How Everyday Life in Paris Helped Me Learn About Fashion While Studying Abroad
From the Midwest to Paris
As a girl who has lived in the Midwest most of her life, arriving in Paris (let alone Europe) for the first time has been exhilarating and truly life-changing. As a student beginning to pursue fashion and rediscover her personal spirit and style, this experience has felt both grounding and inspiring. I came in with little to no expectations, which I am honestly glad about, because it allowed me to experience Paris independently from the moment I arrived. Traveling overseas to the city of love and fashion and immersing myself in a place with such rich history has been overwhelming in the best possible way.
A first glimpse of Paris at the Tour Eiffel.
Settling Into Life and Learning in Le Marais
Aside from being just a 10-minute metro ride from the fashion district, the CEA CAPA Paris Study Center is also located within it. This has made it incredibly easy to discover high-end and affordable thrift shops, beautifully curated boutiques, and amazing cafés and restaurants. I truly feel lucky that I can walk through the streets of Le Marais after class or during breaks and experience this part of Paris so effortlessly.
Walking home through Paris after class.
During my time here, I’ve noticed that Paris structures its schedule around life rather than availability. The earliest classes at CEA CAPA start at 9am, which has given me the time to create a calm morning routine without feeling rushed. If I don’t make breakfast, I usually leave early to explore a new café. Sitting down with a croissant or pain au chocolat and a latte filled with espresso genuinely gets me excited for the day ahead, both in the city and at school.
Exploring fashion culture in Le Marais.
Fashion at CEA CAPA
If you are interested in fashion, CEA CAPA offers an exceptional curriculum. I am currently taking a fashion trend forecasting class, a history of haute couture class, and a business consulting class where we work directly with a local fashion brand. Each class includes engaging field studies, from boutiques and trade shows to museums dedicated to fashion history. Outside of coursework, I’ve also received valuable guidance from professors and fellow students within the fashion program.
I begin my week with my business consulting class, which has been one of the most beneficial courses for me as a marketing major entering the fashion industry. From understanding the business models of clothing startups to those of major luxury houses, the class offers insight into how one of the world's fastest-paced industries operates. We learn how to think, analyze, and conduct business like true consultants within a fashion setting.
My favorite class this semester has been my haute couture course. Although it is history-based, we study fashion dating back to the 16th century and explore how historical garments continue to influence modern design. Because museums and cultural institutions surround CEA CAPA’s Study Center, our professor recently took us to the Dior and Alaïa exhibit at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation. There, we examined iconic designs from some of the greatest couture and glamour designers of all time. This field study stood out to me because it allowed us to apply what we learn in class to real garments, noticing construction and structure that simply cannot be understood through a fashion blog.
Studying Dior & Alaia’s couture savior-faire up close.
CEA CAPA also offers fashion-focused opportunities outside of class. I attended a fashion conference centered on the importance of Fashion Week, which explored the business, political, and trend-driven aspects of the industry. We also heard from a Paris-based model who shared his experiences working on campaigns and walking the runway, offering insight into the reality of the modeling industry.
Discussing fashion through economic, political, and social perspectives in my classes has expanded my understanding more than I initially realized. Outside the classroom, I’ve also had the opportunity to network and form friendships with other CEA CAPA fashion students. Being in Paris during the spring semester has allowed me access to Men’s, Couture, and Women’s Fashion Week.
My First Paris Showroom Experience
I’ve already attended my first showroom as a viewer, and I highly recommend cold emailing or messaging fashion brands in Paris to experience this firsthand. When I attended my first showroom, I expected only to view the collection. Instead, I was able to speak directly with the designer about her work and even try on a black bodycon halter dress with a feather collar that she had created. Personally and professionally, being in that space made me feel like I had found where I truly belonged. The environment was collaborative and personal, with photographers, models, and designers connecting beyond fashion itself. After that experience, I realized that the doors of the fashion industry are far more accessible than I once believed.
Inside my first Paris fashion showroom.
Coming from a city where culture and fashion are not celebrated in the same way as in New York or Los Angeles, Parisian street style has inspired me to elevate my own approach to fashion and invest in higher-quality pieces that are not easily accessible back home. Being surrounded by so much inspiration has encouraged me to take the knowledge and connections I’ve gained and begin paving my own path into the fashion industry. While it can feel staggering at times, it is equally exciting. Voilà, I can’t wait to continue exploring Paris and see what doors open as I grow both personally and professionally.
