Petra Fagerstrom: Elevating Upcycled Fashion
While choosing a fashion design program, Petra Fagerstrom, BFA Fashion Design ’22, came across conceptually rich work created by Parsons Paris students and knew that the school would be the right fit for her. “I didn't even consider other options for my undergraduate study, which was quite bold,” she says.
Inspired to create similarly forward-looking work, Fagerstrom moved to New York from Sweden. Today, as she reflects on her time at Parsons, she points to the fashion education she received at Parsons Paris as the foundation for the innovative work that now brings her acclaim. “I had never really learned the creative process before,” she says. Fagerstrom says she also benefited from a curriculum that honed her skills in collaborating, meeting deadlines, and critiquing work.
After graduating, Fagerstrom won two awards at the 38th Festival de Hyères in France for pieces created from upcycled surplus parachutes, which were also featured in Vogue Italia. In creating the collection, Fagerstrom engaged in a kind of fashion storytelling, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s military attire. The collection also reflected the expertise in sustainability that she developed at Parsons Paris and applied in her undergraduate thesis work.
Fagerstrom cites Tuomas Laitinen as her most valuable faculty mentor. “He’s constantly in contact with designers and people in the industry and is aware of how the field is changing,” she says. Collaborating with experienced faculty contributed significantly to her success, leading to prestigious internships at Acne Studios and Balenciaga Paris. “A designer from Acne noticed my work at a school event, which led to my interview,” Fagerstrom recalls. The Balenciaga internship arose from a school posting, and she received faculty assistance in preparing for interviews and refining her portfolio.
Fagerstrom is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program and is working with the Swedish Fashion Council to launch her own brand. She aspires to direct a womenswear brand. “It’s my dream to make something that goes beyond fashion and build community around my work,” says Fagerstrom.