Florence 2026

 
 

Welcome to the 2026 Florence Fashion Trip!

This year, the Workroom FashionMash program will take on the Shades of Blue theme by visiting “La Bella,” the magical city of Florence, Italy—birthplace of the Renaiassance. It’s also a place to see our Levi’s brand in action among the collection of fashion elite brands. Italy is the home to centuries of fashion design and production. Our global brand has a store there just steps from the Piazza della Signoria. Join this excursion for four packed days in the city that continues to be a heart-ful and art-ful soul of the fashion industry.

The format for the trip

Since it’s spring break, this trip is designed to give you four fun (and busy!) days in Central Florence. From there, you have the ability to easily travel into Europe or another destination to enjoy the rest of your break. Our appointments with retailers and companies that require business hours will be on Friday and Monday. The events at cultural sites are scheduled for the weekend.

Where We Will Stay

Hotel Botticelli, Florence, Arrive Thursday March 12th-Check out Monday, March 16th.
Your room has been reserved at the beautiful Hotel Botticelli in the heart of the ancient city. The location is just 500meters Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the infamous Duomo in Florence’s central luxury shopping district. It’s also minutes, and easy walking to everything else the city offers. The program does not cover the room cost. The cost is approx. $152.12 Euros/a night for a total of 4 nights for $608.50, payable on arrival.

When To ARRive

Flights to Florece airport from RDU are running between $800 and $1500 per person. Plan your arrival for Thursday evening, March 12th (check-in is after 3pm). We have a full agenda for Friday, the 13th starting in the morning.

How We’ll get around

We’ll walk to most all of our destinations. Any transportation services to more distant locations will be provided by the program, as well as costs for any cultural experiences.

Meet Our London Partner

We are very lucky to have the support of 29acacia CEO, Sarah Angold as a partner. Sarah’s past experience as a luxury jewelry designer—providing products for some of Europe’s most elegant retailers—combined with her leadership in the UK’s fashion sustainability initiatives will inspire you as she links us with contacts in Rome. Learn more about her background by clicking the image below. Sarah’s energy will amaze you and she has a vast network across the European fashion industry.

Sarah has been a part of the Workroom FashionMash industry pro group for many years. Her father was a professor at Duke. She’s traveled to UNC a number of times to conduct workshops and speak on networking panels. Sarah’s an excellent educator, having also taught classes at top UK universities. She’s very familiar with our group and is excited to offer new contacts in Italy you!

The Agenda

Appointments with companies will include meeting retailers, designers, marketers, and trend forcasters focused on the global nature of the fashion industry. The Levi’s store is on Via Degli Speziali (it’s small but very busy!), and gives us the chance to interact with our global brand muse for the year and more importantly to see the perception of the brand in this environment. A detailed, timed agenda will be sent to you the week before our departure. We’re going to:

  • Meet with industry pros working in global fashion (Florence is headquarters to Salvatore Ferragamo, Pucci and the original home to Gucci. Gucci currently operates its museum and a Michelin-Star Restaurant in partnership with Massimo Bottura in the Piazza Della Signoria.

  • Explore global retail in Florence’s top districts

  • Meet makers at workshops and local markets

  • Experience inspiring fashion exhibits (The Pitti Palace is home to the couture menswear shows and some of the best permanent fashion-history exhibitions in Europe.)

safety and contacts

UNC will enroll you in Geo-Blue, the travel insurance affiliated with the university. You’ll be asked to supply a copy of your One Card to confirm all the details. While we are in Florence, there is always a way to access contacts, health and safety via UNC Study Abroad.

what you need to do to join the trip

Please notify me via email if you are sure you will be making the trip. dmcmahan@email.unc.edu. I will need to enroll you in the approved trip system through the University and help coordinate all your insurance coverage. The deadline for final notice that you wish to take the trip is January 30th.

Your hotel room is already reserved. You will pay for the hotel upon check-in. Book your plane ticket to arrive sometime the afternoon or evening of the 12th at the latest. Very excited to travel with you!

 

Funding opportunites

Hussman students have access to scholarships that are awarded on a rolling basis to cover experiences and professional development. The Don and Barbara Curtis Excellence Fund for Extracurricular Activities has been very supportive of FashionMash students on our annual trips. Apply for available funds by clicking the image below. Be aware that if approved, the funds will be made available in your student account after the travel date, not before you leave.