Fashion Design and Merchandising students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) immersed themselves in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, through an international study program aimed at strengthening their technical and creative skills in the global design industry.
The 38 students took part in five-day masterclasses at the Istituto Secoli, one of Italy’s top fashion institutions, where they received training in tailoring, design thinking, and garment construction.
The program focused on Italian methods, men’s waistcoat construction, and precision hand stitching. They also studied tailoring tools, equipment, and brand critique.
Each student completed a front waistcoat as a final output and joined a design thinking critique session led by Angelo Di Cristofaro. Their coursework contributed to their Benilde subjects: Fashion Design Process, Retail Environment, and Surface Design 2.
“The masterclasses provided industry-standard practices that bridged academic knowledge with real-world application,” said Ionica Abrahan Lim, FDM chairperson, who accompanied the group alongside faculty member Lydia Pajaron. “Secoli’s laboratories supported meticulous pattern work and precise construction—familiar to our students but distinct in its international expertise.”
Industry professionals mentored the group, including Memena Pallini, Marco Tataranni, Gabriele Marra, and Di Cristofaro.
The students also attended the Milano Unica textile fair and visited the Istituto Marangoni, the alma mater of Moschino founder Franco Moschino. To further understand the creative and cultural landscape, they explored the Duomo di Milano, Teatro alla Scala, and Fondazione Prada.
The itinerary included visits to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Monte Napoleone, and Serravalle Designer Outlet. A day trip to Florence brought the group to Musée Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci Garden.
“The program fostered not only technical skills but also an authentic understanding of the cultural and commercial elements that shape global fashion,” Abrahan Lim said. “Students engaged with international peers, exchanged ideas, and explored diverse industry perspectives.”
