Malcolm D. Costa '22

Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Dubai.

What languages do you speak?
English, but I also read and write Arabic.

What is your favorite course or project you’ve worked on? Tell us all about it!
Currently my favourite project is the Balenciaga project that we are doing in Design Studio 1. I’m working on the theme of body dysmorphia and abstracting the body.

How has Paris inspired you in your projects and classes?
The Parisian environment and vibe has influenced me more than the ‘eiffel tower’. My work has become more expressive and allows me to be who I am.

What does your typical weekend look like?
My weekends are a mix of movies, dinner and homework. But lately as the semester is coming to an end I’m spending more time in the studio.

Have you done an internship so far? If so, where? What was your experience like?
I have done more than 10 internships in both Paris and Dubai. Both my experiences have been great and I’ve been able to compare what it has been like working for bigger and smaller companies.

Does Paris feel like “home”? If so, how did you make it your own? What kind of challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Currently, it doesn’t really feel like home but I think that’s just because of the type of person that I am, I like to move around a lot and not settle down and call just one place ‘home’.

Tell us 3 words you’d use to describe the Parsons Paris community!
Creative, Rich and Interesting.