Imagine spending your summer in Italy, not just as a tourist but as a creator learning centuries-old crafts, studying sustainable fashion, and learning the art of Italian cuisine. Instead of simply admiring Italy’s beauty, why not immerse yourself in its rich artistic and culinary traditions?
With hands-on activities, you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship that artisans have honed over centuries!
In the heart of Florence, three unique summer courses blend creativity, tradition, and sustainability. Whether you’re a rising fashion designer, an artisan at heart, or a food lover with a passion for Italian cuisine, this could be the summer that transforms your skills and perspective.
Sewing the future: sustainable fashion in Florence
Florence has long been a capital of fashion, where history and innovation walk hand in hand.
Picture yourself in a Florentine atelier, surrounded by fabrics to be transformed into clothing. Students in this Fashion Design Course learn sustainable fashion design while refining the technical skills of sewing, pattern-making, and zero-waste techniques.
With guidance from qualified tutors, you can upcycle materials, waste less, and create unique clothing that reflects your imagination and stays true to the slow fashion philosophy. Not only will you have a collection of one-of-a-kind designs by the end of the four-week summer course, but you will also have a different approach to fashion and sustainability.
Sustainable fashion is more than just a trend; it’s a movement that resonates with the core values of Italy’s rich cultural identity. Italy is at the forefront of this essential area of creativity by blending centuries-old traditional methods with a strong emphasis on the environment.
The art of Italian leatherwork: handmade bags from start to finish
If you’ve ever admired the effortless elegance of Italian leather accessories, why not learn the craftsmanship behind them?
The art of leather-making has been passed down and maintained over centuries in Florence. During this three-week Bagmaking Course, you get up close to the craft world of handbag making from leather, learning traditional techniques used in the finest “Made in Italy” productions. They include:
- Selecting the right type of leather for each project
- Understanding traditional cutting methods that ensure precision
- Using hand-stitching techniques that enhance the durability of the item
From the very first day, you’ll be cutting, skiving, and stitching under the guidance of expert artisans. You’ll work with high-quality leather—often reclaimed to support sustainable craftsmanship—to create everything from small accessories to a handcrafted bag.
Learning these skills in Florence, a city known for its leather artisans, is more than just a technical education: it’s an immersion into a heritage that has shaped Italian fashion for generations.
A culinary journey through Italy’s flavors
Italy’s culinary tradition is more than just food; it’s history, art, and culture on a plate. This three-week Italian Cooking Summer Course offers a deep dive into the flavors and techniques that define authentic Italian cuisine.
In Italy, locally grown and seasonal ingredients are given much importance, not only for the taste but also for sustainability. By selecting ingredients at their freshest, chefs ensure that their dishes truly represent the natural flavors of the region. This benefits local farmers and helps develop a sense of belonging to the land and its bounty.
Imagine starting mornings at neighborhood markets, selecting the freshest ingredients for your dishes. You will learn from experienced chefs to prepare classic Italian cuisine while learning the science of pasta, sauces, and classic pastries. As much as culinary work in the classroom, the course includes lectures and field trips to artisan foods and wine producers, giving the inside scoop about Italy’s food scene.
When you complete the course, you’ll not only know how to make Italian food… you’ll have discovered the culture behind it!
Why choose summer creative courses in Italy?
A summer in Italy is about gaining technical skills and experiencing the country through its crafts and traditions. These creative summer courses go beyond classroom learning; they invite you into workshops, kitchens, and ateliers where creativity comes to life.
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, all passionate about fashion, craftsmanship, or cuisine, creating an environment that promotes collaboration, inspiration, and artistic growth. And in your free time? The streets of Florence await, offering endless inspiration in its art, architecture, and lively piazze.
Craft your Italian summer experience
Each of our courses lasts 3 or 4 weeks in July, allowing you to mix travel with hands-on learning. Whether you hope to design sustainable fashion, become an expert leatherworker, or experience Italian cuisine, Florence is waiting for you.
Which craft will you learn this summer?
Cover image by SilvanoCosta from Pixabay
