There were so many thoughts running through my head the first day as I rode through the streets of Florence on the way to my apartment. It wasn’t what I was expecting. Europe didn’t look nearly as glamorous as it did in movies and TV. What was all the fuss about? Why were people so obsessed with Europe? Looking at all the old run down buildings during this taxi ride made me assume that there wasn’t anything special about Europe, or at least Italy.
Before arriving in Florence, I always thought style was about the clothes that you wear. I was disappointed observing the Italian fashions the first couple of days. I wasn’t seeing anything that blew me away. Finally my entire perspective about fashion and Florence changed listening to the presentations during orientation. One of SAI’s program coordinators spoke about how getting drunk was tacky and how Italians are too stylish for that kind of thing. Then it hit me. Style isn’t just about the way you dress. It’s about your attitude; it’s a way of life. It was like veil had been lifted and I could finally understand and see Florence for what it really is. People may not dress extremely stylish all the time, but the way they carry themselves makes it work. There’s this effortless sexiness about Florence in general that I’ve fallen for and hope to incorporate into my lifestyle.
Since the first day I’ve really warmed up to Florence. When I’m away from the city I can’t wait to come home. I love the location of my apartment. I step out my door and I’m literally less than 10 minutes away from just about everything, My sewing and construction class is surprisingly my favorite. My final is to make a gown inspired by the 50s, Dior, and Marilyn Monroe. A lot of classes overlap. So I’ve been studying a lot about that time period. I have a new appreciation for old Hollywood and I absolutely love Marilyn Monroe. I could probably write a whole other blog post about visiting her exhibit at the Ferragamo Museum. I’ve done and learned so much this past month that I can’t wait to see the rest of my time has to offer.
Francis – University of Kentucky
