IUM Students Dive into the World of Luxury During Field Trip to Italy
At the end of March, MSc in Luxury Management students from IUM, embarked on an enriching, week-long academic field trip to Italy — one of the world’s most iconic hubs for luxury, fashion, and design. This immersive experience was designed to bridge classroom theory with real-world industry exposure, offering students a unique opportunity to engage directly with professionals, brands, and manufacturing sites that define Italian excellence.
Over the course of the trip, students explored key regions known for their contributions to the luxury sector, including Milan, the fashion capital; Biella, a center of fine textiles; Alessandria, renowned for artisanal craftsmanship; and Trecate, home to modern logistics and production facilities. Through site visits, behind-the-scenes factory tours, and exclusive business meetings, students gained valuable insights into the operations, heritage, and innovation that sustain the global luxury market.
A Journey into Italian Luxury
The field trip highlights where a visit to Borsalino in Alessandria, where students explored the intricate craftsmanship behind the world-renowned luxury hatmaker. This firsthand look into the artisanal process highlighted Italy’s dedication to heritage and quality in fashion.
The group then headed to Avigliana, where they toured Azimut Yachts, a leader in yacht design and innovation. Students gained insight into the design, engineering, and manufacturing of luxury yachts—a testament to Italian excellence in nautical craftsmanship.
In Pollone, the students visited Piacenza 1733, a historical cashmere producer known for its refined materials and traditional techniques. The factory tour offered a detailed view of the brand’s artisanal manufacturing process, emphasizing the importance of quality and heritage in luxury textiles. That same afternoon, the group headed to Kering Italia’s Gucci Logistics Hub in Trecate, where they discovered how one of the world’s most influential luxury groups manages its global operations with cutting-edge logistics and sustainability practices.
“This field trip with the International University of Monaco was packed with inspiration. I left with a deeper understanding of the fashion and luxury world, and a fire to keep pushing forward.”
— Simona Tunveska, MSc in Luxury Brand Management
Tailored Experiences by Specialization
The itinerary was carefully tailored to each student specialization:
Fashion & Accessories
Fashion students visited Bain & Company in Milan, where they attended a workshop focused on consulting in the luxury fashion sector. This was followed by a fine-dining experience at the Michelin-starred Cracco restaurant, highlighting the connection between culinary artistry and luxury.
They later explored Moncler HQ, where they learned about innovation in digital fashion and e-commerce. The day continued with a visit to the Porsche Experience Center, providing insights into luxury customer experience and branding in the automotive sector. The final stop was Dolce & Gabbana’s flagship store, where students explored retail strategy, high-end jewelry, and the D&G Casa furniture and home accessories line.
Hospitality & Event Management
Hospitality students began their Milan experience with a visit to Mepra, an Italian brand known for luxury tableware. They toured iconic hospitality venues including Piazza Duomo, Cracco Restaurant, Beefbar, and the Philipp Plein Hotel, gaining valuable insights into luxury dining and event management. Lunch at Langosteria, a renowned fine-dining establishment, further reinforced the gastronomic elements of luxury hospitality.
Later, the group visited Deloitte Yachting, where they explored consultancy and strategic management in the yachting industry. This was followed by a tour and aperitif at Hotel Ferragamo, where they examined the intersection of fashion, hospitality, and heritage branding.
Uniting for Thought Leadership and Networking
All student groups reconvened at IULM University of Milan, where they attended a Luxury & Sport conference. The event featured guest speakers and discussions on innovation in luxury branding, marketing, and lifestyle. The evening concluded with an alumni networking cocktail, giving students the chance to connect with industry professionals and IUM graduates now working across the luxury sector.
‘’I left Italy with new insights, connections, and inspiration. Feeling more motivated than ever to grow in this vibrant industry.’’
—Lucia Jun Mendez Crokaert student in MSc Luxury Management Specialization Luxury Fashion and Accessories Management
Immersive Learning at Its Finest
Throughout the week, students visited some of the most renowned names in luxury, including Dolce & Gabbana, Moncler, Gucci, Azimut Yachts, Porsche, Bain & Company, Kering, and Piacenza Cashmere. They witnessed firsthand the exceptional Italian craftsmanship, cutting-edge innovation, and strategic thinking that define global luxury.
Organized by Program Director Dr. Annalisa Tarquini-Poli, the trip offered an unparalleled blend of academic enrichment and real-world exposure. By engaging with industry leaders, experiencing luxury products and services, and attending exclusive networking events, students gained a comprehensive and practical understanding of the luxury industry—an invaluable foundation as they shape their future careers.