Beyond the Runway: How ESE Florence places students at the heart of the global fashion industry at Pitti Uomo

At the European School of Economics (ESE), we believe education must transcend the classroom to become a living, breathing experience. It is our mission to cultivate the next generation of visionary leaders and pragmatic dreamers—individuals who don’t just understand an industry, but are prepared to shape it. This philosophy was recently brought to life as students from our Florence campus, enrolled in the Fashion & Luxury Goods Management course, were granted an exclusive, behind-the-scenes immersion into Pitti Immagine Uomo, the world’s most influential menswear exhibition.

This wasn’t merely a field trip; it was a cornerstone of the ESE learning experience, meticulously designed to bridge academic theory with the vibrant reality of the global fashion ecosystem. ESE’s long-standing partnership with Pitti Immagine provides a rare gateway for students to step beyond the role of spectator and become active participants in the conversations that define the future of fashion.

From classroom theory to front-row insight

For an entire week, the historic Fortezza da Basso became our students’ dynamic classroom. They were welcomed into exclusive spaces typically reserved for industry insiders, empowering them with a multi-faceted understanding of the luxury market:

• Decoding the “Business of Style”: By exploring the booths of leading luxury labels, students learned to decode the strategic language of brand presentation, merchandising, and wholesale buying. They engaged with collection managers and brand representatives, gaining firsthand insight into how creative vision is transformed into commercial success.
• Witnessing innovation in motion: Attending high-profile runway shows and presentations allowed students to witness how designers capture the cultural zeitgeist. This front-row perspective provided a living lesson in trend forecasting, innovation, and the powerful storytelling that underpins a successful collection.
• Building a professional network: The experience extended into high-stakes networking environments, with invitations to private in-store cocktail events and brand activations. Here, students honed their professional communication skills, building connections with the designers, buyers, and insiders who are the lifeblood of the industry—a crucial first step in finding their own place within it.

Putting Inspiration into Practice: The ESE On-Campus Incubator

The ESE philosophy emphasizes that inspiration must be followed by action. The insights gathered at Pitti Uomo were channeled back into on-campus initiatives at ESE Florence. Through collaborative projects, live events with guest designers, and a hands-on workshop led by a successful ESE alumna, students were challenged to apply their new knowledge in real time. This is where observation turns into strategy, and where each student begins to build the confidence and skills needed to launch their own “dream” project—the very essence of the ESE mission.

An Ecosystem of Excellence

This profound level of immersion is only possible through a powerful ecosystem of partners who share ESE’s vision of nurturing future talent. We believe in the power of collaboration to create unparalleled opportunities. Our sincere gratitude goes to Pitti Immagine for our valued and ongoing partnership, and to the outstanding brands and professionals who made this initiative a resounding success: Juicy Couture, LuisaViaRoma, Menabòh, Sable, Benedetta Martini Events, Nishan Collective, Capperi Records, and our wine sponsor Villa Travignoli. Each partner contributed to crafting an exceptional and transformative week for our students.

Your Journey into the Heart of Fashion Begins Here

Are you ready to move beyond the textbook and experience the fashion and luxury world from the inside? ESE’s educational approach is designed to help you discover your unique passion and equip you with the pragmatic skills and visionary mindset to achieve it. Because at ESE, we know that “Your Dream is The Mark.”

To learn more about the Fashion & Luxury Goods Management course and other experiential opportunities that can launch your global career, please visit our website.