Studying in Paris has proven to be an incredible experience. Not only is there so much to see and do, but as students it provides a deep intellectual playground as well. With such a deep culture and rich history, the stories behind the city are as impressive and interesting as the city itself. Everyday I learn new things about it, and am reminded of how lucky I am to be a student in such a crazy place.
This weekend we went to Reims, a small town in the Champagne region of France. My friends and I expected to see vineyards, champagne houses, fields of grapes, etc. What we saw instead far surpassed any of our expectations, albeit very different from them. We toured Champagne Pommery, a Champagne house in Reims. As we walked down into the cave, we had no idea what to expect, but what we found was definitely nothing any of us were anticipating. What we discovered was an art show, exhibitions and pieces integrated seamlessly into the deep cavern. It was modern art crossed with some of the oldest history in France. In this way, we should have expected it. Paris, and more broadly France, pays homage to its history, to its culture and its people through celebrating those that carry on those traditions today. The French are incredible at integrating where they came from and where they are going. The city itself act as a background for all the incredible people it serves today, while still reminding them of where they came from.
This got me thinking about what this means for fashion in Paris and France, and how the history of the city and country could potentially influence, or even limit, the creativity of designers here. I do notice that fashion here still tastes of its origins. It is impossible to escape the designers who carved out what made Paris the fashion capital of the world. However, acknowledging its incredible history i think only encourages designers to continue to create, and holds them to a standard of excellence that only pushes ingenuity.
In summary, when we look at history, we create, we inspire and are inspired, and we continue forward with a reminder of what once was so incredible.
Till next week,
Dina
ringard 