"Pret- a- Porter"

Today we were invited to join our professors for a visit to Istituto Carlo Secoli Fashion School in Milano. Upon our arrival to the school, we were shown a video of the collection produced by the students last year. The designs were very unique and the different collections created great stories within themselves. For example, one of the themes (my favorite) was login nature. The collection included pastels, creams, and white. All of the clothing was flowing and resembled many objects found in nature. 

My favorite piece from the Login Nature collection.

            After watching a majority of the video, we were greeted by the president of the school, Stefano Secoli. He gave us a presentation on prêt a porter Italian fashion. He explained how it was formed and the differences between haute couture and prêt-a-porter. The majority of this information was a review from what I learned in Intro to Retailing along with information that I knew before coming to college. In the past I have considered switching to fashion design but I decided against it because of my passion for buying and event planning. Regardless, seeing the impeccable tailoring on some of the students garments was awe inspiring. It was interesting to hear that they do not have all but a couple American students at their school. They have some great connections with industry and if I were interested in fashion design that would be the school of my choice!

            Following the presidents presentation, we got a tour of the school. We were able to observe students sketching, creating patterns, and sewing together their garments. In Apparel Quality and Analysis we learned all about pattern making, quality of seams, fabric, and the construction of garments.  As we got a closer look at craftsmanship that went into the making of the senior collection presentation it was clear the level of quality that the students produce. They passed one garment around and I was able to further examine the seams. They were the straight, clean, and impeccably flat. It gave me a great appreciation for hand sewn quality. It also made me realize how the quality of my clothes can’t even compare. Overall, I enjoyed the visit to the Instituto Carlo Secoli Fashion School and I hope I get to work with some of their graduates in the future!