Mia Gundersen ’24 is well aware that coupling a Texas Christian University fashion merchandising education with an Italian powerhouse is a winning combination. Upon earning her bachelor’s from TCU’s College of Fine Arts, Gundersen moved to Florence to pursue a master’s degree in fashion styling at Polimoda, which is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions for fashion education. 

“TCU was so great at establishing my foundation,” Gundersen said. “I took classes across fashion merchandising, so I knew a little bit about everything in the industry. TCU gave me that foundation and the business side, and then Polimoda helped me open up my creative side. It was the perfect combination.” 
 
Beginning in spring 2027, even more TCU fashion merchandising students will have the opportunity to study at the internationally recognized fashion school. The new partnership gives TCU students access to an environment deeply connected to the global fashion and luxury industries, placing them at the intersection of Italian craftsmanship, design, merchandising and fashion business. 

Located in one of the world’s most important centers for fashion, luxury and craftsmanship, Polimoda is known for its close connections to industry, internationally diverse student body and faculty of experienced fashion professionals. For TCU students, the semester is designed to be more than a traditional study abroad experience, providing immersion in the culture and professional ecosystem that has shaped Italian fashion while expanding their understanding of the global industry. 

The partnership is also envisioned as the beginning of a broader academic relationship between TCU and Polimoda, with opportunities to explore research, innovation, faculty collaboration and the exchange of ideas. 

A Shared Vision 
While separated by thousands of miles, TCU and Polimoda share a similar approach to fashion education: preparing students to think creatively while understanding how the global fashion industry actually operates. 

“We really believe that the strength of this partnership is creating complementary educational models,” said Massimiliano Giornetti, director of Polimoda. “Both TCU and Polimoda have a solid foundation in merchandising, retail and marketing, but also a strong connection with the real fashion industry.” 

The industry connection is a defining part of the Polimoda experience. The school regularly brings in executives, designers and creative leaders from brands including Gucci, Adidas, Tom Ford and Ferragamo into the academic environment to teach, mentor and share real-world case studies. The result is a hands-on model of fashion education that connects classroom learning directly to the people, brands and decisions shaping the industry. 

Why Florence? 
For fashion students, Florence offers something few places in the world can match: the opportunity to study within a city where style, craftsmanship, culture and industry are deeply interconnected. 

Known for its legacy of craftsmanship, textile production and luxury manufacturing, Florence gives students direct exposure to the people, places and traditions that continue to influence the global fashion industry today. 

“The cultural aspect together with creativity is the reason for studying in Florence,” Giornetti said. “The possibility to study while also putting ideas into practice creates a unique experience.” 

Students will choose between semester programs in Fashion Design & Business or Fashion Design & Crafts, gaining an international perspective and hands-on experience that complements the merchandising, business and product-focused education they receive at TCU. 

From Fort Worth to Florence 
Gundersen, who minored in general business in TCU’s Neeley School of Business while earning her fashion merchandising undergraduate degree, said learning alongside an international community challenged her to become more confident in sharing her own creative ideas. Beyond the classroom, living in Florence exposed Gundersen to new perspectives, business ideas and approaches to fashion. 

“Everyone has something different to bring to the table,” she said. “You really get to hear so many voices from around the world. I think that's another great form of education besides just the classes — experiencing all these different cultures.” 

Since completing her master's degree, Gundersen has remained in Florence, where she recently completed a six-month internship with an emerging fashion brand. For students considering the new semester opportunity, she encourages them to embrace the experience. 

“If you're not scared or uncomfortable, you're not growing,” Gundersen said. “I think growing is the ultimate goal.” 

More Than Study Abroad 
While the first phase of the partnership focuses on semester exchanges, leaders from both institutions see the potential for a much broader relationship. 

“This is only the beginning,” Giornetti said. “My hope is that we expand our relationship by creating new academic programs and experiences where students have the opportunity to study in both the United States and Italy.” 

Charles Freeman, department chair of fashion merchandising and director of research and creative scholarship initiatives at TCU, said the partnership represents more than an opportunity for students to study abroad. It creates a pathway for the two institutions to share expertise, resources and industry connections while developing new opportunities for students and faculty. 

“Study abroad should be an exchange of knowledge between two institutions,” Freeman said. “This partnership gives us the opportunity to connect our students and faculty with Polimoda’s expertise, resources and industry network while also creating opportunities to share what TCU does exceptionally well.” 

As the first TCU students prepare to study in Florence, the partnership marks the beginning of a broader relationship between two institutions committed to preparing the next generation of fashion leaders through creativity, collaboration and global perspective. 

-McKenzie Campbell