Alumni Testimonials (2)

Former students reflect on what the PFI experience means to them.

Emily Paulsen

Email: epaulsen(at)ashland.edu
Class of June 2007

The Paris Fashion Institute offered me the experience of a lifetime. The teachers were wonderful, the living situation was convenient, and the knowledge is immense. I could not be happier with my decision to attend PFI, and I recommend the program to ANYONE who is interested! You will learn more than you could ever imagine, on top of spending a month in the most beautiful city in the world.
Carlson Cole

Email: coleac(at)mailbox.sc.edu
Class of June 2007

Paris Fashion Institute was the best experience of my entire life! I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone, especially if your goal is to be involved in the fashion industry. Not only did I get a chance to meet wonderful speakers and influential people in the fashion industry, I also got to experience the magical city of Paris with many people I will never forget. I am very thankful for the opportunity and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Ashley Stansberry Bruce

Email: a_stansberry(at)yahoo.com
Class of September 2003

I was a part of the September 2003 class. What an amazing opportunity it was to study fashion in Paris! Not only did I learn a tremendous amout, but I cherish the relationships I developed with the other students in my class. I decided to go to the PFI with a classmate from Michigan State as we were both interested in learning more about fashion and exploring the city. We could not have been more pleased with what we learned, and the memories we took home from PFI! We were both fortunate enough to visit Paris this past September 2007 and it was such a blast seeing the school again, and all of our favorite hangouts! I highly reccomend this program for anyone looking to further their love for fashion, explore the city, and create unforgettable memories! Joan was such a wonderful person to get to know, she was like our “mother abroad.” It would not have been the same without you Joan…keep up the great work! I am always envious the beginning of the months that PFI takes place! I wish I was back in Paris starting the whole process over again :)
Cat Flanagan

Email: JUICYXGIRL43(at)aol.com
Class of September 2007

Fashion is all about taking risks, and for me it was to get on a plane to study in Paris. Although there were times I felt akward or out of place, I would not take back a minute of my experience there. Being back home for a few months, I feel like my time spent there was a dream. The city sparked something in me, and I am now ready to get to the next level in my journey. Thank you pfi.
Luciana Bordignon

Email: lucianabordignon(at)aol.com
Class of 1988

Ahh Paris……what fond memories the food, the people and the fashion. It was time well spent. I loved every minute of it, everyday was full and exciting. Joan and Paul where wonderful, and the places they sent us to like, the Jean Paul Gaultier party, the Channel fashion show, Paul let me try on the cloths after the Dior show. Going to Paris in 1988 was one of the best things I ever did. To all my former classmates…. a big hello… and I would love to hear from you. Thank you for the wonderful experience, an album full of pictures and the lessons that I have taken away with me
Antoinette Delgado

Email: antoinetiux(at)yahoo.com
Class of June 2006

Paris Fashion Institute was a great experience and taught me a lot. You meet amazing experienced people that can really inspire you. Joan got me an internship with a fashion designer for 6 months so I decided to stay in Paris. I went to many couture shows for Paris Faswhion Week and it was an incredible experience. After that, I stayed one year more and now I speak French fluently, I am more experienced in fashion and I will always have amazing memories of paris I will never forget. PFI allows you too see fashion in a different perspective. Now, I will go back home in 3 days. I am sad but at the same time I feel I am more prepared than ever to follow my path. Thank You Joan for the amazing opportunity!!
John Mendrea

Email: jnmendrea(at)yahoo.com
Class of September 2007

The best way to sum it up is to ask, “Would I do it all over again?” That answer without a doubt is absolutely! I am a fashion design student here in Cleveland, Ohio and I decided to attend PFI while still in school here. I knew I wanted to study in Paris eventually and being a design student, I also had a desire to see fashion from another perspective. All the intructors were incredibly knowledgable and all are professionals in the industry. They each taught me so much more than I could have imagined. If you are someone who is debating attending PFI you shouldn’t. If you know that fashion is a path you want to pursue then this program is just what you need. Everyone says it, but it’s so true that I will never forget my time in Paris and I look forward to returning in the near future.
Pamela

