Stuart Hall Junior Spends Summer Studying Fashion in NYC

This story is Lila's first-person account of her summer learning more about the fashion industry at Parsons The New School.

My name is Lila S. ’26, and I am a current student at Stuart Hall. I spent the month of June 2024 studying fashion styling under a professional stylist and professor at Parsons The New School in New York City. Selected from a very competitive pool, I spent five days a week at Parsons listening to lectures from our professor and his experience in the mesmerizing New York fashion industry while also carrying out independent projects such as producing and styling a photoshoot and reimagining existing fashion campaigns. 

In recent years, my love for the fine arts, particularly fashion and design, have grown enormously. When I heard about the possibility of studying at a university as prestigious as Parsons, I knew I had to apply, and I am beyond grateful that I did. While at Parsons, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, home of the MET gala. My professor challenged us to observe the exhibit at the museum and research our favorite looks from the gala to create a piece of clothing that we felt was our own interpretation of this year's theme.  

Much like Stuart Hall, the Summer Intensive Study at Parsons provided an opportunity to connect with many students from around the world. We spent the next month working through trial and error with our outfits, immersing ourselves in the culture of the city, and designing fashion campaigns as our side work. 

Although the work at Parsons was the reason behind many late nights and stressful days, the experience was one I will never forget. My Summer Intensive Study gave me not only three college credits but also a lifetime of knowledge and experience. Parsons deepened my passion for fashion, and I cannot wait to continue my education and pursue my dreams following my time at Stuart Hall.