My name is Mia Aponte, and I am a Fashion Marketing and Management student at the Savannah College of Art and Design. At the start of my studies, I was set on following a strict path, but SCAD inspired me to push boundaries as I continued to learn more about different creative fields. I have gained experience and interest in creative directing, photography, styling, and much more. I want to use all these outlets and varying passions to push my creative career and, at its core, tell stories. It is the one thing we all have in common; through it, we create connections through numerous outlets and channels. In the creative field, I want to make sure that no story is untold.
By being involved in this program, I have immersed myself in the business and art world abroad, and it has changed my global perspective and initial perception. SCAD students are encouraged to, not only to showcase their creativity and work on real-life situations to prepare themselves so opportunity meets preparation. This excursion has helped me gain the skills and knowledge about the international business and art industry which will benefit me as I enter my professional career and beyond.
Hello
My name is Mia
West End Girls
Our first stop on our study abroad trip was none other than London, United Kingdom. London is an amazing city filled with rich culture, captivating art, fantastic food, and great nightlife. Although the weather could’ve been better and the sun didn’t set so early, London was so multicultural. Everywhere you looked, there was something new to catch your eye. I was captivated by the city from the start. I already had high expectations before flying since many of my friends and family highly recommended visiting London. And they were absolutely right!
Besides the numerous tourist attractions such as Big Ben, London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, and Abbey Road, there is so much more London has to offer. One place, in particular, is Carnaby Street.
Carnaby Street is located in London’s West End and is known for its iconic heritage. It was the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960s, the home of the Mods, Skinheads, Punks, and New Romantics, and it is the place forthe street-style tribes today. Carnaby has been and always will be the epicenter of culture and lifestyle. Anybody who’s anybody has walked these streets–The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, The Sex Pistols, Vivienne Westwood–they’ve lived at the heart of the West End.
Knowing its history and background, we met the Re Design offices to take a look at their day-to-day lives and how their environment has inspired them. Re is a part of Saatchi & Saatchi which has offices across the world, such as Sydney, Melbourne, Stockholm, Dubai, and pretty soon New York. It was the first company we met on this trip, and I was really impressed and captivated by their work environment since it is a path I would consider for my career. During our meeting with Re, we had the chance to learn about the company and their work-life through Tom and John (two executive workers at Re). In addition to learning more about John and Tom, we got the chance to see some of their previous and up-coming work with clients. Their use of motion media and UX design and constant documentation of their work clearly shows how proud and excited they are to work with their clients from all over the world. I was so fortunate to see their agency’s work and put into perspective how this could be a potential career path for me. Not to mention, their office space has constant inspiration from the world around them, especially Carnaby Street.
After meeting with Re, we were able to explore the West End ourselves and get a feel for the area. And, of course, shop! Many members of both classes walked around and found a plethora of shops. We even found Harry Styles's pop-up, Pleasing, and we instantly waited in line to look at all the merch and eventually I caved in and purchased the Pleasing beach bag tote. Overall, Carnaby Street was an amazing experience, and I cannot wait to go back to London again and explore the area even more in the future.
London Calling...
These are all my favorite photos and memories from London. This city was so fascinating and filled with such energy and culture and I cannot wait to go back in the future!
Life in Lacoste
Lacoste was a big change after spending a week in London with so much to see and do. I was excited to see our SCAD facilities and get a perspective of the French countryside, but in the beginning, it was a rude awakening. Our travel day was filled with so many highs and lows (mostly lows), so my expectations for Lacoste at the start were pretty low, if I’m being honest. But man, I was so wrong.
Lacoste was a big change after spending a week in London with so much to see and do. I was excited to see our SCAD facilities and get a
perspective of the French countryside, but in the beginning, it was a rude awakening. Our travel day was filled with so many highs and lows (mostly lows), so my expectations for Lacoste at the start were pretty low, if I’m being honest. But man, I was so wrong.When we finally got to Lacoste (two plane rides and a bus later), our class was exhausted but little did we realize the amount of walking we would need just to get to our dorms. Not to mention, the walks consisted of small cobblestone hills while I dragged a bag that was filled to the brim and two bursting suitcases. I was sweating profusely, and I remember halfway up the hill I was ready to give up. But eventually, we made it. The living situation in Lacoste was probably one of my favorite living situations just because of how close I connected with other students on the trip.
