renovated historical palace Palazzo Guicciardini Strozzi where students will create hands on assignments, including a Renaissance Ballroom for fashion shows and projects.
- A challenging and varied academic curriculum composed of lectures, workshops, and laboratories.
- Structured programs for students who aim towards professional development and future careers in the industry.
- Opportunities for exposure and integration in the local community through fashion projects, shows, and events.
Accreditation
Florence University of the Arts (FUA-AUF) is accredited by
the Region of Tuscany (Accreditation Number OF0110 - DGR1407/16 e ss.mm.ii).
Florence University of the Arts gathers:
APICIUS: International School of Hospitality
DIVA: School of Digital Imaging and Visual Arts
FAST: School of Fashion and Accessory Studies and Technology
IDEAS: School of Interior Design, Environmental Architecture and Sustainability
ISB: International School of Business
J SCHOOL: School of Journalism, Communication and Publishing
SAS: School of Arts and Sciences
SQUOLA: Center for Contemporary Italian Studies
School Of Graduate Studies
FUA-AUF is also reviewed yearly for European quality certification:
Certified by IMQ S.p.A. –ISO 9001:2008 Cert. N. 9175.FLRU
FUA-AUF is further affiliated with colleges and universities throughout the world for global study opportunities. Please see the FUA-AUF institution intro area for an updated list of affiliate partners.
Faculty Highlights
FAST is an institution that involves an international teaching staff whose backgrounds include professional and academic experiences in the fashion world.
Faculty members support students by creating hands-on assignments, leading them through projects and helping them to realize their fashion shows. FAST is structured in a challenging and varied academic curriculum composed of lectures, laboratories, and workshops.
Facilities
The locations and facilities of FAST are a vital part of Florentine civic, historical, and cultural life.
Housed in historic palazzi throughout the center of Florence, our facilities provide breathtaking spaces in which students breathe history and create new contributions to contemporary Florence through their studies.
The locations of where FAST academic and community involvement take place is Palazzi della Giostra in Borgo Pinti 20r, where the academic departments and FLY retail store are located.
For addresses and building hours of the FUA-AUF campus system please visit the FUA-AUF maps/contacts page.
FAST is partnered with LECTRA for the usage of CAD technology in design-based courses.
Enrichment Classes
SEMINARS
What are seminars?
Seminars are short, optional, 15-academic-hour courses/workshops offered as part of FUA-AUF’s Career Programs. Seminars are offered during two weeks each academic year. These weeks correspond to the Fall and Spring season academic breaks. Seminars are open not only to Career Students but to regular study abroad students and participants from the general public who wish to receive specialized and intensive instruction on the offered topics. See Career Programs for further information.
Who can attend seminars?
Seminars can be attended not only by FUA-AUF’s Career Program students but are also open to any professional who would like a refreshment class on a specific subject or a crash course in their field of expertise. FUA-AUF students seeking intensive learning in specialized subjects and who meet enrollment requirements may also join seminars.
When are seminars offered?
Seminars are offered during two weeks each academic year. These weeks correspond to the Fall and Spring season academic breaks. A student has the opportunity to take one or more seminars during these weeks. The Academic Schedules area of the FUA-AUF website provides scheduling information for seminars.
Who teaches the seminars?
Seminars are taught by members of our world renowned faculty and professionals who come from diverse and international backgrounds. These professionals share their curiosity, intellectual pursuits, and passions with students while providing the opportunity for students to experience the excitement of original research. Not only do students get hands-on experience with professionals from the field and the opportunity to learn the dynamics of a certain career, but these professionals as instructors allow students to network and begin creating their own connections and circles within a field that will be their future career. Working with professionals in the setting of these seminars gives students a better understanding of what their area of expertise is about and what it means to apply knowledge, practical skills and research: a benefit and educational enhancement that will serve them well throughout their careers.
OTHER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AT FUA-AUF
Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence offers many types of enrichment programs, from various Italian language and culture programs, including options with internships, to short-term culinary programs for food lovers visiting Florence. For the complete offering of enrichment programs available, please visit the Enrichment Programs area of the FUA-AUF website.
