Polimoda's AN/ARCHIVE: A New Fashion Research Hub in Florence
Polimoda, one of the world's most prestigious fashion schools founded in 1986, is launching AN/ARCHIVE, a 7,000-square-meter space in the Manifattura Tabacchi complex in Florence. Opening in autumn 2024, it is not a museum or traditional archive but a dynamic research center for scholars, curators, archivists, students, designers, and companies. The space includes a library with over 29,000 volumes, 600 magazines, 1,000 lookbooks and catalogs, and a film section. Designed by the studio (ab)normal, the layout divides the second floor for the library (emphasizing natural light) and the third for AN/ARCHIVE, connected osmotically. The library, one of the ten most prestigious in the world, will be fully digitized for remote access. Director Massimiliano Giornetti and Strategy Advisor Linda Loppa conceived the project, which aims to foster inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability, reflecting Polimoda's student body from over 70 countries.
Key facts
- Polimoda was founded in 1986.
- AN/ARCHIVE will open in autumn 2024.
- The space is 7,000 square meters in Manifattura Tabacchi, Florence.
- Library holds over 29,000 volumes, 600 magazines, 1,000 lookbooks and catalogs.
- The design is by studio (ab)normal.
- Massimiliano Giornetti is Director of Polimoda.
- Linda Loppa is Strategy Advisor for Polimoda.
- The library is among the ten most prestigious in the world.
Entities
Artists
- Massimiliano Giornetti
- Linda Loppa
Institutions
- Polimoda
- Manifattura Tabacchi
- (ab)normal
Locations
- Florence
- Italy