In our house, there were eight girls in total–two groups of two, one person to themself, and a group of three in a room. Now, having roomed by myself in London, it was definitely an adjustment, but I’m glad I was able to connect and meet more people on the trip. Not to mention, we were in a pretty small space since it was the three of us, but I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I was able to bond more with my team and get to know everyone on a more personal level.
Overall, SCAD Lacoste was very eye-opening in terms of how regardless of being in the countryside, we were still able to explore the area and go on some amazing excursions. One activity I really enjoyed was the SCADAMP classes with John Yelvington. We worked on three different workshops with him, and even though it was a lot of information at times, John made each activity very informational and entertaining and made me realize that the SCADAMP classes are very beneficial when perfecting your public speaking skills.
Another excursion I enjoyed was going to the Carrières des Lumières. This was an immersive art experience with numerous art projections and movies displayed throughout caves. I have never been to an exhibition like this, and it was unforgettable seeing all these artworks come to life. Even the drive there was incredible since we were driving in the middle of valleys, canyons, and towns.
One thing I will note before coming to SCAD Lacoste is to keep an open mind because it is a truly amazing experience if you make the most out of it. Going to the outside towns, walking and exploring the castle scenery will change your perspective of France for sure.
La Dolce Vita
When visiting Rome, our group was so fortunate enough to collaborate with The Rome Business School to gain access to international communications, visit tourist attractions, and go on multiple excursions. Our three days in Rome were jam packed with these incredible experiences thanks to the Rome Business School. I just wanted to personally thank the Rome Business School and our guest speakers, Giuliana Chiaron, Derek Jones, Giosuè Prezioso, and Francesca Pollicini. Each lecture was super well-planned and insightful. I learned so much about fashion, project management, and what it means to represent the “Made in Italy” brand.
Before meeting with their team, I had no idea the “Made in Italy” brand was so infamous within their country and how they used this concept to rebrand their entire country. Today, we think of Italy as warm and inviting, with amazing fashion and food to enjoy. Although, almost 80 years ago, that was not the case. Professor Giosuè Prezioso explained how this significant rebranding elevated and changed the perception of Italians. Specifically through movies, music, and fashion. This lecture was astonishing, and it completely changed my perspective on Italy.
After our lecture, we were able to go on La Dolce Vita Tour which took us walking through Rome monuments such as Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Campo de’ Fiori. My favorite places on our tour were definitely the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon. At the Spanish Steps, there was so much shopping and walking. It was amazing to learn why the steps were built and to see the decorations since we visited during the holidays. I loved that area so much that I went back with some of the girls from the classes and got to walk the steps, shop, and, of course, take pictures. I also loved the Trevi Fountain. When we were taking the tour, I could hear cascading water and I remember getting so excited to throw my coin over the fountain. I have also admired it since it was the location for Fendi’s show , and it was mind-blowing getting to see the fountain in person. The detail of the fountain is truly unforgettable, with the intricacy and placement of each sculpture. Lastly, I really enjoyed walking past the Pantheon because I learned a lot about Roman architecture before attending this trip.t was crazy to see it in person rather than in a textbook. We were also able to see the Pantheon at night, which was truly remarkable, and I was in complete shock.
For me, Rome will always have a special place in my heart because I am such an admirer of their architecture, fashion, culture, and food of course. I distinctly remember after these excursions, a group of us from the trip went to a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant, and it was the best food I had on the trip. We even went back for a second round the next night. Making those memories and seeing Rome and all its beauty made me fully understand what it is to live La Dolce Vita. I cannot wait to go back.
Wanda Ferragamo: The Powerhouse
Before attending the exhibition and meeting the Ferragamo facilities, I had no preconceived notions about the brand. To be honest, I didn’t know much about them, but I was instantly captivated by all the objects presented and wanted to know more.
Salvatore Ferragamo (rebranded in September 2022 as Ferragamo) is an Italian luxury goods company. The brand specializes in designing and manufacturing footwear and leather goods, which account for over 86% of its revenue. The remaining products include ready-to-wear, silk products, fashion accessories, licensed eyewear, watches, and perfumes. The brand operates in 447 stores worldwide.
What I didn’t know about Ferragamo is the influence Wanda Ferragamo has had on her husband’s brand’s success. She was the true mastermind in terms of marketing and catering to women and the clientele they were trying to attract. After her husband’s death in 1960, she was the lead fashion designer and businesswoman to foresee the brand until her death in 2018. Their clientele ranged from celebrities, socialites, and even the British Royal Family.