For enrollment information, please contact info@fua-auf.it
Study Abroad
SEMESTERS
Fall, Spring, Summer*
*Summer semesters last 12 weeks instead of 15.
QUARTERS
Fall, Spring, Summer
Quarter programs may last for 9, 10 or 11 weeks depending on the academic calendar.
SHORT PROGRAMS
Fall and Spring short program sessions last for 3 weeks each.
Summer short program sessions vary and are offered for 1, 3, 4 or 6 weeks.
HIGHLIGHT PROGRAMS
Short highlight programs are offered on specialized topics throughout the year. See study abroad link below for details.
Details on studying abroad may be found at the FUA-AUF website. Session lengths, academic credit loads and access to program enrollment and admissions are provided.
To find out the course offering in a given session, please consult specific session schedules and calendars as they are subject to change, the institution reserves the right to modify both.
Admissions information can be found at the Undergraduate Admissions area of the FUA-AUF website.
Career Programs
Career Programs are divided according to levels. Students will complete each level in approximately 10 weeks (the number of weeks may vary according to the Academic Calendar). At least 2 levels are required for certification (levels I and II or III and IV). The granting of formal final certification is conditional on the successful completion of all program academic requirements. Programs may be attended for only one level as a study abroad experience, at the end of which is issued to the student a transcript for coursework completed. Each level offers 5 core courses and the option of adding specialized options such as Italian language, seminars, and internships.
For detailed information on program structure, options, and admissions, please consult the Career Programs Area of the FUA-AUF website.
Both programs may be attended as a single level and obtain a transcript for credits.
ACCESSORY DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - 1 or 2 years
Provides students with the professional training necessary for working with fashion accessory products. Students will develop a multifaceted skill set, practical experience as well as familiarity with materials and processes.
FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY - 1 or 2 years
Enables the student to advance their design, technical and creative skills. A solid base, founded on the principles of fashion design and creation, is covered in the first year. The second year builds on these skills and participants will focus on portfolio and résumé building.
Cross Campus News
BLENDING MAGAZINE SPRING 2023
We are thrilled to present to you the latest issue of Blending, which explores the fascinating world of Wunderkammer and Cabinets of Curiosity. In this issue, our students will take you on a journey through time and space, utilizing a jumping-off point of these unique collections that were once the pride and joy of aristocrats and scholars. As always, our team of writers and photographers has worked tirelessly to bring you a visually stunning and thought-provoking issue. We hope that it inspires you to embrace your own sense of curiosity and wonder and perhaps even start your own cabinet of curiosities. Thank you for your continued reading, and enjoy this issue of Blending.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE FALL 2022
In this Issue of Blending Magazine, we explore the theme for the Fall 2022 student exhibit that is inspired by the autobiography of the Renaissance artist and goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini. Some highlights of this issue include: “Fashion Photography: Real or AI-Generated?” by Katya Fredericksen, which explores the new frontiers of technology and simulation in fashion, and “What’s in a self-portrait?” where the students of Advance Painting courses explore the variety found in a self-portrait. Many more articles, illustrations, and comic strips await you in these pages. We hope you will enjoy reading this issue just as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE SPRING 2022
The Spring 2022 issue of Blending Magazine is inspired by the figure and legacy of Adriano Olivetti - the renowned Italian engineer, politician, and industrialist - taking inspiration from his ideas and the way he tackled issues of work, sustainability and design. The issue features a profile of Adriano Olivetti himself, a helpful guide on how to set up an urban garden, and exploration on how the fashion world is changing and fostering new attitudes towards gender and sexuality.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE FALL 2021
The latest issue of Blending Magazine explores the Fall 2021 final student exhibit theme, To See, Once More, The Stars. Inspired by the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s death, we seek to celebrate the man and his works, and the impact this author has had worldwide. This semester’s publication features student-written articles such as Shining Through Hell, the testimony of a nurse who worked during the pandemic. Not Dante’s Florence describes how the religious landscape has changed over the centuries. And in Appropriating Hell, we see how the fashion industry has appropriated Dantean imagery in recent decades. Allow us to guide you through this journey.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE SPRING 2021
