Accepting award with my design and president of Paris American Academy, Peter Carman

In April 2013, I competed against students from 44 universities across 12 states from the US and was awarded the Best of Show Grand Prize at The Fashion Group International Competition . The prize – an internship in France – allowed me to study haute couture at the renowned Paris American Academy.

Other awards I have received from Fashion Group International include:

    Best Wool Design                             Best Alligator Design            Best Eveningwear Design

Participants seated at the fashion show and awards ceremony, waiting to hear the winners announced.

During my study in Paris, I have the opportunity to assist in Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week along with legendary designers.

I also received hands on training of Madame Gres pleating techniques from Madame Lenoir and Madame Picco, who have worked closely with Madame Gres until the close of the company.

The experience was enriching as I learned a multitude of haute couture techniques including traditional millinery hat making techniques from Jean Pierre Tritz, master hat maker for Jean Paul Gaultier. I also learned feather work from feather specialist, Jean Louis Pinabel.

Other techniques I learned include couture embroidery, textile design, nuno felting, Shibori dying, and working with lace textiles.

I had the opportunity to attend a seminar with Philip Fimmano from renowned Paris trend agency Edelkoort to receive training about trends forecasting.

For more info regarding Fashion Group International , visit dallas.fgi.org