A Small Business Takes Wing in the World of Fashion

This fall, students participating in the University of Minnesota’s Art and Design Semester program, in partnership with Studio Arts College International and Accent, enjoyed an educational visit to Mazzanti Piume, a fashion atelier specializing in feathers for haute couture. As part of their course on the history of design in Italy, this visit gave them firsthand insight into the growth of small businesses in Italy and the production process for some of the most beautiful accessories to grace the world of fashion.

Mazzanti Piume is a Florence-based business founded in 1935, when founder Natalina Mazzanti began crafting ornamental flowers and feathers from silk. From her modest bottega, she furnished the Florentine fashion scene with beautiful handmade pieces that soon became a staple among the women of the city. To this day, the company remains family-owned and continues the same artisanal traditions passed down across three generations.

This guided visit of the facilities emphasized the product design phase, where the Mazzantis customize specific products based on the needs of the fashion world. These can include headdresses, wings, boas, and other accessories, all handmade in-house.

The students were privileged that day to be guided by a member of the Mazzanti family, who showed them the whole production process, from silk to finished product. Students also had fun trying on accessories crafted by Mazzanti Piume, giving them hands-on experience with materials and pieces showcased on catwalks and red carpets across the world.

By visiting the Mazzanti atelier, the students gained an understanding of the tireless work that goes into the seemingly simplest fashion piece and how the dream of a small business in Tuscany can blossom from the simple seed of an idea.

All programs with Accent can be fully customized with the inclusion of learning activities from our extensive network of local contacts, spanning several fields. To start a conversation about a program, contact us at development@accentglobal.com