The latest issue of Blending Magazine is inspired by the Spring 2021 final student exhibit theme, The Possible City. Our writers explored Florence by seeking new communities, observing the changes of the city, and looking for possible visions of the city’s future. Examples include how artists are re-thinking exhibit spaces, how Florentine startups aim to create more secure and sustainable communities, and how the future of travel and tourism will shape the city of Florence. We hope this issue will open new possibilities for our readers as much as it did for our students.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE FALL 2020
The latest issue of Blending Magazine is inspired by the Fall 20 final student exhibit theme, The Mind Garden. This issue features the individuals behind a greener Florence, links between nature and art, and why a mountain hike can positively impact mental health. This special issue is the first magazine released after the FUA-AUF campus reopening, and is dedicated to the importance of sustainability and community in current times.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE SPRING 2020
The latest Blending Magazine issue has been released, inspired by theme of Eros and Logos, between desire and reason. In this issue we take you through the history of garments in the Jewish culture and faith, hopes and dreams encountered one last night in Florence, why the humanities are still important in this day and age, and how much can learn from the humble label of wine bottle. We are incredibly proud of the work produced by this season’s students and faculty, a true testament to the power of creativity in the midst of challenging times.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020 ISSUE 3
In the third spring 2020 issue we feature a handy guide on how to make your own ravioli, a short story about an unusual thief in Borgo Sant’Apostoli, and a piece about following one’s on wanderlust on the florentine hills.
Read the full issue online for this breaking news and other stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020 ISSUE 2
The second Spring 2020 Issue of the Blending Newsletter is out!
In this special Issue the FUA-AUF staff shares thoughts about the current COVID-19 crisis and how it has affected the way they teach and support students. We also feature a profile of one of Florence’s oldest butcher shops, a fiction piece about the a memory of a small Mediterranean town, and a surprising way the artist Matilde Gagliardo uses video to create portraits.
Read the full issue online for this breaking news and other stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING NEWSLETTER SPRING 2020 ISSUE 1
The first Spring 2020 Issue of the Blending Newsletter is out!
Features in this issue include: the accidental discovery of an art gallery while strolling through the city center; the surprising link between the traditional tortellini pasta and Venus, the Greco-Roman goddess of love and beauty; and details about the recent changes that local soccer team, Fiorentina, has undergone.
Read the full issue online for this breaking news and other stories contributed by FUA faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING NEWSLETTER FALL 2020
The second Spring 2020 Issue of the Blending Newsletter is out!
In this special Issue the FUA-AUF staff shares thoughts about the current COVID-19 crisis and how it has affected the way they teach and support students. We also feature a profile of one of Florence’s oldest butcher shops, a fiction piece about the a memory of a small Mediterranean town, and a surprising way the artist Matilde Gagliardo uses video to create portraits.
Read the full issue online for this breaking news and other stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
BLENDING MAGAZINE FALL 2019
The latest Blending Magazine issue has been released. The Fall 2019 issue was inspired by the FUA-AUF conference theme, Consumption, Gentrification, and the New Colonialism. The issue features an interview with Marcello Del Colle, the manager of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, and also discusses how gentrification affects the food we eat, and how to rediscover the joy of walking.
Read the full issue online for stories contributed by FUA-AUF faculty and students. Stay tuned for our upcoming magazines and newsletters!
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FUA-AUF Featured Programs
CULTURAL INTRODUCTION/PERSPECTIVES SUMMER 2018 PROGRAMS •
Learn and experience through active engagement and immersion in Italian culture and society. The Summer Cultural Introduction and Cultural Perspectives programs feature lectures, active participation, and on-site/field learning.
CULTURAL INTRODUCTION TO ITALY
1-WEEK FIELD LEARNING OPTION - LSSOCI200 Cultural Introduction to Italy
Credit load: 3 credits
Learning locations: One week of field learning with focus on Italian culture: Rome, Tuscan coast, and Cinque Terre in the fall; Rome, Oriveto, and Perugia in the spring.
