These Fashion and Design Merchandising students took a 10-day educational trip to one of the world’s most renowned fashion capitals and went home with unforgettable stories.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
If there’s one thing fashion students dream about, it’s setting foot in Milan. And for 38 students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program, that dream became a life-changing reality. Along with two faculty members, they packed their sketchbooks, tape measures and wide-eyed curiosity for a 10-day exposure trip to one of the world’s fashion capitals.
The itinerary was packed. From the moment they landed, they were thrown right into the heart of Italian fashion and culture. “It was tiring, but you could feel the energy of everyone,” said Ionica Abrahan Lim, the program chairperson who led the trip. She was joined by Lydia Pajaron, a faculty expert in pattern drafting.
No time was wasted — they dropped their bags and dove headfirst into a city tour that included iconic landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, Teatro Alla Scala and the bustling fashion district of Via Monte Napoleone.
For senior student Jan Isada, the trip wasn’t just a mere school requirement — it was something personal. “It was my first time traveling in almost a decade,” he shared. “(And) seeing the Duomo for the first time was overwhelming. I even shed a tear. I’m a huge fan of architecture and seeing it in person just hit me differently.”
From cathedrals to couture
The early days of the trip were filled with museum visits like Fondazione Prada, Armani Silos and Palazzo Morando that offered glimpses into the past, present and future of fashion. The students also explored Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and embraced the elegant ambiance of Italian shopping culture.
While browsing through stores, the students were also understanding how every boutique told a story. “Even small boutiques were designed as experiences,” said Ionica. “It made you respect the craft so much more.”
They also visited the prestigious Istituto Marangoni and made a quick detour to Serravalle Designer Outlet for a different taste of fashion retail.
But it was the day trip to Florence that became a favorite to most students. The visits to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum, Gucci Garden and the historic Antico Setificio Fiorentino textile factory made the students find themselves immersed in tradition.
“Florence felt like stepping into a different time,” said Jan. “Everything was picturesque. I wandered on my own and stumbled upon handmade shops selling jewelry and bags. I even reached Palazzo Pitti just by exploring.”
These side adventures, although unplanned, were very much what made the trip very memorable. “We gave students some free time, and that’s where the magic happened,” Ionica shared. “Some of them met locals, made new friends and even started imagining what life could be like living and working in Milan.”
Slowing down to stitch
The second half of the trip was dedicated to a five-day master class at Istituto Secoli. This was where things got serious. Phones were not allowed, notes had to be handwritten and every student was treated like a tailor-in-training. The class was all about discipline and technical excellence as students were taught stitching seams by hand and understanding the types of thread required for different fabrics.
A very detailed master class at Istituto Secoli
“It was very couture,” said Ionica. “We barely used sewing machines. Most of the time, we were at our desks with just a needle and thread.” Even the faculty participated in the class.
Jan, now working on a tailored suit jacket back home, has already started applying what he had learned. “Tailoring is so much more than sewing. There’s stretching, pressing, fitting and manipulating fabric. It’s repetitive but therapeutic. I’ve had to do multiple prototypes and fittings, but I’m still not done. But I love it and it shows my dedication to the craft.”
The masterclass wasn’t without its challenges. “The freshmen had a harder time,” Ionica explained. “They hadn’t taken construction classes yet, so they relied on seniors and faculty for help. But it turned out to be a very collaborative environment. Everyone pitched in.”
Jan admitted there were moments he felt lost. “Sometimes I’d watch the demo, take notes and then forget everything the moment I tried it myself,” he said. “But eventually, it clicked. It just takes patience.”
“Fashion isn’t flashy”
What stood out most for both students and faculty was how much the Italians value craftsmanship. “Their fashion isn’t flashy,” Jan said. “It’s about quality and storytelling. That changed the way I think about my own designs. I realized I don’t need to make something loud to make it good and meaningful. It’s about the care and attention to detail that you give in your work.”
The experience also highlighted the contrast between Italian and Filipino fashion. “Here in the Philippines, we love textures, embellishments and volume,” Ionica said. “In Milan, it’s all about construction and fit. It’s really well-made. But this trip made our students think that what if we combine the two? Then that’s how new ideas are born.”
The impact of the trip is already reaching Benilde’s classrooms. The FDM program is working on integrating more menswear-focused courses and expanding technical tailoring in their curriculum. “There’s a strong demand for it,” said Ionica. “We also plan to collaborate with more international schools. The next one is a trip to Japan with a master class at BUNKA.”
Looking back, Jan said, “I didn’t expect it to affect me this much. This trip wasn’t just educational, it’s more introspective on my end. I got to explore, meet people from other countries and even got a sense of what kind of life I want after graduation.”
Ionica agreed “Grab every chance you get to go on these trips,” she said. “They’re not just about lessons. They’re about perspective and a different experience. And sometimes, that’s what changes everything,” she concluded.
