During my junior year, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to study abroad at the Paris College of Art. This experience truly changed my life; I am now a more confident artist and designer, and also feel immensely capable of navigating the world independently as a result.

Before this experience, I had minimal knowledge of the ins and outs of technical and precise sewing. I wasn’t confident in my skill set, and it was unfortunately apparent through my work. In Paris, I took “Pattern Making and 3-D Garment Construction.” It was six hours long daily, and at first, extremely daunting. I wasn’t even close to being as knowledgeable or skilled in these areas as my peers, and was embarrassed to be behind the curve. However, as the semester progressed, I quickly improved and learned more than I ever imagined! I’m able to sew clean, professional looking garments that I design and pattern myself, something I wasn’t able to do it before studying at PCA. The garments produced in that course are some of the best things I have ever created!!

I also took a course called “Fashion Collection Management/Fashion Reality.” This taught me how to market myself as an artist and designer, and I learned a lot about the work that goes on behind the scenes of fashion productions. I can confidently create lookbooks, line sheets, moodboards, and self promotion as a result of this class! I also was able to participate in many professional development and internship experiences during my time abroad, including working backstage at a show during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, and styling a photoshoot for a boutique’s social media!