If you are gearing up for you upcoming study abroad experience, you could be eager to find out exactly what is in store for your trip. While traditional international learning experiences may take place only in the confines of a classroom – albeit, overseas – Forum-Nexus gives you so much more. For one thing, you can look forward to all the professional visits you will be making to prominent companies throughout Europe. Just how notable are we talking? Well, in previous years, students have seen Parisian fashion firsthand by popping into Louis Vuitton.
That's right, style lovers and clothing aficionados can rejoice. A trip to France during their study abroad programs may entail a go-see at this top maison, which has garnered a significant amount of international acclaim throughout the past couple of centuries.
Parisian history has swayed nation's fashion appreciation
In general, Paris has long been viewed as the fashion capital of the world, only recently being joined by other locales such as New York and Milan. France's roots in the apparel industry shoot down deep, as making clothes has been a strong tradition that has contributed to the country's cultural development.
According to What Paris' online travel guide, the French may have actually be the founders of the fashion industry. Even though civilizations over the course of history have taken an interest in the aesthetics of clothing, it was in 17th century France that individuals looked to make a real business out of making and selling apparel. In fact, it was during this time that the French made moves to spread their fashion influence and establish themselves as style authorities by shipping their threads to other countries.
Louis XIV's court idolized opulence and made luxury a critical component to every aspect of life. It was with the production of high-quality, refined goods in the 1670s that France – and Paris in particular – became the epicenter of fashion. With the incorporation of innovative ideas like creating different types of clothes each season and setting trends that were subject to change on a whim, the country established a more nuanced take on style.
Continuing into the 1700s and 1800s, such meticulous detail to crafting unique pieces of clothing became so mainstream that those who had once been considered to be simply seamstresses were then deemed designers. Fashion houses proceeded to pop up throughout France, and the turn of the 20th century ushered in notable names such as Coco Chanel, followed by Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy a little later on.
Take a look at Louis
Among the contemporary maisons founded in France was Louis Vuitton, which was officially formed in 1854, according to Vogue. Louis Vuitton, the son of a miller who abandoned his country roots and took off to Paris at the young age of 13, opened his first store nine years after arriving at the capital. He intended to take a more humble approach to constructing clothing and accessories, replacing pricey leather with waterproof canvas.
Over time, Vuitton's creations won domestic and international accolades, building a strong following that allowed him to expand his operations to the global level. Since it was founded, the maison was passed down from generation to generation, and each new member of the Vuitton family contributed hallmark designs to the brand's famous repertoire.
By embarking on a study abroad program this summer, you could have the chance to see the workings of this cornerstone company in-person. Apart from being tempted to snatch up every brown and gold accessory in sight, you will also gain a great deal of professional insight straight from the maison's mouth. If you have any hopes of one day entering the fashion field, a visit like this may be an invaluable experience to present some perspective and information about what the business end of style is all about.