I always wanted to go to fashion school in New York. Taking a summer intensive at Parsons satisfied that want, and then some. During my time at the Parsons Summer Intensive, I was introduced to the full fashion design process through both conceptual and hands-on studio work. The program focused on learning how ideas move from sketchbook concepts into fully constructed garments through draping, sewing, patternmaking, and material experimentation. Throughout the intensive, I developed technical skills in sewing, garment construction, pattern cutting, and drafting while learning how construction, fabrication, and silhouette all work together within fashion design.
A large part of the experience centered around learning the technical side of the design process. I spent time developing sketches, creating patterns, cutting fabric, sewing garments, and drafting pieces both physically and digitally through CLO. Working between 2D sketches, flat patterns, and 3D forms gave me a much stronger understanding of how garments are actually built and how small technical decisions affect fit, structure, and movement. The process also introduced me to studio workflows, critiques, and the level of precision required within garment construction.
Beyond the technical skills, the program was also one of my first experiences being surrounded by people from completely different creative backgrounds who all approached fashion in their own way. A lot of the learning happened through collaboration, conversation, and simply being in the studio environment every day. Looking back, the intensive gave me an early foundation in both the creative and technical sides of fashion design while also introducing me to a community of people who made the experience memorable beyond just the work itself.