Dates and Schedules: See our Academic Calendar and Summer C-D-E-F course schedules.
Please note: Students may continue with the below Florence-only Cultural Introduction to Italy course for a total of 6 credits.
3-WEEK FLORENCE-ONLY OPTION - LSSOCI202 Cultural Introduction to Italy
Credit load: 3 credits (45 lecture hours) Learning location: Florence
Dates and Schedules: See our Academic Calendar and Summer I-II-III-IV course schedules.
4-WEEK, 6-CREDIT OPTION - LSSOCI207 Cultural Introduction to Italy
Credit load: 6 credits
Learning location: 1-week field learning locations (see above), Florence
Dates and Schedules: See our Academic Calendar and Summer V-VI-VII-VIII course schedules.
Field learning details may be consulted in the program brochure.
CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES: AWARENESS, EXPOSURE, AND ENGAGEMENT
6-WEEK PROGRAM - LSSOCP310 Cultural Perspectives: Awareness, Exposure, and Engagement
Credit load: 6 semester credits (45 lecture hours 90 hours of field learning & field work)
Learning locations: The Cultural Perspective course includes 10 visits in Florence, regular involvement in activities related to cultural immersion and fieldwork, and a weekend trip to Rome and one weekend trip to Verona and the Lakes as an integral component of the academic coursework. The course focuses on cognitive development, cultural awareness, and intercultural and interpersonal communication by integrating and placing the student in direct contact with local culture.
Dates and Schedules: See our Academic Calendar and Summer A and B course schedules.
For further information and course details:
All course schedules mentioned above can be consulted online.
To apply please visit our Undergraduate Admissions Area.
ITALIAN CIVILIZATION AND CULTURE SUMMER FIELD LEARNING PROGRAM •
The LSSOCC285 Italian Civilization and Culture: Society and Lifestyle 3-week field learning course engages students in Italian civilization and culture through direct experience. Each week of the program features coursework on-site by beginning in Northern Italy, transitioning to Southern Italy during the second week, and concluding in Central Italy for the third and final week. This sociology course offers compatibility for students from diverse major backgrounds and is cross-listed to field learning, Italian cultural studies, art history, anthropology, history, food and culture, and geography. On-site fieldwork and assessment are conducted on a daily basis.Program Benefits:
Field learning aimed at an educational exploration of Northern, Southern, and Central Italy.
On-site lectures and visits address both the major and minor aspects of Italian culture and civilization.
Multiple course cross-lists for students from diverse majors.
Can be taken alone or as a precursor to subsequent FUA-AUF summer sessions in Florence.
Credit Load:
6 credits
Learning Locations:
Week 1 - Northern Italy
Week 2 - Southern Italy
Week 3 - Central Italy
Further information, program details, and the field learning itinerary are available in the program brochure.
PRE-COLLEGE SUMMER PROGRAM •
FUA-AUF is offering a unique 4-week opportunity for high school students to participate in its cultural and academic offering. Students may select from an exciting range of courses and participate in field trips and supervised afternoon activities such as sports and discovering the city of Florence. The program begins with one field learning week of Cultural Introduction to Italy and continues with three weeks of classes in Florence. Courses are designed to prepare students for college entrance and the transfer of credits.Program Benefits
A full field learning week of Cultural Introduction to Italy
Live-in Resident Assistant for counseling and assistance
Field Trips
Meal plan (partial)
Daily extracurricular activities such as sports, discovering Florence, and culinary explorations.
Sample Course Offering
Food, Culture and Society
Fashion Design
Introduction to Digital Photography
Florence Sketchbook
Italian Language Beginning
Social Media
Introduction to Art History
Fashion Marketing
Credit Load
2 courses, 6 credits
Please note: The program will be confirmed 2 months prior to the program start date. Program participants are held responsible for all travel arrangements, we highly recommend that participants await program confirmation prior to booking travel.
Download the detailed brochure for details and program dates. For information on the application process, please contact admissions@fua-auf.it.