Merci Beaucoup

Author: Jake Watkins | Major: Apparel Merchandising and Product Development | Semester: Summer 2025

As a senior at the University of Arkansas studying Apparel Merchandising and Product Development, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad during the May intersession semester in three of the most iconic and fashion-forward cities in the world: Edinburgh, London, and Paris. These cities have long stood at the forefront of luxury, history, and innovation in fashion, making them the perfect backdrop for a short-term program that felt more like a once-in-a-lifetime deep dive into the heart of the industry I love. My passion for fashion is rooted in how it connects people, tells stories, and reflects culture. I chose this program because it offered the chance to explore some of the most influential fashion hubs in the world—places where style doesn’t just live but leads. From the tailored heritage of Scotland, to the street-savvy and elegant contrasts of London, to the timeless glamour of Paris, each destination offered something completely unique and inspiring. I was abroad for 12 packed days, and though the time was short, the experiences were rich and unforgettable. In Edinburgh, we visited Holland & Sherry’s headquarters, a company that has been producing the world’s finest cloth since 1836. Seeing their fabric archives and learning about the craftsmanship behind luxury suiting gave me a new appreciation for textile sourcing and quality control—two things we talk about in class, but witnessing them in action brought the concepts to life. Standing in a space where classic tailoring traditions are preserved and innovated upon made me realize how deep the roots of fashion truly go. London offered a completely different vibe—one that blended modern streetwear culture with classic British elegance. One of the most memorable academic moments was visiting the Cartier exhibition at the V&A Museum, which explored decades of luxury jewelry and the evolution of personal style. As someone studying product development, seeing the design process from concept sketches to final pieces emphasized the artistic and technical elements that go into luxury goods. We also visited Bond Street, home to high-end retailers like Burberry, Dior, and Chanel. It was eye-opening to walk down a street where the history of British fashion meets modern retail strategy. In contrast, Spitalfields Market introduced me to the importance of local design and the vibrancy of small-scale markets. It showed me how fashion lives at both the luxury and retail levels. And of course, being a tourist was part of the learning too. Seeing Big Ben and walking through the heart of London made me feel like I was living inside the pages of a television show or popular movie. In Paris, I was completely captivated by how seamlessly fashion is woven into everyday life. We visited the Louvre Museum, where art, design, and cultural history collide. Seeing how different eras and styles influenced art also gave me insight into how they influence fashion. One standout moment was visiting designer Ben Moyal’s studio. Being in an intimate space with a working designer and hearing him speak about his creative process and how Paris inspires him was something I’ll never forget. His work blends edgy structure with romantic softness, and it reminded me that fashion can be both deeply personal and widely influential. Of course, seeing the Eiffel Tower in person was surreal. I’d seen it in photos my whole life, but being there, in the heart of Paris, after days filled with museums, markets, and design discussions, was a beautiful reminder of how far I’d come in both my education and perspective. One of the most valuable lessons I learned while studying abroad is how much culture shapes not only fashion but daily life. In Scotland, the traditions were embedded in textiles and tailoring. In London, fashion moved fast—keeping up with the pulse of a city that’s constantly reinventing itself. In Paris, style was more than clothing—it was posture, confidence, and history worn with pride. These cultural differences expanded the way I think about trend forecasting, branding, and consumer behavior, all of which are crucial to my future in apparel merchandising. Studying abroad reminded me that fashion is not just what we wear—it’s how we live, express, and interact with the world. It’s about knowing your audience, honoring heritage, and embracing innovation. I will carry that perspective with me throughout my final year at the University of Arkansas and into my career. It will shape how I design, how I collaborate, and how I build connections in a global industry. This trip was one of the most impactful, beautiful, and honestly shocking experiences I’ve ever had. I knew going into it that it would be special, but I didn’t expect just how much it would open my eyes—not just to fashion, but to the way people live, create, and express themselves around the world. I feel incredibly grateful that I got the chance to walk through the actual roots of the industry I’ve studied for years. It was surreal to be surrounded by so much history, creativity, and passion in such a short amount of time. Every place we visited had its own story, and it made me fall even more in love with what I’m studying. I’ll never forget this experience, and I truly believe it will stay with me as I finish my last year at the University of Arkansas and head into the world of fashion!