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¡±Continuation and development of the prior thesis¡±

Publish: August 31, 2020

Participant Profile

  • Ayaka KITAGAWA

    Faculty of Economics PEARL 4th

    RESEARCH TOPIC: ¡°Tradition & Innovation: Italian Womenswear in Perspective¡±

    Ayaka KITAGAWA

    Faculty of Economics PEARL 4th

    RESEARCH TOPIC: ¡°Tradition & Innovation: Italian Womenswear in Perspective¡±

1.Why did you choose to take part in the Independent Research Project for two years continuing from the previous year?

I was content to retake IRP as I found that there was nothing more rewarding and exclusive in programs offered at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. The first year of research was a first step forward to acknowledging the existence of the deep ocean in the field of fashion studies, and the second provided me to look from another aspect. Notably, I looked at French fashion as well as the crusades of modern fashion reboots last year, and this year, I was able to see the old tradition of Italian textiles and its current impact. These experiences built up my confidence to apply to a master¡¯s degree program in the fashion department and continue my research on fashion studies ¨C which I cannot be more grateful.

2.Is there any difference between taking the first year and the second year? In terms of your consciousness, etc?

Having done the process twice, I understood the importance of habitual reading and developing papers from the start of the semester. Since I did not have creative work this time, it gave me more time to focus on acknowledging the history and critical observation on the term ¡°Made in Italy¡±. The most significant difference between the first and second year would be the shift to online meetings due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, Professor Batty would help me get in hold of the required books and made the experience fulfilling.

3.What was the most rewarding experience?

It¡¯s always rewarding to have a one-to-one session with the professor and given feedback on the outcome every week. Because I focused on a field which is relative to everyday life, it enabled me to compare my thoughts before and after the research, while also critically questioning my own. IRP improved my way of writing while preparing me for academic pieces.

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

IRP was an excellent opportunity for me to step into the field of fashion, which is an interdisciplinary field on its own. My economic background helped me support and understand the mechanism of fashion. I was determined to use it to further engage with this discipline in the master¡¯s program of Parsons Paris, the New School. The prosperous experience of researching, weekly meetings and presentations granted me with confidence in tackling a new field while also enwidening career options. I am sure that the time at ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ would not have been as interactive and productive without the participation of this program.

5. A short message to future participants

For anyone looking for a way to dive deeper into your interest in your own time, I highly recommend getting proactive and participating in IRP. Whether it¡¯s economics, sociology, sports or arts, you will be able to engage in the field with a fresh eye and obtain affluence academically.

STUDENT INTERVIEW