
Here, every phase of the journey is as unique as you are—a year-long mentorship path with sessions that explore every aspect of the industry.
Our mentors aren’t just experts; they are influential game changers in the fashion world, professionals with deep knowledge, and a readiness to share it.

Cristina Baruzzi
Partner, Sterling International
Cristina Baruzzi is Partner at Sterling’s Milan office and an International Human Resources Executive with over 25 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry. She started her career as General Counsel at Prada, then moved to Valentino. Subsequently, she became the Global Human Resources Director at Prada Group, before rejoining Valentino Group as Chief People Officer, where she founded the Valentino Accademia. Fluent in Italian, English, and French, she continues to influence the industry through her collaborative work with some of the sector’s leading Creative Directors.

Maura Basili
Chairman, Camera Buyer Italia
Maura Basili is the Chairman of Camera Buyer Italia (CBI) since September 2023, marking her as the first woman to lead the association. She also co-founded CBI in 2000, dedicating her efforts to the promotion and protection of national as well as international multi-brand stores. With over 30 years of experience as a management consultant and former entrepreneur in the fashion industry, she has extensively collaborated with leading international luxury brands, developing strategies focused on business growth, international expansion, and digital transformation. In her current role, she is strategically repositioning the development of the association and the role of luxury wholesale within the fashion system.

Edoardo Di Luzio
CEO & Co-Founder, Underscore District
Edoardo Di Luzio is the CEO of Underscore District, an accelerator founded in 2021 that focuses on advancing Italian fashion and design brands. It is characterized by its innovative business model that blends capital investment with a full range of services—from finance and operations to merchandising and e-commerce. Di Luzio has a solid financial background, having cut his teeth in top investment banks both in Italy and abroad before diving into the fashion scene. Currently, Underscore District has invested in three notable projects: WOK Store, concept stores based in Milan; GR10K, a leader in gorpcore; and Magliano, founded in 2016 by Luca Magliano.

Ida Palombella
Fashion Law Specialist, Deloitte Legal
Ida Palombella is Partner at Deloitte Legal and Global Co-Leader for Fashion & Luxury at Deloitte. Milan-based, she also leads the IP and Tech practice for Deloitte Legal Italy. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury industry, she began her career as in-house counsel at Valentino, later consulting for various fashion brands in the sector. She has also been a long-time advisor to the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana. Since 2021, she has been teaching Fashion Law as an adjunct professor at the Università Cattolica in Milan and frequently speaks at Italian and international fashion and luxury events.

Giacomo Piazza
Co-Founder & Director, 247
Giacomo Piazza is the Co-Founder and Director of 247, an investment and strategic platform established in 2008 in Milan, Italy. With years of experience in the fashion business, he has managed portfolios for leading brands such as Kenzo, Zegna, Ami, Missoni, and A.P.C., while also scouting and consulting for emerging talents like Duran Lantink, Peter Do, ShuShu/Tong, RANRA, Chopova Lowena, Rhude, Andrea Adamo, and Collina Strada. Under his leadership, 247 has grown into a global platform, managing over 1500 clients across 43 countries and achieving a sales volume exceeding 200 million.

Milena Prisco
Lawyer Corporate and M&A
Milena is a Partner in Corporate and M&A and Head of ESG at Pavia e Ansaldo Law Firm. She specialises in Italian and cross-border acquisitions, capital transactions, and joint ventures, with a focus on extraordinary operations in digital marketing, AI, health tech, and fashion tech. In the ESG field, she advises listed companies and SMEs on corporate governance, benefit corporation status, and investment fund policies. She also teaches in various master’s programmes and contributes to publications on corporate law, venture capital, and ESG. Milena is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Ned Community, sits on the advisory board of Fuori Quota, serves as a mentor for La Carica Delle 101, and participates in steering committees and working groups on corporate and financial sustainability.