Submitted by Nicole Pierpont on the 2018 winter session study abroad program in France sponsored by the Department of Art…
The Paris Art program included two photography courses. One of those courses focused on Fashion Photography. As a fashion merchandising major, this is one of the main reasons I wanted to be a part of this program as I would get to learn something I wouldn’t have in my major’s courses, but was still connected to my passion of fashion design and business!
The most amazing couple of days I had on this program were the days where we were able to work and view shows during Men’s Paris Fashion Week and Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week. It was an opportunity that I would have never had without this program!
Working backstage at different shows was a great learning experience as to how corporate culture differs a lot even between the same industry. Each designer and team had different expectations of us and different ways they worked. For example, one show where we were dressing models we were left to ourselves to make sure the job was done right. In another show, the designer wanted to double check every detail and complete all the final touches on their own.
It was a great lesson that flexibility is an important skill, and overall it was an experience that I will never forget.