When entering the exhibit, you are welcomed with so many articles of clothing, books, and possessions Wanda from her office. I was captivated by all her family photos and the things she had of her mother since she was a seamstress, and that’s how she developed her curiosity for fashion. What I also liked was that she had letters from Diana Spencer, the Princess of Wales thanking for her shoes she created and thanking the family and her in particular. That was so touching, especially since there were photos of the two together just before Spencer’s death in 1997.
As you continue to walk through the exhibition, you see a lot of products at the time that inspired a lot of Wanda’s work. Especially women of the time period. Her work constantly reflected the care and view of the women whether in the workforce or at home. One part I enjoyed was seeing all of Wanda’s children and grandchildren talk about the brand and how their family brand is so important for them as well as what it means to be a woman wearing Ferragamo. For me, that was so inspiring and impactful to see not only the importance of family within the brand but also the sense of female empowerment when wearing their products.
Another area I spent a lot of time admiring, is the area where you see a dressing room set up containing numerous pairs of shoes and items of Wanda and other well known celebrities. Specifically, shoes of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe which were just astonishing to see in person. I had a feeling some of the shoes belonged to Marilyn since they looked so familiar.
In this area I can distinctly remember all the clothes of Wanda from everyday to evening wear and all her magazines and makeup scattered around the vanity. I remember being in the for so long but I just couldn’t look away.
I am so glad I was able to see this exhibition and of course learn more about the Ferragamo brand and how Wanda Ferragamo made such a significant impact on the brand as well as the Fashion Industry.
Forza Ferrari
Before studying abroad, this excursion was the one I was looking forward to the most since I felt personal ties to the brand. As a fan of Formula One or F1, which is an international auto racing sport. F1 is the highest level of single-seat, open-wheel and open-cockpit professional motor racing contests. There are 10 teams each with two drivers competing for the World’s Constructors Championship while the drivers are also competinging for the World Driver’s Championship. F1 consists of about 22 grand prix and depending on the place the driver’s get they earn points for themselves and their teams. Since I am such a big Ferrari fan, I was so excited to go to their Red team workshop and go visit their facilities.
When entering the Ferrari facilities I was instantly amazed by the F1 car hanging on the ceiling. It was so crazy to see the car in person since I never thought I would get close to a car like that ever in my life. From there on, we saw pictures of the two Ferrari drivers, Carlos Saniz and Charles Leclerc and they were taken to their workshop facilities.
When sitting down at the workshop we were given a presentation on Ferrari’s marketing strategies and how their advertising is surprisingly slim to none. Ferrari views this strategy as an incentive to rely on word of mouth in order for the cars to sell. Since this brand is very prestigious and caters to a certain clientele, they rely on celebrities and the people who afford their cars to sell their exclusive cars. For Ferrari, it's a club; in order to even purchase a Ferrari you must have connections to the brand and even to customize your car you need to have at least 5 Ferrrari beforehand. There are more exclusive aspects to this club but this is the only way to get your foot in the door with the brand. By using this form of advertising, customers recognize how these cars (which take over 5 years to manufacture) are that much of not only a luxury, but an investment for your future.
After the workshop, our class was able to tour and see how Ferrari came to be and their different models over the years. It was so fascinating to see all the different styles/models they have created overtime and also how they plan to take their cars to the next level in the future. My personal favorite part of the museum was seeing all the medals, trophies, and cars of the previous Formula One Champions that have won with Ferrari. Such as, Michael Schumacker, Niki Lauda, Kimi Räikkönen, Alberto Ascari, and much more. I remember just instantly being in awe of all the F1 cars around me and I didn’t want to leave. After the tour, our group was able to go to the gift shop and continue to browse around the facility. And of course, as a Ferrari fan lets just say, I made a couple purchases.
The Ferrari factory was an amazing experience that I will forever cherish and I am so fortunate that this was our last excursion as a class as we ended our study abroad experience.
Best Advice for SCAD Study Abroad
Here is all my best advice I can give as a student on SCAD Study Abroad. I hope this video is helpful and insightful when considering going on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
How to Pack for
Study Abroad
Here is everything I packed or I wished I should have packed on my trip abroad. I hope this video is beneficial and can help any over-packer like myself when being realistic when packing.
