Recent Grad Reflects on her summer at Prestigious Paris Fashion Academy
Claire Johnson ’25, a standout fashion design student and 2025 graduate from Stephens College, was awarded the prestigious Paris American Academy (PAA) Couture Award, given to the highest-scoring design across all apparel categories in the competition. This recognition includes a $10,000 scholarship supporting a summer study abroad opportunity at the Paris American Academy—one of Europe’s premier institutions for fashion education.
Below, Claire reflects on her unforgettable summer immersed in the world of couture, creativity,
and culture in the heart of Paris.
Reflections from My Summer in Paris with PAA
By Claire Johnson ’25
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study fashion at the Paris American Academy (PAA), a renowned design school located in the Latin Quarter of Paris’s 5th arrondissement. Thanks to a scholarship I received through FGI Dallas, I was able to attend their immersive, hands-on summer program, where I studied alongside students from around the world—including Chile, Chicago, Ohio, Boston, and Senegal—and learned directly from professionals in the Paris fashion industry.
Learning the Art of Couture
One of the most inspiring projects of the program was draping a gown inspired by the legendary Madame Grès, known for her meticulous pleating techniques. We worked with soft rayon jersey and constructed everything by hand using couture methods taught by our instructors, Damien and Nicole, both of whom are active professionals in the industry.
What I loved about this project was that, although the final result appeared minimal and elegant, it demanded incredible precision, preparation, and effort. Every pleat was basted in by hand—no chalk allowed. We attached grosgrain waistbands, practiced proper hand finishing, and even learned how to correctly sew on a hook and eye. The fabric was soft and stretchy, making it difficult to control, which is why the basting was so essential.
The Madame Grès technique is fascinating because it starts with basic flat fabric and transforms it into something full of shape and life through pleating. I definitely made every mistake possible along the way, but each one helped me understand the purpose behind every step. That’s what couture is really about: thoughtfulness, intention, and care. It was the perfect project to experience this philosophy.
Our instructors were also deeply supportive and emphasized that fashion is a form of problem solving. While they had structured techniques to teach, they celebrated the different ways each student arrived at their own beautiful results.
Millinery and New Materials
Another highlight was learning millinery (hat-making) from the talented milliner Alexandra Chamaillard. We created hats using both wool and sisal, a flexible woven fiber I’d never worked with before. The wool hats required steaming and shaping over wooden blocks, while the sisal allowed for more freeform, sculptural designs. Both materials challenged me in new ways and offered incredibly satisfying results.
Interning with Elie Saab during Couture Week
Through PAA, I also had the surreal opportunity to intern with Elie Saab during Paris Haute Couture Week. I worked backstage as a dresser during fittings and on show day. My responsibilities included prepping shoes and accessories, organizing garments according to the run of show, and dressing models under intense time pressure—including the iconic Lara Stone, who I even got to make laugh!
One of my favorite memories was watching the expert seamstresses perform last-minute alterations minutes before the show began. The gowns—layered with intricate beading and flawless construction—were breathtaking up close. This experience gave me a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that makes high fashion possible.
I was also struck by how global the team was. Elie Saab, a Lebanese brand, had people backstage speaking Arabic, French, Italian, English, and more. It was a truly inspiring creative melting pot. View the show here>
Exploring Paris and Its Fashion Treasures
The program also included tours of iconic landmarks like Versailles, but two places stood out to me the most: the Dior exhibition and Ultramod, a notions shop near the Opéra.
The Dior exhibit was an immersive journey through fashion history. Each room had a theme, and I especially loved seeing the famous Bar Jacket and an entire space filled with muslins, which deepened my understanding of construction.
Ultramod, on the other hand, felt like a dream: walls of buttons, shelves of ribbons, and stacks of luxurious fabric in every imaginable shade. It was like a very chic candy store for designers.
And of course, I fully embraced the food scene—every pastry and café stop was its own kind of inspiration.
What Surprised Me Most
What surprised me most about working in Paris was how much organized chaos exists behind a couture show—and how seamlessly it all comes together at the last minute. From casting to styling, everything depends on teams of skilled individuals working together toward a beautiful final product. It made me proud of the fashion show teams I’ve worked with at Stephens College. Also surprising: the backstage catering. Think quinoa salads, açai bowls, fresh pastries, and endless espresso.
A Familiar Face Abroad and Looking Forward
One of the most meaningful moments of the summer was meeting up with Mary Ruppert, a fellow Missourian and someone who’s deeply involved with PAA. Seeing a familiar face so far from home was comforting and inspiring. She generously shared her wisdom, and it meant a lot to connect.
As I write this on Bastille Day, I’m eagerly anticipating the Eiffel Tower fireworks tonight. Even with all the tours and lessons, I feel like I’ve only just begun to uncover the layers of this city. I’m leaving Paris feeling inspired, energized, and open to whatever comes next. Hopefully, career opportunities are waiting for me back home—but no matter what, I know that by staying true to my skills and passion, I’ll end up where I’m meant to be.
How Paris Changed Me
Being in Paris—surrounded by couture, history, and artistry—completely shifted how I think about fashion. Seeing iconic garments in person (instead of in books or online) gave me a much deeper respect for the craft. It also reminded me how solid the foundation I’ve received at Stephens College really is. Rather than feeling intimidated, I found myself feeling prepared.
Stephens has always emphasized thoughtful, skilled construction, and this trip confirmed how
crucial that is in the professional world. A heartfelt thank you to Monica McMurry and Kirsty Buchanon for
helping prepare me.
I’m heading home with fresh perspective, ready to be bold, curious, and intentional in everything I create.
