Underground Florence

We’re excited to unveil the latest issue of Blending Magazine, dedicated to a side of Florence you won’t find in the tourist guides - welcome to Underground Florence! Known worldwide as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is also a city with a fiercely independent spirit and a rich undercurrent of artistic rebellion. In the 19th century, legendary literary cafés like Giubbe Rosse pulsed with the energy of poets, writers, and visionaries exchanging radical ideas. Fast forward to the 20th century, and Florence lit the fuse for avant-garde movements - from the explosive rise of Futurism and the emotional force of the Transavantgarde to experimental theater led by boundary-breaking figures like Carmelo Bene and the pioneering Krypton Theater. In the 1970s and '80s, Florence didn’t just observe cultural shifts - it led them. The city became a hotbed for New Wave music and radical architecture, leaving a bold mark on Italy’s creative landscape. Today, Florence continues to reinvent itself - blending deep-rooted tradition with cutting-edge innovation, and proving that its artistic heartbeat is as strong as ever. So dive into this immersive journey through the hidden layers of our city - and discover a Florence you’ve never seen before. Thank you for being part of the Blending Magazine community. Enjoy the Spring 2025 issue - it's going to be unforgettable!

Puccini Forever!

We are thrilled to present the latest issue of Blending Magazine, dedicated to the centennial of Giacomo Puccini's death and honoring the enduring legacy of one of Italy's greatest opera composers. Each article in this issue has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate the life and timeless works of the Tuscan maestro. From his groundbreaking contributions to opera, to his influence on modern music, to his deep connections to literature and theater, students have explored the profound impact Puccini continues to have a century after his death. As always, our team of writers, graphic designers, and photographers has worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning and insightful edition. So please, immerse yourself in Puccini's world and prepare for an unforgettable journey through his operatic masterpieces. Thank you for your loyal readership and enjoy the Fall 2024 issue of Blending Magazine!

125 Years of FIAT

We are thrilled to present to you the latest issue of Blending Magazine, in which students were tasked to focus on the timeless Italian car brand, FIAT, currently celebrating its 125th year of car production. Each article in this issue was carefully chosen to accurately illustrate the history of the Torino-based car brand. From daring ad campaigns, to groundbreaking inventions, and connections to the film and fashion industries, students delved into FIAT's rich history. As always, our team of writers, editors and photographers has worked tirelessly to bring you a visually stunning and informative issue. So please, jump right in and buckle up. Get ready for a joyride through the history of Italy's most beloved car brand. Thank you for your continued reading, and enjoy the spring 2024 edition of Blending Magazine.

Gardens of Culture

The word “culture” has its origins in the Latin term “colere,” which originally meant “to till” or “to cultivate” the land. Over time, this word evolved to encompass not only the act of farming but also the nurturing of human practices, customs, and beliefs. It’s from this very concept that the theme for the fall 2023 academic conference was born: Cultivating our minds, our passions, and our relationships is at the core of human existence. And this same theme is shared by the issue of Blending Magazine you’re currentlyAnd this same theme is shared by the issue of Blending Magazine you’re currentlyreading. Italo Calvino’s Memos offer us insights into the nuances of culture andthe art of cultivating ideas, stories, and connections.These articles and more in this issue exemplify the diverse perspectives and thoughtprovoking ideas that our talented students at FUA-AUF and AUF bring to the table. We hope that the pages of Blending Magazine serve as a rich tapestry of insights,inspirations, and cultural reflections.

Cover by Jaylen Davis, Katherine Segarra

Room of Wonders

We are thrilled to present to you the latest issue of Blending, which explores the fascinating world of Wunderkammer and Cabinets of Curiosity. In this issue, our students will take you on a journey through time and space, utilizing a jumping-off point of these unique collections that were once the pride and joy of aristocrats and scholars. As always, our team of writers and photographers has worked tirelessly to bring you a visually stunning and thought-provoking issue. We hope that it inspires you to embrace your own sense of curiosity and wonder and perhaps even start your own cabinet of curiosities. Thank you for your continued reading, and enjoy this issue of Blending.

Cover by Olivia Corvelli