Written by: Ellie Williams

You know that feeling when you first develop a love for something? That feeling that rises from the pit of your stomach and sends chills up your spine. That feeling of being on cloud nine, a natural high that gets your blood flowing. This is love and this is passion.

Studying abroad in Paris has brought me numerous opportunities that has opened and strengthened my appreciation for Parisian culture. Out-of-comfort-zone activities and immersing myself in a new environment, Paris has strengthened this love; that is, the love for fashion.

Description of Paris Fashion week: millions of tourists flock to the city of creativity, history, and prestige to see designers show off their new spring collections. Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Off-white, Givenchy, Miu Miu, Dior and many more all scout out the most dazzling places in Paris to showcase their work.

Madness, I tell you. Dozens of fans gathered outside, pushing, trying to make their way to the front to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrity walking into the show. Security guards maintain their firm, statue-like positions while paparazzi ferociously flash their beaming cameras in your face at a millisecond rate. Attendees of the show make their way through the crowd, giving their best catwalk in their seconds of fame often with elegance and class.

Yes, I admit I was one of those fangirls standing outside the shows pushing and shoving just wanting to see what everyone was wearing, until I was confronted with an opportunity of a lifetime. When they say everything happens for a reason and sometimes you just have to be there at the right moment, they’re not wrong.

After waiting outside of the Dior show for what felt like hours, I desperately wanted to be inside where the powerful music was blaring, captivating all the models showcasing their elegance in their assigned garments. As soon as I saw the herd of fashion enthusiasts flood the doors, I knew the show was over. Mid-conversation with my friends, my wish was granted by a die-hard fashion enthusiast, like me, who had all the ins and outs to the shows. My eyes widened with awe as I nodded my head so fast, forgetting I was still nodding minutes after he asked if we wanted to attend.

Tuesday, February 25: Night of Saint Laurent

Standing bold across from the Eiffel Tower, the shimmer from the hourly lights bounced off the overpowering stage set up for the elegance and creativity engulfed inside. I could feel the butterflies emerge from my stomach, lifting my stance upright. My heart tripled as I walked in. The fluorescent lights lit up the runway, the stage elongated with the audience members that packed in the stands and the paparazzi desperately tried to capture every celebrity walking by. How did I get here? There was no time to think. Feeling bold, luxurious and exhilarated, I confidently made my way to the stands.

The lights dimmed and the spotlights on the runway roared with a blazing luminescence as the first model triumphantly stepped onto the stage. One by one, striking black latex designs incorporated a throwback aspect of bourgeois trends followed by a sexy and vibrant aesthetic. With defining slicked-back hair, these models stole the runway with power, angst and immense strength owning their rightful sense of self. Almost like the playful devil, dressed in all black and mysteriously up to no good. The ruler, asserting her control, tied it all together with a bold and black latex halter dress with precise side cut outs, complemented by a dainty bow. This was intensity and intimidation matched with eye-catching eroticism from creative director Anthony Vaccarello.

Thursday, February 27: Night of Off-white

Electric, innovative, street inspired fashion was the basis of this show. Setting the scene: encaptivated within a garage like arena, hundreds of people, luxurious and distinct, crowded around. The cow print patterns made an eccentric mark as models paraded in black and white spotted heels, trench coats, and bucket hats.

Opening the show, exotic and bold, was Bella Hadid, featured in an extravagant black dress with ruffles, flares, topped off with an asymmetrical jumpsuit jacket. A nineties aspect was incorporated into the collection with clout glasses, pops of neon, track suit inspired pieces as well as small patterned handbags. From this, you got a sense of the originality within Badger alum Virgil Abloh, and his perspective of creativity. This was complemented with chic, attention grabbing fashion designs. Ending the show with juxtaposition and electricity, Gigi Hadid made a statement in her flare and puffed white gown, paired with another asymmetrical blue jacket and orange safety pin earrings. This highlighted the contrast of brand mix and match detail embodied within this show. Opposition, innovation, and self-aware identity encompassed each and every individual in the room.

The Finale: Tuesday, March 3rd: Night of Louis Vuitton

The finale. The dominating end to fashion week, tying together all the creative innovations designers try to embody and reflecting on the Parisian lifestyle. This is Nicolas Ghesquière’s house of Louis Vuitton.

A feeling of triumph and overarching achievement ran head to toe through one’s body. The butterflies are back. This time evoking a sense of change within self integrity. No longer anxious butterflies, but an overbearing quiver of personal development created through this journey of a lifetime. Just being there, strengthened one’s confidence and appreciation for the aspect of opportunity.

The Queen marvelously walks to her throne accompanied by thousands of individuals dressed in the borgeous elegance, serenading her with angelic voices. This was the era of Belle Epoque when Marie Antoinette embarked on her journey, leaving the audience to reside with grace and etiquette. Connecting the past with the present and time warping from the 1400s-1950s to now was divinely communicated within this show. Banquet style impressions were depicted as the models daintfully tampered in their mini-crinis, gesturing to this aspect of history. A reference to society today was also shown through metallic silver, lace, fiery red and jet black patterns. Soldier form-fitted jackets were even showcased on these delicate yet courageous women, highlighted with decorative yellow details and plutonic royal blues.

This elegance captivated during this era continues to live within all, but this mix of poshness and sophistication is who we are now. You could tell that everyone inside the Louvre that night had gained a wave of tasteful timeliness generated by the worldliness of the collection.

It’s in the unexpected moments like these that amazing things can happen. A college kid studying abroad embarking on this intellectual and creative journey. Because of this, my love and devotion for the art of fashion boiled a raging fiery desire to continue a journey of my own. My future goal: generate inspiration, leaving a feeling of confidence and awe in all, just like Paris fashion week brought to me.