BECOME FEARLESS

Sep 28, 2016
3 min read

Every week I try to do a thing that is outside my comfort zone. So far, I’ve travelled alone, faced a couple of unexpected situations, talked to strangers and taken pictures of them, done sports, couchsurfed, and most recently; presented a project in front of a class in French. I love the language, but presenting a project was beyond anything I’ve ever done.

To give you a little bit of context, I didn’t speak any French until a couple of months ago. Sure, I spent a semester at french high school in Mississauga, Canada a couple of years ago, but that improved my English more than anything, and the French accent over there is completely different from Belgian French.

So here I am, on Erasmus studying in a university in a language I barely know, and let me tell you, it makes it much harder. It’s an uphill battle, but there’s no better way to learn a language than necessity. I’m glad that my French level is quickly improving, not only because of my patient teachers and classmates, but also thanks to regular courses and preparation.

Next challenge on the list: Launching my very own brand. This has been a project on which I’ve started working in during my second year of study in England. I’ve recently gotten my very own sewing machine, and I’m already starting the developpment process of my new collection. I’ll keep you posted!

Let's go back to my studies in Belgium for a second. They suggested I do a first year of studies, but having done internships in fashion design studios and with two years of study in fashion in England under my belt, I didn’t want to waste my time on basics I already knew. It wasn’t the first time I’ve studied in a language I barely knew; moving to England from Slovakia was quite a transition, but I’ve learned a lot from it, and knew I could do this.

The University in Liege is renowned for tailoring and paper cut, which attracted me here in the first place to prepare me for my graduation collection. On top of that, I knew I wanted to learn French for my future in the fashion industry. Liege is more affordable than Paris, and to tell the truth, I like it better here. It’s close to so many metropoles, but has its own inner peace. This place was perfect for me.

One day I will make it to Paris though - it is my dream city to work and live in.

An overview of the courses, to give you the idea:

COUPE / PATTERN MAKING COURSE

Collar and sleeve paper pattern modulations.

This one is the most demanding course by far. It is practical, requires you to know the industrial terminology and it is incredibly fast paced.

ATELIER / TAILORING COURSE

STYLISME / FASHION DESIGN COURSE

CHESS PROJECT/ COMPETITION

SKETCHBOOK WORK

I will keep you updated about the process of the collection.

DRAWING COURSE

CAD COURSE

I’ve been working with Photoshop for over two years, but when it comes to creative programs such as it, you will never stop learning. There always are different ways and shortcuts that allow you to improve your work.

TECHNOLOGY COURSE

Learning different techniques of embroidery, weaving, knitting and more has been a pleasure. This course will form a great foundation for the work in my final year, when I return to England, because it will give me the tools to create something unique and truly special.

The best way how to learn about yourself and your weaknesses is to constantly be challenged. You will get stronger and move forward easier and faster...It will maintain your personal and professional growth, make you more present, ready for anything, and also successful.

Thanks for reading! Feedback is always welcome, please let me know what you like, what you would like to see me write about, what you would like me to improve! :)