Students in the first year of MA Contemporary Fashion Design program recently wrapped up their collections for their “Itinérance” project. These collections were displayed at our 40-year anniversary event at the end of April.
At the start of their program, Master of Arts Contemporary Fashion Design students were given a brief to find inspiration in the lyrics of the song “Purge the Poison” by Marina, all while incorporating themes of travel, movement, diversity and migration.
IFA Paris students working on their design
In collaboration with refugees from Good Chance Theatre organization, students in the program completed workshops on collection planning, inspiration, sketching, production, upcycling and more. Week by week, their creations evolved.
Students in the classroom represented over fifteen different nationalities, resulting in a powerful exchange of culture, heritage and creativity. They joined their unique backgrounds and life experiences to come together and make a statement through their creations.
Their collaborative work allowed for several different interpretations of the theme and that was really present in the fashion show. Both through their work and displayed in their creations, the notion of unity, community and acceptance were very much present.
At the end of their semester, it was time for jury day. This day, each group presented their looks to a jury and got to tell about their experience both personally and as a group, from the very beginning.
Here are some of what the participants had to say:
Tanja, MA CFD student stated “We were really inspired by the song and it led us to our concept of weaving – representing a weaving of different cultures in society, demonstrating how important it is to work together as a whole and unite.”
“I really wanted to highlight inclusivity within this project. As three members of this group, we all worked together to put our unique touch on the garments.” Eugenia, MA CFD student
IFA Paris students working on their design
“The song really talks about the consequences of humanity and how that impacts earth…that is something we highlighted in our look. “ Karina, MA CFD student
“My personal inspiration was my mother’s life story, she immigrated from Thailand to Germany with nothing for the chance of a better life.” Kathy, MA CFD student
“I am so happy to have participated in this project. I learned so many things, things that I had never done before. I’d like to thank IFA Paris Fashion School and my two teammates for everything” said Mohamed, refugee from Good Chance Theatre organization.
View all the looks on IFA Paris’ Instagram account.