Where were you born, and where did you grow up?
I was born in the United States and grew up in southern California.
What languages do you speak?
English and intermediate (and improving!) French.
What is your favorite course or project?
Much of my studio work in the Design Studio core classes has been a stepping stone towards building my identity as a designer. Each semester, I can feel my vision becoming clearer and my process becoming smoother. I've also had the opportunity of spending time at the New York campus, where I was able to take some really interesting electives, such as Community-Supported Textiles, where we worked with local, natural plant dyes, and Economics and Ethics of Sustainable Design.
How has Paris inspired you in your projects and classes?
There are so many aspects of my experience in this city that have been transformative and inspiring. I am an avid art lover and am eager to immerse myself in the art scene in this city. Perhaps it's cliché, but Paris' beautiful parks and leisurely evenings at cafés create a pace of life that allows me to creatively recharge. I am more mindful of my experiences in this city than I am in most. This openness to new experiences and curiosity feeds directly into my creative work.
Which one (or more) of your internships did you find most helpful for your studies?
I have had a range of internships, from being a showroom assistant for a luxury fashion brand to a wholesale sales intern for a smaller brand, as well as opportunities outside of fashion, such as an archives internship at a nonprofit serving the LGBT+ community. Internship opportunities have allowed me to learn about the inner workings of for-profit and nonprofit organizations in and outside of the fashion industry. At the same time, seeing what is behind the curtain also allows me to develop a stronger critique of organizations that do not align with my values. Overall, these experiences have allowed me to explore different avenues in order to develop a more holistic vision of my future in the fashion industry.
You spent last year abroad. Where did you study? Did you enjoy it?
I spent last year at Parsons School of Design in NYC, the partner campus of Parsons Paris. I was able to interact with the other branches of The New School, which was a really fantastic chance to connect with people in other creative fields. The campus offered a greater variety of electives and making spaces that were invaluable to the development of my career interests. That said, I also understand more clearly the divergences between the two campuses and cities in their approach to fashion. I believe that having this awareness of different facets of the industry will serve me well as I make decisions about where I feel my interests are best aligned.
Do you have a hobby outside of school?
I am a person of many hobbies! I enjoy practicing yoga and meditation, baking, cooking, painting, dancing (in no professional capacity, might I add), reading, listening to podcasts. I have recently learned how to knit and am eager to learn about gardening.
What advice would you give incoming students?
As with most things in life, this experience is what you make of it. The transition can be tough at times, but some of the pieces that made it smoother for me were making efforts to learn French, exploring parts of the city that matched interests and hobbies I already held, and intentionally cultivating relationships with those I connected with.