Reflecting on my Experience Abroad
This summer, I had the opportunity to continue my fashion studies in England, France, and Italy. Throughout my trip, I was able to attend ample inspiring visits, including World’s End, the Gucci Museum, and the YSL Museum, as well as speaking with incredible luxury fashion employees throughout the trip. However, my absolute favorite part of my trip was overcoming the nervousness I felt about being independent. Over this summer, I was able to learn how to travel alone and navigate unknown cities without guidance, as well as learning how to feel comfortable living independently regardless of where I am in the world. I was also able to hear firsthand what working in the luxury fashion space is like, and obtained a better idea of what it's really like to work in fashion abroad.
Another significant learning curve I experienced over this trip was the direct connection between art and fashion, and art history’s contribution to modern day design work. The Louvre was a highlight of my few weeks in Paris, as the ceiling art I was able to witness there demonstrated a Renaissance style of art that correlates with fashion history I have taken classes on during my studies at belmont. This style particularly stood out to me, as beauty is frequently found within the most tiny details to me, and my favorite design work includes pieces that one can look at for hours and still pick up new details on, similar to the renaissance work in the Louvre. This kind of detail presented itself in the majority of places we visited, but one of my favorite pieces was a wedding dress displayed in the YSL museum. The intricacy of the layers inspires my design work ever since seeing it, and it made me realize that in my own work, attention to detail is one of the most important aspects to me in design.
Finally, I learned that team work and making reliable connections with those around me was the most important lesson I learned, as everyone gains different messages from each experience. I am fortunate enough to have bonded with a wonderful group of girls over my trip, and they quickly became some of the most important friendships in my life, as their opinions impact my work and contributions in fashion to this day.