From Texas to Paris

This past summer, I was chosen to study abroad in Paris France to attend classes at the Paris American Academy for two weeks. Here, I got to learn from professionals who have been in the industry, currently work for luxury brands or for themselves, and gave us insight into what life is like for a designer in Paris. What made them want to work in fashion, why they chose to move to Paris to pursue their business goals, and knowledge that we need to know if we choose to study pursue fashion in Paris.

When we weren't in class, we were going to beautiful locations filled with history, culture, and roots deep in fashion. We went to the Louvre, King Louis XIV palace, Claude Monet's Garden, and the luxury district of Paris. We learned about what inspired the architecture of the buildings, how different Haute Couture houses were formed, and why so many people still visit these places to this day.

The best part of the trip was when we were given free days. On those days, a group of girls and I went thrifting, where we found vintage clothing, and I was able to obtain mint condition Michael Jackson records from his time at Motown Records, as well as an early 2000s Calvin Klein dress.I also got to go to the Paris location of my favorite fashion style, Angelic Pretty. They are a lolita style of fashion company, and their Paris location was located in the 5th district of Paris. My inner girly girl never squealed so loud.

I was also able to go up on the Eiffel Tower and savor the view of the entire city from the top. I felt like I was on top of the world, and that all that I had worked for had brought me to that exact moment.