Walking along Champs-Élysées

Name: Kaeleigh Stroud | Major: Apparel Merchandising and Product Development | Semester: Summer 2025

My name is Kaeleigh Stroud, and I am an Apparel Merchandising and Product Development student in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. During the May 2025 intercession, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week, faculty-led international study tour to some of the world’s fashion capitals: Edinburgh, London, and Paris. The study tour began in Edinburgh and finished in Paris, to capture a comprehensive look at all the different processes within the fashion industry. From textile production to consumer experience, we gained valuable insights into the lifecycle of a fashion product across different international markets.

The first place we traveled to was Edinburgh, Scotland, which is known for its rich history in the textile industry. The first appointment we had in Edinburgh was with Holland and Sherry, which is a company that supplies some of the finest cloths in the world. When visiting Holland and Sherry, we were able to have a tour of the facilities and meet with many different employees. I gained insights into their textile design, weaving, marketing, order, supply, and distribution processes. The next company we traveled to was Lochcarron Tartan Mill, which is known for its production of tartans. Tartans are associated with Scottish heritage and are used in traditional clothing like the kilt. We were able to tour their tartan manufacturing facilities and learn more about the history of the company. The next day, we traveled to Heriot Watt Galashiels, which is a university that specializes in textiles and design. At the university, we learned about their study abroad programs, curriculum, and toured their campus. While in Galashiels, we toured Schofield, a facility that specializes in dyeing and finishing. During our last day in Edinburgh, we met with the CEO of Kinloch Anderson, a company making kilts since 1868. John Kinloch Anderson told us about the history of tartans, kilt making, and the legacy of the company. In Edinburgh, I learned a lot about textile production and the manufacturing side of the apparel industry.

The next city we went to was London, known for being one of the world’s fashion capitals. The first night in London, we visited the V&A museum, specifically the Cartier exhibition. The Cartier exhibition featured the evolution of Cartier’s legacy of art, design, and craftsmanship. The next morning, we were given a walking tour of Bond Street. Bond Street is known as a luxury shopping street and consists of designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior, and many more. We also saw The Burlington Arcade, which is considered the world’s first shopping mall. Finally, we went inside Fortnum & Mason which is a department store that is known for its tea and biscuits. In the afternoon, we went to a fashion and textiles museum titled The Art of Mankind. While in London, we were able to meet with Tom James Company which owns Holland and Sherry to learn about their tailoring and consumer experience processes. Holland and Sherry is on Saville Row, so we were able to tour this street. Saville Row is famous for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men. Later that afternoon, we visited Regent’s University to learn about study abroad opportunities and London’s history of fashion and trends. In London, I learned about historic sites within apparel such as Bond Street and Saville Row, and the influence that London has on fashion trends around the world.

Our last stop on this study tour was Paris, which is known for its haute couture and luxury fashion. The first day we got to Paris we met with an employee of The Brand Collector, which is a second-hand luxury supplier. We learned about how their company operates and the way they reach out to other businesses. The next morning, we went to Fragonard Perfume Museum, which taught us about the history of perfume making. We then went to the Palais Galliera to see the fashion exhibit called Fashion on the Move. This exhibit featured a lot of sportswear, specifically skiwear. That afternoon, we met with designer Benjamin Benmoyal who specializes in ready-to-wear clothing. He talked to us about the harsh realities of the fashion industry and described what it takes to create a successful fashion brand. That night, we met with Rebecca Devaney, an Irish textile artist. She gave us a presentation on the history of apparel and her experiences in embroidery in the fashion industry. The next day, we met with Cremieux, a fashion brand featured in Dillard’s. We spoke with a sales associate and toured their store. The rest of the day we spent on the Champs-Élysées, which is a street known for its luxury shops. On my free afternoon in Paris, I went to Montmartre which is a historical neighborhood. I absolutely loved this part of Paris, especially the artists’ district, which was a square filled with artists’ paintings. This area was filled with culture, and I am so glad I was able to see it. Finally, on our last day in Paris, we went to the Louvre. In the Louvre, we explored the Couture exhibit which featured many pieces from famous designers such as Schiaparelli, Chanel, Gucci, and more. That night, we attended a fashion show at Galleries LaFayette department store. This show gave me an insight into current and future trends in Paris. Overall, I learned a lot about the history of fashion, trends, and luxury shopping in Paris.

After this experience, I have a much better understanding of the fashion industry internationally. I have seen various stages that garments must go through, from manufacturing to customer experience, which will better prepare me for entering this industry. I am so grateful for this trip, and I truly had the most amazing time immersing myself in the international fashion world.