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Student Interview: Mélanie Jacobin from Guadeloupe, 2nd Year Student in Bachelor in Fashion Design

Could you introduce yourself? I understand that you are from Guadeloupe, where exactly? Can you tell us about it?

Mélanie Jacobin

Mélanie Jacobin: My name is Mélanie Jacobin and I'm 21 years old. I am indeed from Guadeloupe, I was born in Pointe-à-Pitre, but I grew up and mainly lived in Basse-Terre, which is the capital. Guadeloupe is divided in two parts which are Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre. Grande-Terre is a very urban and touristy area. It's pretty much the center of activity on the island. Basse-Terre is considered as the residential and traditional part. It is on this part of the island that our volcano is located, so nature is predominant there. This landscape is beautiful. The people there have an incredible energy and I am extremely proud of where I come from! The culture is so rich and a lot of inspiration for my creations come from it.

How and when did you decide to pursue fashion design studies and why?

Mélanie Jacobin

Mélanie Jacobin: From a very young age, I was a bit of the family’s “pinup”. I think I have always been attracted to the world of fashion. It was only when I entered high school, in the sciences of design and applied arts, that I started to research what fashion design is and how I could access it and make it my job. After obtaining my baccalaureate, I did my first year in Florence, Italy, at the Accademia Italiana. I had unforgettable memories there and it also gave me very good contacts!

What made you recently join IFA Paris? Can you tell us about your studies at IFA Paris?

Mélanie Jacobin: After my first year in Italy, I moved to Paris and joined Esmod. I had to redo my first year because the program at Accademia Italiana was not the same as Esmod’s. It allowed me to complete my knowledge and acquire new tools.

Mélanie Jacobin

It was at the end of the year that I discovered IFA Paris. I did some research and made contact with one of its’ admission managers, Sophie Ngo. It was during our many discussions and visits within the establishment that I understood that the world of IFA Paris suited me much better. The following year, I started my second year of studies at IFA Paris in the Bachelor Fashion Design & Technology program. At the beginning I had a few small apprehensions - entering into second year of a class of students who had already spent a year together, what types of teachers I would have ... But after a few weeks I was like a fish in water! The communication between students at IFA Paris is easy and enjoyable. There is no competitive spirit like in many other fashion schools. I was also pleasantly surprised by the desire of the teachers to help the students develop their own personality. The ideas and creations of the students at IFA Paris are truly respected! That's what makes IFA Paris my favorite school to date.

What are your inspirations or references in fashion or luxury?

Mélanie Jacobin: Ideally, my references are definitely Issey Miyake, Iris Van Herpen and also Thierry Mugler. Otherwise, I also love what Jacquemus, Acné Studio or Loewe, the Spanish flagship of LVMH produce.

Mélanie Jacobin

What are your goals, or even your dreams?

Mélanie Jacobin: I am very ambitious! My project is to create my own brand of clothing and accessories. Since the beginning of my studies, I have always heard that it is difficult but I think that nothing is really "difficult" when one gives it everything. So I'm not afraid of anything that I will eventually face. Ideally, I would like to create a brand that respects sustainable development and supports research in nanotechnologies and new innovative materials and fabrics. Dressing women seems so natural but I love making men's clothes too; I also love lingerie, I love the spirit of femininity that goes with it. I actually want to do a little bit of everything. In terms of style, I have never wanted to define myself to particular style and confine myself to it. However for now, I still feel a preference for minimalism. There are so many interesting forms of expression to experiment!

For more information on the program Mélanie is pursuing at IFA Paris, please visit Bachelor in Fashion Design