Back to the Fashion Capital: My Luxe NYC Study Away Experience and Return to the Style Scene

Mid-Semester Progress Recap with Study Abroad Coordinator, Ababa Lorde (New York Fashion Study Away Program)

By | Ababa Lorde

First Week

Leading up to the new semester, I couldn’t wait to finally be in the heart of the fashion industry. I always knew I’d come back to the city, having lived in Brooklyn and Harlem when I was younger. Unfortunately, I was commuting during the first week of classes, so I couldn’t start exploring immediately. My first impression of the classes was as follows: I knew coming in that Junior Studio would be the most demanding, considering it’s a 6-credit studio. My NYC Study Tour class had us running around midtown on a scavenger hunt the first day (I racked up 18,149 steps that day), and I didn’t have much to say about Product Development.

Standout Trips

MET - Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion exhibit
aNYbag Factory
Brooklyn Army Terminal
FIT Fashion Museum
Labor Day - West Indian Day Parade

NYFW ‘24!

I had the opportunity to be a studio assistant this past summer for Lizzy Truitt, the designer who represented Kent State at this year’s annual Supima Design Competition. I was even given a ticket to attend the competition’s fashion show during NYFW. Watching the looks I had a hand in constructing, along with the other schools’ collections, walk the runway was such a proud moment for me this semester. I was also able to work backstage at the Victor de Souza show with other Kent students.

Classes

The NYC Study Tour class is required for all students, both merchandising and design. In it, we’ve had the opportunity to visit some interesting spots, including Dover Street Market, the aNYbag factory, and various showrooms. For the design majors in particular, you will grow exponentially if you embrace the experience and the guidance given to you by the professors here. Included in our list of assignments was a task to check out contemporary fine art regularly, so I headed to Chelsea, where there’s a large gallery scene. These are generally free entry, so take advantage and go gallery hopping! I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights and challenging days, but I’ve also developed substantially since the start of the semester. Junior Studio in NYC is tough, but so is the industry, and this is the best study away location to learn about your options and where you might fit into the industry.