The Vault Abroad with Jasmine Anderson
Written by Jasmine Anderson
Ciao ragazzi! My name is Jasmine Anderson and I am writing to you from the city where business and fashion thrive to create a landscape of stylistic innovation. Over the past few months, I have found a home in Milan, Italy, where I study business and fashion alongside industry experts and locals. My experience studying abroad here allowed me to learn more about aesthetics, luxury, timelessness, and style than ever before.
With its illustrious history and vibrant present, Milan has been a canvas on which my fashion identity is vividly repainted. The city's architectural grandeur and artistic heritage provide a backdrop in which fashion isn't just worn; it's lived. Style is a language spoken fluently, a form of communication as essential as words.
Milan is one of the epicenters of business and innovation in Europe. The opportunity to study here has allowed me to gain valuable insight into the intersection of culture, economics, and creativity, and how it drives the global fashion industry. Unlike the other cities I have lived in, here fashion is not limited to those who engage in style and trend awareness. Fashion is present in all age groups, genders, professions, and facets of daily life. Being here in the winter, the streets are alive with the rhythm of clicking heels, the swish of cashmere scarves, heavy furs, and wool trench coats.
I have worked to master the art of layering, experimenting with the dynamics of fabric textures and contrasting patterns. I have learned to dress every morning to reflect how I wish to feel and how I want to leave an impression on others. As a college student in America, it’s easy to fall into a routine of sweatpants and athleisure wear out of convenience and comfort. While this approach is not inapt, my time in Milan has illuminated a contrasting philosophy. One where dressing is considered an act of self-expression, a daily ritual that sets the tone for the day. The Milanese have taught me that thoughtfully curating my outfit each day is not simply a reflection of aesthetics; it's a form of self-care that instills a sense of purpose and readiness, one that can prepare me for the challenges to come.
In Milan, style is seen as an extension of one’s identity and a tool for personal branding. Each layer, texture, and pattern I choose is a deliberate decision, reflecting my mood, aspirations, and the professional image I aim to project. This daily practice of mindful dressing has encouraged me to adopt a more balanced and entrepreneurial mindset. It's not merely about looking good but feeling empowered and motivated, ready to navigate the business world with confidence and creativity.
Via this transformative approach, I've learned that attire can influence more than how others perceive us. It impacts how we perceive ourselves. A reminder that in the realm of fashion and business, attention to detail and personal presentation can be as influential as a well-prepared business plan. In Milan, where fashion meets business, this synergy of style and substance is not just the norm; it's a strategic advantage. Here, every day is an opportunity to redefine oneself, to be not just a participant in the fashion industry but a standout character in its vibrant narrative.
In addition to my experience learning about fashion through observation of culture, I was presented with the extraordinary opportunity to attend several fashion shows during Milan Fashion Week. I observed works done by designers Maxvive, Tokyo James, and Leonardo Valentini. Being in Milan during this time of year was like watching my fashion fantasies unfold. The city came alive with color and everyone was dressed in their most striking ensembles, turning the streets into runways of their own. The excitement was contagious, and every corner buzzed with luxury fashion’s signature glamor.
In every show, the runway was a canvas for the designers' unique vision. More than watching models walk a runway, it was an immersive education in the art of fashion storytelling. Each collection is a narrative crafted with clothing and articulated through color, form, and movement. Amidst the stage lights and the captivated audiences, I truly understood the depth of fashion as an art form – a medium that communicates without words but speaks volumes about cultures, emotions, and even politics.
Being part of Milan Fashion Week helped me understand the sheer impact of fashion on society and individual identity. It was a lasting reminder of how fashion is woven into our lives, influencing and reflecting who we are and aspire to be on and off the runway. This experience has enriched my understanding of fashion and solidified my desire to contribute to this industry of infinite possibilities.
Edited by Max Bublik