Email: pamela.Rockers(at)gmail.com
Class of Fall 07

For whoever who has seen the light but can’t find that swith to turn it on back again.. It is the slap you need to wake up and realize you chose the right path! Fashion is a hurracaine of emotions and no better place than Paris to feel the the strong emotions and the drive that is inside of you. It is definetly a month worth the while….
Caroline Bradshaw

Email: bradshan(at)mailbox.sc.edu
Class of June 2007

PFI was an amazing, once in a life time experience. I met so many amazing people from all over the world. I learned more here in one month than I have learned in my two years of schooling at the University of South Carolina. I will definitely carry this experience with me throughout my future ventures. I would recommend PFI to anyone who loves fashion and wants the opportunity to become completely engulfed in it.
Rachel Marie Walsh

Email: rachel_marie_walsh(at)yahoo.co.uk
Class of 2007

I cannot recommend this course highly enough for anyone who intends to work in fashion. In one month you get a comprehensive education from a warm an dedicated team of tutors as well as four weeks worth of inspiring evening lectures and practical experience. Thanks to the tutors’ careful time management, we also managed to take in the Parisian sights, world-famous art galleries and the magnificent Versailles (by far my favourite). The highlights of the experience are all pointed out for you in advance. Who else will tell you to pay attention to the ostrich skin walls at Hermes? You can’t really say you know Paris unless you appreciate these things. One of my classmates actually spotted Karl Lagerfeld, surely the most amazing sight of all!I was treated to plenty of ‘unofficial’ information about the many great designers Joan has known.That’s not going in the guestbook,you have to ask her! I only left Paris four months ago yet have come across PFI’s guest lecturers in Vogue,Elle, FashionTV, W, 10 and numerous other major fashion hubs. They are all at the top of their respective professions and, apart from hearing wonderful lectures, introductions to people like that are priceless. Joan and her colleagues went above and beyond the role of tutor time and again to ensure everyone had an amazing time and felt totally safe and guided in Paris.Joan herself worked incredibly hard to find contacts for me in my chosen career. Joan has time for everyone so everyone has time for Joan.I for one am planning to get back to the city as soon as I can. I only wish PFI ran a full term course!
Julia Skwarski

Email: jls111(at)students.jwu.edu
Class of June 2007

This was a great program that I will always remember and hopefully use for my future in the fashion world.
Audrey Quenneville

Email: aquenn(at)comcast.net
Class of June 1984

Hi, I was one of you earlier students in the summer of June 1984 When Joan White was there. (My former last name was Hissman). I have two degrees in Art and Design. However, the enviroment, structure of the design program was very valuable to me. It taught me to look at design in several different ways instead of just one principal and one point of view. When we were learning about designing a collection we would take one dress and modify it up to 100 different variations. In previous jobs that I have held in the fashion/retail industry and now my own paint and design company, that exercise has been a wonderful learning process for me and a very valuable tool that I have used over 20+ years later in my own color planning and design work for my clients.
Minna Kao

Email: minna_kao(at)yahoo.com
Class of January 1999

Going to the Paris Fashion Institute was the best thing I could have ever done. Coming from Texas, the school and traveling to Paris opened my eyes to what fashion is really all about. I was able to stay longer and apprentice under Alan Faye, and I also learned so much from Diane Pernet. Aside from the people I met, my favorite experience was going to all the couture shows that I know I could not have gone to if it weren’t for this study abroad program. Joan, you rock. Thank you so much.
Julie Scardino

Email: JulieScardino(at)hotmail.com
Class of 1999

My month in Paris was one of the best times of my life!! Thanks to Joan and the amazing staff. I miss you all and hope you are well. Hello to all my classmates and write me. let’s stay in touch!!
Christine Hodge

