Have you ever turned up to a party where you didn't know anyone? People look at you sideways going: Who's that in the corner by the sandwhiches?
That was pretty much how it felt coming to Parsons. However, that's not to say that the staff and students weren't extremely friendly and accomodating once they knew who we were, it just could have done with a little more self promotion from the British end. We all knew Parsons' significance in the fashion world, but it seemed like we were lacking as an institution in ours. Ex SIAD students have gone on to do great things and we have extremely well respected staff and guest lecturers that could have done with a little more of a fanfare.
Aside from this the trip was extremely enlightening both for the picture of American fashion that it offered, and the experience of spending a week in New York. For those interested in fashion design it was an invaluable experience, giving students a chance to witness first hand the birth of New York's freshest talent. For others the project provided an opportunity to make contacts in a city that undoubtedly leads the way in making big bucks from style. And finally, whatever your interest or angle, experiencing New York first hand is something defiantely not to be missed.
Monday 19 May 2008
What I learnt in New York
Three valuable lessons.
1. American fashion is commercially cut throat. Driven by sales and sales only, creative whimsy is given short shrift, as demonstrated by the retail oriented questions the Parson's students were asked during their presentations. Also demonstrated by the student's incredulity that a designer like Gareth Pugh even exists, let alone thrives, in London.
2.You always need a business card. The Americans i met all seemed suprised that i didn't have a business card. It was a bit like...who's this chump without one? The importance implaced on this tiny piece of self promotion has not diminished, despite Bret Easton Ellis' best efforts.
3.New York is not a friendly city. The British deride Richard Curtis films for presenting a ridiculously twee picture of England where everyone lives on the South Bank or in sweet little cottages deep in the countryside. It never occured to me that the Americans i met would be anything less than charmed by my British accent as demonstrated in the movies. That was pretty soon knocked out of me after run ins with uninterested shop assistants, members of the general public bordering on psychotic and anyone who wasn't looking for a tip. It comes to something when you're missing London's 'friendly' atmosphere.
1. American fashion is commercially cut throat. Driven by sales and sales only, creative whimsy is given short shrift, as demonstrated by the retail oriented questions the Parson's students were asked during their presentations. Also demonstrated by the student's incredulity that a designer like Gareth Pugh even exists, let alone thrives, in London.
2.You always need a business card. The Americans i met all seemed suprised that i didn't have a business card. It was a bit like...who's this chump without one? The importance implaced on this tiny piece of self promotion has not diminished, despite Bret Easton Ellis' best efforts.
3.New York is not a friendly city. The British deride Richard Curtis films for presenting a ridiculously twee picture of England where everyone lives on the South Bank or in sweet little cottages deep in the countryside. It never occured to me that the Americans i met would be anything less than charmed by my British accent as demonstrated in the movies. That was pretty soon knocked out of me after run ins with uninterested shop assistants, members of the general public bordering on psychotic and anyone who wasn't looking for a tip. It comes to something when you're missing London's 'friendly' atmosphere.
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