A month in Paris

Living and studying in the culture capitol of the world is the dream of a lifetime and 21 fashion students from Mount Mary are living that dream.

The students arrived in Paris in late December and are participating in hands-on design and trend analysis workshops at the Paris American Academy. They are living in apartments located in the heart of Paris.

In their fashion blog, "Winter in Paris," students reflected upon the experience of learning about the haute couture fashion house of Grès. They described their opportunity to try on gowns created by their French instructors that were inspired by the legendary Madame Grès.

"The dress that I tried on was a beautiful blue with such a gorgeous top piece and a beautifully complimenting shawl to show case the design," one student wrote. "When I was wearing it, I could feel the love and emotion and time that Madame Picco put into her piece. You could tell how proud, and rightfully so, she was that this piece is hers and that she had the privilege to work alongside Madame Grès and learn all the techniques herself. The gown fit like a charm and felt so incredible on the body. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!"

The students are accompanied by fashion faculty members Sarah Eichhorn and Trish Kuehnl.

This trip is one of two Mount Mary study abroad programs offered over winter break. Another group of 10 students is also participating in a faculty-led program in Ireland.

The two-week Ireland program explores the rich history and art of the Celts as well as tracing Northern Irleand's troubled history and peace-building efforts. The group, led by faculty members Laurel End, psychology, and Josh Anderson, fine art, includes on-site lectures and meetings with local artists in Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast and Dublin.

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Check out the student fashion blog.

Learn more information on Mount Mary's study abroad opportunities.