Chapter 1

Immersion Culturelle

Last week was the intensive week about French culture and the language. It's the perfect class for all the exchange students and the international students at ENSCI. It consists 13 of us- just the right amount. The topics covered in class are very diverse; most importantly, it's all in French. Sometimes I'm at the top of my learning curve; yet sometimes I'm not even in the loop. Overall, I finally am making some progress. Besides, it's great to know more about the country I'm living in- Paris is amazing!!! But by the end of the week, I'm simply relieved that I can have some peace of mind.

This image is from my journal a while ago, I think it totally tells my story here in Paris.

- What is it? May I have it?

- It depends. My dear.

/

- Qu'est que c'est? Je peux l'avoir? 

- ça dépend. Ma chérie.

Shocking paintings at the Centre Pompidou

 MATTA (Roberto Antonio Sebastián MATTA ECHAURREN, dit) L'étang de No,1958

MATTA (Roberto Antonio Sebastián MATTA ECHAURREN, dit) Etre en situation,1957

Kenzo Fever

Gone to an exhibition curated by Kenzo, and an cocktail party of the debut of Kenzo's jewellery line last week. It's great to meet the legendary designer!!! He looks so young in his age. Also to experience the chic, high-end atmosphere. One thing I learnt out of it is that you got to have your own little group to go to these events, cause it was all about chattering/networking!

With Mr. Kenzo himself!!!

La première fois à Première Vision

It's my first time to go to the Premier Vision exposition in Paris. It's one of the major textile fairs in the world. Besides textile, there are leather, fur, buttons, trims, labels, ornaments, packaging... etc. The venue is massive, and there are so many companies that come to showcase their latest technology and design. 

I was there not only to visit, but also to help Julia and Jane to sell their knitwear samples in the Indigo section. I actually skipped school for it : P This was a really precious experience, because I dealt with buyers around the world and met people from the industry. It can be a bit frustrating when it's selling slowly. There are different reasons for that- the economy climate overall is not in a good shape; manufacturers are looking for design that is able to go on to mass production line; they are also looking for commercial design. Design is very subjective, therefore, as an individual knitwear studio, it is important to provide versatility in your collection. 

It's cool to know that I'll come back again with my design for spring summer 14/15 in February 2013. I have so much to learn. Hopefully the economy climate will be in a better shape too.