My name is Meredith Kristufek and I am a Fashion Marketing and Management student at The Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m inspired by creative directors that relate impactful stories through visual mediums. I build narrative-driven art that engages viewers and evokes emotion. My clean, elegant style draws out order from chaos and showcases the beauty in the mundane using shape, color, and connections between people and nature.
Participation in this program has allowed me to immerse myself in international art, business, and see the world from a global perspective. First hand experience is something that cannot be taught in a classroom, and I am grateful to say it has helped me gain the skills, and knowledge I need as I enter my professional career.
Hello
My name is Meredith
Day in the Life:
Rome Business School
Join my classmates and I for a day in Rome at the Rome Business School! We started off the morning with lectures at the school, and then we were off for our Colosseum tour. After getting to see the Colosseum and Ancient Roman architecture, we visited the Maxxi Museum. We finished off the day with a dinner at our favorite restaurant, Trattoria Al Tettarello, and enjoyed some gelato!
Derrick Jones Studio
We were fortunate enough to spend two days with the Rome Business School during our time in Rome. Before our arrival, the Rome Business School had planned two full days of lectures, tours, and excursions for us. Each day started at the school with two lectures. We would then have a lunch break and finish the day with a guided tour or activity, such as an Italian cooking class.
On the first day, we had an incredible guest lecturer named Derrick Jones. Derrick is the founder and designer of Derrick Jones Studio, a Rome-based atelier specializing in merchandising, design, and interiors.
As a fashion marketing major, I admire Derrick's extensive experience in the industry. From age sixteen, he managed a vintage boutique in Miami. After gaining some experience in boutiques, he moved to New York City to work more on the corporate side of the industry, doing visual merchandising. Derrick became the youngest executive at Macy's Herald Square at just twenty-three. He also worked for The Body Shop and spent fourteen years at Burberry, where he worked with over six-hundred clients.
"Problem" isn't a part of his vocabulary. There is always a solution. Derrick is resourceful, creative, inventive, and incredibly inspiring. During his lecture, he showed us some of the products he sells. He first showed us "Cuff to Cup, " an upcycled dress shirt sleeve that has been transformed into a wine bottle cover/sleeve. Not only is this product sustainable, as it keeps the old dress shirts out of landfills, but it is also unique and makes the bottle look fun and presentable; it's certainly a conversation starter at any dinner party. Derrick then showed us "Tank Shop," an upcycled tank top turned into a tote bag using a hot silicone binding method. Similar to "Cuff to Cup," the tote is a sustainable alternative to plastic shopping bags and is far more stylish and unique. The last product Derrick showed us was "The Jones," a multifunctional accessory. It can be worn in many different ways and functions as a scarf, a vest, a tote/purse, or simply a fashion statement. The zipper compartments allow you to keep your essentials on you so that your hands remain free of bags. It's such a thoughtful but chic design, and I had to have one.
During his lecture, Derrick created such a lively, fun, and welcoming environment. He told us both his story and his products' story. By sharing these, he created a genuine connection with the audience–a powerful people strategy. Furthermore, Derrick went out of his way to deliver "The Jones" to me and the other students that purchased them. Derrick's thoughtfulness and dedication to providing his audience and customers with a positive experience are commendable. Another strategy I noticed Derrick using was a branding strategy; on every product Derrick creates, he puts his logo on it. Not only is Derrick proud of his brand and wants people to know you are wearing Derrick Jones Studio, but he is also hoping to gain new followers, customers, and clients. By seeing this logo, they can easily find his website or social media.
Overall, Derrick was one of my favorite speakers from the trip. Derrick was so incredibly passionate about his mission, brand, and products. From concept to execution, everything Derrick does is thought out, sustainable, and provides solutions for consumers.
I am grateful to own one of Derrick's creations and cannot wait to see what else he will make.
Special thanks to the Rome Business School for welcoming and hosting us in Rome and to our guest speakers Giuliana Chiaron, Derrick Jones, Giosuè Prezioso, and Francesca Pollicini.
Here I am modeling "The Jones" by Derrick Jones Studio!
