Submitted by Emilee Maull on the 2020 winter session program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Art and Design…
This past week has been one of the most amazing, hectic, and best times of my life. My group had the opportunity to work as well as watch couture shows for Paris fashion week. The first show we worked was Tony Ward. This was by far my favorite show from the past two weeks of men’s and couture fashion week here. Tony Ward designs gowns and wedding dresses, and they were all just so beautiful. His staff was also very kind and helpful during the show. They probably could see my nervousness about changing my model into three different extravagant gowns. Everything went smoothly, though, and my model, Fatou, looked stunning. I also took so many great photos at his show. It was definitely the highlight of my week.
The next day, we had tickets to watch the Flora Miranda show. I was so excited to watch my first couture fashion show, but it ended up not really being my style. The show was more about art than fashion, and it dragged on for nearly an hour with the models acting. The clothes were also very abstract and I wasn’t fond of them. Nonetheless, it was still an interesting experience.
The last show I worked was Yanina Couture. This show was one of my least favorites, just because of how unorganized everything was backstage and the staff did not even acknowledge our presence. The clothes were a bit too costume-like and dated for my liking, but they were still fun pieces. My model, Namara, also did the Tony Ward show and she was so sweet! During her outfit change another model took her shoes by accident and we were all in a panic, but she still made it out to the runway! After that show, I was happy to finally be done with fashion week.
The next evening, we visited Sacré Coeur Basilica up on the hill in Montmarte. It was a great way to end the week in Paris, before flying to Italy for the weekend! My roommate and a couple of our other friends decided to go to Florence for the weekend which was also an amazing time! Everything there was so beautiful, and so different than in Paris. I’m so sad to say we’re leaving Paris on Sunday. I have had the time of my life and I feel so attached to the city of Paris now. Here’s to one last incredible week in Paris!
