Rome 2025

Welcome to the 2025 Rome Fashion Trip!

This year, the Workroom FashionMash program will take on the Global Citizen theme by visiting the Eternal City and looking at American brands in a fashion-focus European country. Italy is the home to centuries of fashion design and production. Our global brand, Ralph Lauren, has a flagship store there just steps from the famed Valentino headquarters. Join this excursion for four packed days in the city that continues to be a force for design in the 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 Rome. 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

The Palazzo Dama, Rome, Arrive Thursday March 6th-Check out Tuesday, March 11th
Your room has been reserved at the beautiful Palazzo Dama hotel on the banks of the Tiber River. The location is just steps from Rome’s central luxury shopping district, minutes from the Spanish Steps, and provides easy access to all of Rome and beyond. Two students will share a room. The program does not cover the room cost. A shared room at a reserved rate will cost approx. $230/a night—total of 5 nights for $1150, payable on arrival.

When To ARRive

Flights to Rome airports are running between $800 and $1500 per person. Plan your arrival for Thursday evening, March 6th (check-in is after 3pm). We have a full agenda for Friday, the 7th starting in the morning.

How We’ll get around

We’ll use both taxis and car services for most all of our destinations. The services will be provided by the program, as well as 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. We’ll be staying very close to the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Via del Corso, giving us the chance to interact with our global brand muse for the year. A detailed, timed agenda will be sent to you the week before our departure. We’re going to explore:

Industry pros working in global fashion
Luxury retail in Rome’s top districts
Vintage shopping at local markets
Inspiring fashion exhibits

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 Rome, 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 February 5th.

Your hotel room is already reserved. You will pay for the hotel upon check-in, splitting the cost with your roommate. You will need to provide your One Card for insurance purposes and book your plane ticket to arrive sometime the afternoon or evening of the 7th 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.