Our only group activity for today was a visit to the Milan fashion library. This library features an extensive collection of magazines, trendbooks, and lookbooks, all made available to local students and important designers. Designers can visit the library for inspiration, and local students often do research for their papers in this library. Looking through, it was interesting to see the old magazines and their perspective on the role of fashion. In the case of a 70s edition of Seventeen, the height of fashion was country style dress. The space itself was also interesting. Our guide informed us that the upstairs meeting area was designed to look like a house, and would be rearranged and refurnished according to new trends. This reminded me that fashion and trends are not just about having the latest in clothes, but also about living a fashionable lifestyle.

After our tour of the fashion library, the group had a farewell lunch. It was sad to think that this was the last time we would all eat together, but I was at least happy to say goodbye to the concept of sparkling water. This trip overall has been informative and inspiring, and I reflected on this over our risotto and meat (could be chicken? Pork? Mystery meat?)