Email: ChristineChodge(at)yahoo.com
Class of June 2006

To not thank PFI and Joan for the guidance into my future career would be a travesty. I attended Paris Fashion Institute in June 2006 and it changed my life. I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina and in the days to come I will be moving to New York City for a career in Public Relations at the prominent client based firm, Think Public Relations. I will be living with a girl I met through PFI, Hadley Britt, who is also following her fashion dreams and working at the amazing magazine, Vogue. I am truly grateful of my time at PFI and hope anyone attending or planning on attending realizes how wonderful this expierence can be. If its one comment I can remember from Joan it would be, “to work hard, keep contacts, and it will get you places!” Thank you Joan and to everyone at PFI! -Christine Hodge June 2006
Shakirah Karim

Email: kirahjoy(at)hotmail.com
Class of June 2003

Attending the Paris Fashion Institute was one of the best experiences that I’ve had the chance to be a part of. It seemed like everyday topped the one before it. We were exposed people that I’d only dreamed of meeting. I’ve always loved fashion and I’d even taken a few courses before I arrived at the Institute, but this was the first time where I actually felt like I was a part of that world. I really believe that everything has its purpose and by attending the Institute I was able to meet an amazing women. Joan has helped me in so many ways. Everything didn’t just end with our last class. She was able to get me an amazing internship with a company that I would have otherwise never known about. I might have lucked out because I was already living in Paris, so I was able to continue working there even after the summer ended but if it weren’t for Joan I wouldn’t have gotten the job in the first place. Having that internship and being exposed to the business side of fashion has helped me figure out what I want to do in life and I have Joan and the Institute to thank for that. So again, thank you!! The great thing about the program is that your not only exposed to the creative and design side of fashion but also the product development and business side of the industry which is great. It was what I needed. If you want to meet a great group of people, work hard, see Paris and share your love of fashion this is the program for you.

Sheila Bach

Email: sheilabach(at)comcast.net
Class of 1983

My time in Paris,FR with the Paris Fashion Institute,was one of my best experiences to date,in life-both professionally and culturally.I will never forget the friends i made,the roomates i had and the fun we had,the directors and the visits to the fashion shows and couture houses.My goddaughter and niece is studying Fashion at Indiana University right now and will be interning this spring in NYC,i am highly recommending to her,when she gradutates to spend time with PFI like i did.Sheila Bach
Polly Chow

Email: polly.chow(at)nike.com
Class of 1998

I attended the Paris Fashion Institute through winning the Canadian 3M Competition in 1998. I had a chance to see a side of the fashion industry that I think I would never be able to see in North America. Being abroad did not only develop my knowledge professionally but also personally. All in all, it is an experience that will stay with me forever.
Kim Falor

Email: kmfalor(at)yahoo.com
Class of June 1981

The Paris Fashion Institute was one of the most fun, educational experiences of my life. It was a dream come true and I forever look back on it for the friends I made and the places I saw. It changed my life and gave me direction and inspiration. To actually meet the people and places one reads about in fashion magazines… can you beat that? It was an exciting experience. Living in Paris was exciting too. What a great, well rounded program Joan and Paul put together. I am grateful for every moment there and I highly recommend it to anybody interested in fashion. The seminar puts you right in the middle of where you want to be.
Gisele Proctor

Email: onlyoriginals(at)optonline.net
Class of 1992

It was a wonderful and educating experience. Much thanks to Joan White.
Jessica Bowers

Email: JessicaM.Bowers(at)gmail.com
Class of September 2006

As I sit here trying to figure out how to put into words my experience at PFI, I am left completely speechless (which any of my friends or family would tell you doesn’t happen often!). It was a month of my life that completely turned my world upside down. You go into the program having a rough idea of what you are going to come out having experienced, but what the outline doesn’t tell you is about the personal changes that take place. Not only do you meet the most wonderful people who teach you more than you can imagine in the time being, but you are also introduced to who you truly are inside and what it is that you want out of life. I would recommend this program to anyone who is open to giving themselves a chance at pursuing their dreams, and seeing where it can take them! Because it isn’t without many thanks to Joan (my adopted mother), and all of the teachers who help you make what you thought was only a dream into a reality.
Erinn McCarty (now Barelli)

