We had the chance to interview Jasonpaul McCarthy a Program Director and Assistant Professor of Fashion at Parsons Paris. Among his courses is Fashion Design Process. Our programs at Parsons Paris allow students to experience Paris from an insider’s perspective by exploring the history of European art and design firsthand in the many museums and design studios throughout Paris.
The program is open to all students who wish to deepen their art and design knowledge and develop their skills in a rigorous academic environment. You can learn more about that program here.
(API) What is the coursework like for the Fashion Design Process course? What sorts of projects are students collaborating on? What are the intended takeaways?
The Fashion Design Process course introduces students to various approaches and techniques involved in the design process for fashion. Students are encouraged to experiment as they research and find inspiration for a fashion collection and devise innovative 2D and 3D production methods for their fashion garment. Students work on projects individually and in groups, students will develop fashion concepts for which they draw on the unique resources of Paris and explore how fabrication methods and color affect collections. Students will work on projects that analyze how garments are constructed, made and remade. Students learn how to create fashion collections through research and development and are introduced to the fundamentals and methods of fashion drawing and the fashion industry.
(API) What kinds of unique learning experiences will a student have by going to Parsons Paris this summer?
The Best!! …..Parsons is known around the world for its successful educational approach, that enhances the students’ experience and offers them valuable skills and connections in their subject of interest. What makes Paris Parsons unique and exciting especially the Fashion Design Process course is that it is contextualized the learning and projects to the Parisian/Paris fashion environment. Students will acquire and develop their skills across Fashion Design to get a greater understand all that it takes to be a designer. At Parsons Paris, we create a holistic learning environment where you can also collaborate with other disciplines and share resources. The Fashion courses at Parsons Paris prides itself on the ability to let students question what they learn and how they create. In fact, students are encouraged to develop their own processes. Parsons Paris allows and encourages students to learn the fundamentals but then to create their own practices to define themselves and create new possibilities. A student at Parsons Paris in the summer will leave with a creative sense of direction, possibilities, and aspirations.
(API) What advice would you give to a student considering a summer study program at Parsons Paris?
Spend an equal amount of time inside the classroom as well as outside! My advice would be to make sure that students use the city of Paris as their laboratory of creativity to fuel their studies and experiences while at Parsons Paris. Fashion undoubtedly reflects the space and the environment that you are in, both from an educational and industry point of view. The multiple layers of inspirations, resources, craftsmanship, cultures and history should inspire students to create a certain understanding and message of fashion that inspires them, guides them and gives their work deeper meaning. As one of the top fashion capitals in the world, Paris has fashion in its bloodline. While studying at Parsons Paris students should let themselves be woven into the fabrics of Paris. Every corner will lead to new fashion and design discoveries both past and present. Students should be curious and observant and just explore with open arms.
(API) What about Paris itself are you most excited to share with newcomers?
Paris’s artistic history and attention to details and technical integrity are what make the city unique. Its resources and traditional craftsmanship allow us to understand and explore the very birth of fashion, luxury, and craft… As Coco Chanel said “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street” and Paris is symbolic of this.” Students when studying in Paris at Parsons Paris should explore, and discover the magic and romance of the city. They should be a wandering tourist and see the sites but learn about them and what they stand for. Students should sample the amazing “cuisine” that Paris offers and even if only a few words, try to learn the language as you will see Paris through its true lens.
