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¡±The most intense, epic experience I have had in ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡¡±

Publish: August 31, 2019

Participant Profile

  • Ayaka KITAGAWA

    Faculty of Economics PEARL 3rd

    RESEARCH TOPIC: ¡°Fashion reboot: can Paul Poiret still survive?¡±

    Ayaka KITAGAWA

    Faculty of Economics PEARL 3rd

    RESEARCH TOPIC: ¡°Fashion reboot: can Paul Poiret still survive?¡±

1.Why did you choose to take part in the Independent Research Project?

The reason is simple: none of the seminars interested me. As a PEARL student, I wanted to pursue my academic research in English, and not many seminars gave us a chance to have a research totally in English. Moreover, my passion was not focused on Economics, but rather in fashion studies focusing its development through basic economic trends. When I have determined not to apply for the seminar, I have actively searched for an English professor who is applicable to IRP program and is wise in fashion studies. This is how I have come across the marvelous Professor Batty who has guided me through the entire year.

2.What was the most rewarding experience?

Through the supervision of Professor Batty, I was introduced to the king of contemporary fashion who is long forgotten: Paul Poiret. The richness of professor¡¯s book collections were remarkable; he had lent me so many books from vintage to the huge collection books that you only see in big sophisticated, artistic libraries. As designers, economic trends and artists influence each other in cultural development, I was able to step foot in the top of the iceberg, digging lower every week. The topic of Paul Poiret has intrigued me more and more, and I have spent the whole year searching for hints about my research topic. I believe the opportunity to dig deeper in a field that you love was the most rewarding experience of all.

3.How do you apply what you have learned here to the future?

I am thinking of pursuing my career in the fashion world, and the research itself helped me study fashion history to fashion business which you can not normally learn from the classes or seminars in ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. Because I did not take part in other seminars or club activities in that year, I was able to fully occupy my time learning about fashion related topics. I want to use the two years of my IRP to learn more about what I have always wanted to study, and apply this knowledge when I go to my masters education, or my future career.

4. A short message to future participants

IRP lets you dig deeper in any field your heart pounds on as long as you find a professor of economics faculty who is willing to supervise you in the field. It is such a special opportunity to have your research done with a professor one-to-one. I am sure your university schooldays will be enriched from this experience.

STUDENT INTERVIEW