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Johanna Cardoso ’26 is a fashion enthusiast. And in spring 2025, she set out to define her style — and her career — in one of the Big Four fashion capitals of the world: Milan, Italy. During her semester abroad at MKS Milano Fashion School, she stepped into the role of a professional stylist with access to a glam squad (team of beauty experts) and a designer showroom. A bonus: the chance to attend a show at Milan Fashion Week. 

“Being in Milan during Fashion Week was an unforgettable experience,” Cardoso says of an invitation from a professor who works in the fashion business. “From witnessing the fast-paced energy of the industry firsthand to getting involved behind the scenes, I gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, creativity and strategy that go into building fashion moments.” 

In Milan, Cardoso took courses in styling and merchandising, building on what she’s learning at Bentley. “The full experience of Fashion Week has reaffirmed my passion for visual storytelling, brand experiences, and consumer engagement — skills I’ve been developing through my studies as a double major in Marketing and Experience Design.” 

For a final class project, Cardoso led an editorial photoshoot from concept to completion: casting a model, selecting pieces from a local designer’s archival collections, and developing the creative vision through mood boards. She managed all the details — from hair and makeup to posing and artistic direction. “Seeing how brands create immersive, high-impact fashion experiences has been inspiring, and I can’t wait to bring these insights into my future work,” Cardoso says.