Ferragamo Museum:
Wanda Ferragamo
I was very excited when we received word that we would attend the Ferragamo museum in Florence. I have always admired Ferragamo as a brand. However, I did not know much about the brand, including its history, evolution, or product specialties, and I was curious to learn more.
While the Ferragamo Museum was located in Florence, I had no idea that Ferragamo was founded there in 1927 and that their headquarters remain in Florence. I learned that the Ferragamo Museum is actually in the basement of the Ferragamo headquarters. The exhibit we toured highlighted Wanda Ferragamo, Salvatore’s wife, but this exhibit changes yearly to showcase different aspects of the brand and its history.
Learning about Wanda Ferragamo was very interesting. I had no idea how large of a role she played in her husband's company. Not only was she a muse for Salvatore and the mother of his children, she understood women, Salvatore's clients, and helped market their products. When Salvatore passed away in 1960, Wanda was not even forty-years-old, and she had never worked before. Nonetheless, she decided to assume leadership of the company, all while looking after and raising her children. Wanda was driven by the energy of love and chose to honor her husband by carrying on his legacy. Wanda was determined to turn Salvatore's handcrafted women's footwear workshop into a fashion house where their children could continue to walk the path of dedication, innovation, and creativity as their father did. Under Wanda's leadership, Ferragamo became an international Empire. However, Wanda never flaunted her accomplishments; instead, she gave credit to others, including her husband, her children, and her collaborators. Wanda was the steadfast leader of Ferragamo until her death in 2018. She passed away at ninety.
The exhibit itself was very captivating as well. There were countless pairs of shoes, gowns, historical artifacts, family photos, and more. A common theme I noticed was the importance of family. Salvatore came from a large family and then had six children with Wanda. A very touching piece in the exhibit was when we sawWanda’s family, her children, and grandchildren talk about how being a Ferragamo and their namesake is so important to them.
Additionally, much of the exhibit was about women joining the workforce at the same time Wnada did. These items included ads, furniture, accessories, magazines, and more. Wanda was constantly inspired by these women that defied the image and identity they were told a woman had to have, and she wanted her work to reflect that. These two themes of family and female empowerment were inspiring throughout the exhibit and clearly showed how genuine Wanda was as a person.
For me, the entire story of Wanda Ferragamo was a people and branding strategy for Ferragamo. By not only telling but showing and immersing the audience in the story of Wanda Ferragamo, museum guests built a connection to Wanda and the brand's history. The exhibit's artifacts further strengthened the connection to the audience, proving that family and female empowerment are part of the brand's core values. Also, the exhibit's colors were often neutral, putting all the attention and emphasis on the artifacts and products. This was a thoughtful and intentional branding strategy Ferragamo used to highlight Wanda and how she wanted customers to feel: timeless, sophisticated and empowered.
Finally, I noticed an odd amount of similarities between myself and Wanda. For starters, we were both born on December 18th. Both Wanda's mother and my own were seamstresses, and that is where our interests in fashion, sewing, and design stem from. We also share similar passions, including cooking, fashion, and women's empowerment. Both of us also strongly love our families. I can only hope that one day, we leave similar legacies as well.
The Beauty of
The Vatican
Did you know Vatican City is the smallest country in the world? Not only is it the smallest, but it is also one of the most beautiful. Join my classmates and I as we tour and experience the rich history, art, and beauty of The Vatican.
Trattoria Al Tettarello
At some point during our trip, we all had that moment where we thought to ourselves, “Wow, look at where I am right now.” When I felt this, it came with overwhelming joy and happiness. I thought about how grateful I am for the opportunity of studying abroad. I found myself feeling this while I was at dinner with my friends in Rome.
Going into this trip, I was most excited to try new foods and experience local cuisine. In London, I happily ate baked beans for breakfast every morning. In France, I got a baguette whenever I saw one. When we got to Rome, our first stop in Italy, we spent most of our time at the Rome Business School, which didn’t allow us much time to sit down and enjoy the food. However, if you take college students to Rome, they will find a way to eat.
