The Foundation

Fondazione FRI, where fashion takes shape. Located in Bologna at Via del Fonditore 12, it is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Italy’s rich textile heritage, promoting it through its advanced training courses and its Textile Design Archive.

Our roots

F.FRI was founded in 2015 by Alberto Masotti, former President of the La Perla brand, with the goal of bridging the gap between Italian handcrafted tradition and the contemporary challenges of the fashion world.

Our headquarters, the outcome of a masterful urban transformation, carries the Studio Cervellati e Associati signature and represents the ideal balance of history and future, integrating traditional architectural elements with cutting-edge technical solutions.

Our mission

F.FRI’s mission is twofold: first, to preserve and spread the fashion industry’s tradition, know-how, and creativity through specialised training; and second, to support businesses and professionals in innovation and competition in the fashion system by providing access to a unique archive.

We offer advanced training courses in fashion heritage, styling, trends, artificial intelligence, fashion design, and planning, as well as strategic consulting services for enhancing corporate heritage and transitioning to sustainability.

Our Values

Training as a driver of change: For us, providing training courses means shaping the future. We offer excellent educational programmes, tailored to the needs of the industry and oriented towards an increasingly green and cutting-edge ethic.
Valorisation of cultural heritage: Our physical and digital archive preserves part of the history of Italian fashion. Textile designs, books, samples, and advertising materials become living sources of contemporary inspiration.
Tradition and innovation: We believe in the importance of keeping Italy’s cultural roots alive, integrating them with the latest technologies and trends.

Our Commitment

Fondazione FRI is located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s Fashion Valley, a region that has carved out a key role for itself among the country’s industrial centres. It is home to internationally renowned clothing and footwear brands and unique historical archives.

Fondazione FRI is deeply committed to promoting the region, the excellence that forms its entrepreneurial and cultural fabric, and the new talents called upon to shape its future.

Learn more