Last fall, AIFS Abroad students studying abroad in Florence stepped into the spotlight—thanks to an exciting opportunity with Steve Madden, one of the world’s most iconic fashion brands. Students enrolled in a photography course at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center (GEC) in Florence collaborated on a campaign with this world-renowned fashion brand—and future students can too! This is one of many AIFS Abroad programs offering immersive, hands-on experiences that nurture professional interest and provide engaging opportunities for learning.
Learn more about this unique opportunity with fashion brand Steve Madden and hear from four students—Marin, Gabriela, Anika, and Ella—who shared their experiences!
Behind the Lens: Photography Meets Fashion Marketing
Through a specially designed photography course led by renowned photographer and professor Alessandro Galatoli, AIFS Abroad students in Florence are gaining authentic industry experience by collaborating with Steve Madden’s creative and marketing team.
Participating AIFS Abroad students work alongside models and other industry professionals to produce professional-grade visual and narrative material that will be featured in actual Steve Madden campaigns. Their work captures the intersection of art, culture, and commerce—right in the heart of Florence, a city famous for its timeless style and creativity.
This hands-on approach gives students a clearer understanding of the demands of professional photography. For Marin, that meant seeing what goes into creating a polished photograph:
“It was really fun to see what it actually takes to get a good photo.”
The Partnership: AIFS Abroad Students x Steve Madden
Steve Madden chose to collaborate with AIFS Abroad students because their fresh perspective, international curiosity, and creative energy align perfectly with the brand’s youthful audience. For students, this partnership is a chance to gain professional industry experience within a supportive learning environment. Plus, it serves as a gateway into the fashion industry, a field known for its high barrier to entry.
Whether you’re a college student studying marketing, fashion, photography, or communications, this AIFS Abroad course bridges the gap between academic learning and professional application. Students can build their portfolios, network with industry professionals, and develop their skills under the mentorship of experts.
In addition to learning technical fundamentals, the course pushes students to think creatively and work confidently in real-world shooting conditions—often adapting on the spot. Gabriela emphasized how the collaboration encouraged creative decision-making in real time:
“[I learned how to let] my creative side come out. As a photographer, especially in shoots like that, you need to have a vision and decide how to use the space, and how you want your model to pose.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom with AIFS Abroad
This collaboration perfectly embodies AIFS Abroad’s commitment to experiential learning—offering programs that go beyond textbooks and lectures to equip students with real-world skills and relevant, one-of-a-kind experiences. Courses at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center (GEC) in Florence are designed to engage students intellectually, culturally, and creatively, helping them connect their passions to future career paths and apply their field of study to a local context.
As Professor Galatoli guides students through the creative process from concept to final edit, they not only refine their technical abilities, but also learn how to cooperate and deliver results in a professional setting.
Anika highlighted some of the skills she developed during the shoot and how her classroom learning provided a foundation that helped her adapt to challenging conditions:
“I think the biggest skill was learning how to interact with the models and speak to them in a professional way, and also how to actually work with our cameras. We talked about it in class and used them on the street, but during the shoot it was really dark and there wasn’t much light, so we had to adjust our settings and try to take pictures without using the flash.
Ella also carried key lessons from the classroom directly into the Steve Madden collaboration, such as the idea that “less is more,” as she put it:
“Especially in photo shoots, minimalism is important. We also learned a lot about framing and composition, what works best for the eye. For example, having something that frames the shot can really help.”
Be part of the next chapter—study abroad with AIFS Abroad and gain real-world experience like these college students did!
When you study abroad with AIFS Abroad, you can build applicable skills, gain industry insights, and make unforgettable memories under expert guidance—all while you enjoy valuable program inclusions like on-site support, trips and excursions, housing, social and cultural activities, and much more. Discover how our programs combine cultural immersion with hands-on, career-focused learning—and take your education to new heights.
Interested in gaining one-of-a-kind experiences like these college students did with Steve Madden? Join the next chapter of AIFS Abroad students—explore our courses in Florence and beyond!