My friends and I found a small restaurant called Trattoria Al Tettarello. When we walked in, we knew we would have a good meal as soon we saw the fake meat, family photos, plaid tablecloths, and twinkling string lights. The environment created by the traditional decor of the restaurant made the whole moment feel more like an immersive experience. In this instance, the restaurant’s decor was a strategy they used to immerse us, the customers, in their brand. This made us feel comfortable and excited to eat there, and, for me, seeing the family photos created an emotional connection to the brand and restaurant as I come from a family who loves to cook.
We didn’t have a reservation, so we had to sit at two tables. However, it didn't stop us from having a good time. As soon as we sat down and were handed some of the largest menus I had ever seen in my life; physically, they were huge, but the sheer amount of options to choose from was incredible. There were pictures of all the food, which made it clear that it would be incredible no matter what you chose. After taking our order, our waiter brought out our drinks, and that’s when the fun began. Manuel, our waiter for that evening, was always cracking jokes, feeding us, taking silly photos with us, and making sure we were having a good time. And the food, the food was some of the best I’ve ever had. That night, I ate cacio e pepe and the best Margherita pizza.
As the night came to a close, we knew we had to come back. The next day would be our last in Rome, and we had to go out with a bang. Before we left, we told Manuel we would be back again and made a reservation for nine for the next evening. Sure enough, we returned the next day ready for another night of fun, food, and friends. That night, we sat at an L-shaped table, letting us all see and talk to each other. Once again, we drank, ate, laughed, and cried.
It was at that L-shaped table that I realized where I was; I was on a study abroad trip with my new best friends, but I was also in Rome eating dinner with my new family. These two dinners are core memories for me, memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Core Memories
Made in Europe
While abroad, I met amazing people and made lifelong friends. "Brooks' Babes" thoroughly enjoyed the themselves and made the most of every moment. Here are some core memories and highlights from the trip!
A Shopping Addict's Dream: Carnaby Street
I am what most people would call a shopping addict. While I love shopping for clothes, I believe I am simply addicted to the shopping experience. I enjoy the hunt at thrift stores, finding something that piques my interest, buying something as a gift, etc. I was ecstatic to be going on this trip right before Christmas because I knew I would find the perfect and unique Christmas gifts for my family and friends–and maybe a few things for myself.
Our first stop on the trip was London which was super exciting because I knew London was known for its shopping. Whether it’s the luxury stores on Oxford Street, vintage markets in Shoreditch, or even the tourist shops in the London Underground, there is something for everyone. However, many of our days in London were full of excursions, meetings, and tours, so I wasn’t sure how much time I would have to shop. Luckily, that worry quickly faded during our first dinner when we were told we would go to Carnaby Street to spend some time before our meeting later in the day.
Carnaby Street, located in Soho in the City of Westminster, Central London, is surrounded by other iconic shopping streets such as Oxford and Regent Street. Carnaby street has been blocked off or pedestrianized so that people can walk freely about the street without cars coming through. It is home to many fashion and lifestyle retailers, and independent boutiques. Though Carnaby is known for its shopping, it also has a rich heritage; the street rose to fame in the 1960s as it offered a new and exciting atmosphere filled with unheard music, bold colors, creativity, and an anticipation that anything was possible. It attracted music greats such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, as well as fashionistas and socialites. Today, Carnaby continues to be a hub of activity, shopping, dining, music, and more.
That day, Carnaby Street greeted us with unique street art, including sculptures of sea life and snowmen hanging from above, and of course, Christmas lights! There were hundreds of stores–some we had heard of and some entirely new to us. I remember I was with some classmates when we arrived, and we were so excited, like kids in a candy store. We spent some time going to each store, finding lots of goodies along the way. One of my favorite stops was Liberty, where I purchased tea, cookies, and chocolate to take home to my family.
