Mexico Seminar

Each February, FIT’s Global Fashion Management graduate students travel to Mexico City—and occasionally to another Mexican city—for an immersive seminar in partnership with CENTRO, one of Latin America’s leading institutions for design and innovation.

This seminar explores the dynamic intersection of Mexico’s cultural heritage and the modern fashion economy—from pre-Hispanic influence to contemporary retail strategies.

Cultural Heritage Meets Innovation

In Mexico City, students engage with thought leaders in design, sustainability, retail, and social innovation, participating in masterclasses and workshops led by CENTRO faculty and top industry professionals. Students visit emerging and established retail brands, gaining real-time insight into Mexico’s evolving luxury and lifestyle sectors.

Cultural programming complements academic sessions, including a guided tour of the Museo Nacional de Antropología, enriching students’ understanding of Mexico’s historical and cultural context.

Oaxaca: The Informal Economy in Practice

In a recent seminar students also traveled to Oaxaca, where they explored the complexities of the informal economy and engaged directly with artisan communities. Guided by local experts and cultural entrepreneurs, students visited textile cooperatives and social enterprises focused on ethical sourcing, cultural preservation, and market innovation.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand how cultural heritage influences contemporary fashion systems
• Analyze strategies for ethical sourcing, social innovation, and sustainable retail
• Compare informal and formal economic models in practice
• Strengthen cross-cultural leadership and creative problem-solving

Case Study

Throughout the week, GFM students from FIT and CENTRO—representing diverse nationalities, industry backgrounds, and areas of expertise—work in cross-cultural teams to address a business challenge or innovation brief. These case studies emphasize real-world application, drawing on the insights gained from academic sessions, retail visits, and cultural immersion.

Final presentations are delivered at the close of the seminar before a panel of faculty and industry experts, showcasing each team’s strategic thinking, creativity, and global perspective.

Networking

The Mexico City seminar offers meaningful opportunities to engage with a global professional network, bringing together students, faculty, alumni, and guest speakers in a collaborative, cross-cultural setting.