After working up an appetite, we found ourselves heading to the food court, which was an entire four-story building consisting only of restaurants. We chose to eat at Stax Diner, and if you ever find yourself near Carnaby Street or Soho, this is a must. I ordered vegan buffalo cauliflower with a vegan blue cheese dressing. It was incredible. The food was immaculate, and the service and atmosphere were also amazing. While I was at lunch, I reflected on ways the shops and Carnaby were using branding and people strategies. I thought about how every store I walked into, I was greeted and created a connection with both the employees and the store. This created a positive experience for me, the customer, and likely influenced me to purchase more. At lunch, our waiter created a genuine connection and served us an unforgettable meal. Many of us were moved to leave them a positive Google Review, which can often make or break a brand. In terms of branding, I enjoyed seeing how all the different stores had decorated their exteriors. For example, the Benefit Cosmetics store was painted bright pink and was covered in colorful faux flowers–a perfect visual representation of the brand. Other stores I wasn’t familiar with that used this branding strategy would entice me to come in with their unique exterior and decor.
As the day came to a close, I was wondering how I would be fitting so many shopping bags in my already full suitcase. Carnaby Street was truly a dream for me, and I cannot wait to go on a shopping spree there again someday.
This was me three days after Carnaby Street trying to pack my suitcase for Lacoste...
London Favorites
While in London, we were fortunate enough to see and experience so much. In this vlog, I share my favorite places and activities from London including shopping on Carnaby Street, eating at STAX Diner, riding the London Eye, visiting museums such as the Museum of Brands and Tate Modern, seeing iconic spots such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, going on a Christmas lights tour, and taking the Uber Boat!
Carrières des Lumières
There have been very few times in my life when I have been so overwhelmed by the beauty of something that I am rendered speechless or begin to cry. Carrières des Lumières was one of them.
Carrières des Lumières is an immersive art experience in Les Baux-de-Provence, France. The art is projected onto the walls of a quarry; over many years, limestone was dug out from these quarries. Today, however, the Carrières des Lumières offer more than 7,000 m² of illuminations.
From Lacoste to Carrières des Lumières, it was about an hour's drive through the mountains. Cedric, the Executive Director of SCAD Lacoste, was kind enough to drive us there. While it was early in the morning, and I wanted to sleep, the beauty of the scenery kept me awake. When we arrived, the quarry was up on the top of a mountain and was, therefore, quite cold. I was eager to get inside the exhibit to see the art and escape the cold. A staff member briefed us on the exhibit rules before we entered. She told us that we were to remain very quiet, and that flash photography was not allowed. While these rules seem self-explanatory, I thought about how this is a strategy the exhibit uses to enhance every visitor's experience. With people speaking loudly or phones flashing around you, you would not be able to experience and immerse yourself in the exhibit fully. The better experience you have, the more likely you are to speak and reflect positively on the brand.
When the doors opened, I was shocked; I couldn’t speak. I was on the verge of tears.
The doors of the exhibit are on a large wall in the back. Therefore, when you enter, you can see the entire exhibit. The sight of it is difficult to process at first; you are taking in the vast size of the quarry, the beautiful artwork, and the incredible technology being used to project the art. It took me a few minutes to ground myself and collect my thoughts. During those few minutes, I felt like it was just me there. I was completely immersed in the art.
While we were in the quarry, we viewed two artists’ projections. We first saw Venice, la Sérénissima, which took visitors on a journey to discover the artistic and architectural treasures of the city of Venice. The second was Yves Klein, infinite blue. Yves Klein was inspired by the Mediterranean sky and wanted to take viewers on a spiritual journey to a metaphysical dimension. I don’t think I could pick a favorite out of these two. Both were shockingly beautiful and incredibly moving.
When it was time to go, I was sad but thought, "I'll be back." We piled back into Cedric’s van and started heading back to Lacoste. As we were driving back, Cedric took a slight detour so we could see Vincent Van Gogh’s asylum and where he painted some of his most famous pieces. I felt like I was taken back in time, and it was surreal to see the landscapes in his paintings in real life.
Whether you are a SCAD student planning on studying in Lacoste, or just someone looking for something to do when they visit the south of France, the Carrières des Lumières immersive art experience is a must. I cannot wait to experience it again someday.
Core Memories
Made in Europe
Part 2
So many amazing memories and highlights from this trip that there couldn't be just one vlog about them!
Recreating Art in Italy
Please enjoy my classmates recreating some of the beautiful art we saw in Italy!