Email: erinnbarelli(at)comcast.net
Class of June 1999

PFI was such a wonderful experience! I still get out the photos and sketches and show them to friends from time to time. I had an amazing time and I can’t believe its almost been 7 years since I was there. It seems like yesterday. What an amazing experience! One of the best of my life so far. Thanks to Joan and all the instructors for such a wonderful experience, one that I will never forget! I would love to get in touch with my buddies from Paris, if anyone has contact info for Kiley, Kelly & Kim, and Aurora, please let me know! I would love to get in touch with them via email. :) Many thanks! Erinn
Katie Heffernan

Email: katiegirl05(at)hotmail.com
Class of September 2006

The Paris Fashion Institute changed my life. It was a month that i will never forget. What i learned will help me for the rest of my life not only in the fashion industy but in the real world as well. The whole experience went by so quickly and when it was time to go i felt like I had just arrived. Day in and Day out the city of Paris became my home…Im having a hard time putting my experience into words because i feel you have to expereince to really know what it is like. But the teachers stole my heart and made my expereince in Paris one I will for sure Ill never forget. My french teacher who also taught fashion history was my favorite. He really knew how to test me but also taught us to much. But all of the teachers really made my trip, they helped to realize that there are so many things I can do in the fashion industy. But they pushed my limits on what i thought i could do. I was pushed out of my box which helped me grow in so many different ways. But i meet one of my best friends in Paris and it is something that we will always have to share together and that is what this is all about learning and experiencing new things with new people. It was the time of my life and I will never forget it!
Rachel Holland

Email: holland_rach(at)hotmail.com
Class of June 2006

The Paris Fashion Institue really is a life changing experience. Not only do you meet some extremely infuential people in the fashion industry you also make lasting friendships with amazing people you would otherwise never get to meet.
Marici A. Duvall

Email: marici_2203(at)yahoo.com
Class of September 2006

Have you ever visited a place that transformed you? Paris is such a place. From the moment that I landed, I felt a calming presents swept over me. Attending Paris Fashion Institute was an experience that I am at lost of words to describe however; I will treasure it for the rest of my life. The professors encouraged curiosity and creativeness. While our guest speakers promoted flexibility and persistence in achieve onea[euro](TM)s dream in the fashion industry. The field trips compelled me to quench my thirst for knowledge by reading more. Lastly, attending PFI will change you from the inside out by re-energized your entire outlook on life and opening your heart and soul to be inspired.
Hadley Britt

Email: designsbyhadley(at)yahoo.com
Class of 2006

Paris Fashion Institute proved to be an invaluable experience at a pivotal time in my life. The city itself, as well as the Institute, showcased the endless possibilities inside the fashion industry, and helped catapult me into a new realm of passion and professionalism. I cherish the excellent teaching and amazing friendships formed at PFI. Joan- youa[euro](TM)re one of a kind and a true inspiration!
Christine Hodge

Email: Hodgeccf(at)mailbox.sc.edu
Class of June 2006

I just wanted to tell everyone how much I enjoyed the program. Expierencing everything that I was able to was amazing and one of the greatest times of my life, I know I will never forget everyone I met through the Paris Fashion Institute. I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in working in the fashion industry, your eyes will be open to so many possibilities! Thank you to Joan and everyone who spoke to us, taught us and just expeirenced it all with us, you truly will never know how much this time ment to me! Thank You! -Christine Hodge June 2006
Cynthia J. Stechschulte

Email: almuerso(at)hotmail.com
Class of 1983

Hello Joan….this is Cindy Stechschulte…it’s been a few years. I was at the Institute in 1983. I remember you and Paul very well…Is Paul still faculty? I think of you often and the experiences I had while attending PFI. Is there a way of getting in touch with my former classmates? I’d like to know what people are doing in life and their careers. Where the Industry has taken them etc. I have been working as a decorative painter for the past five years. Faux finishing, murals, furniture, etc. Every job is different from the last… I like the variety. When are you in session at PFI? What’s the curiculum like in 2006? I’d love an update if you’ve got a minute. Are you still running around town in your tennies and then stepping into your heels as you arrive? Loved that. Well, hope this finds it’s way to you Joan. Sincerely, Cindy Stechschulte
Denis Todorovic

Email: denis_todo(at)hotmail.com
Class of June 2006

I just completed the June 2006 seminar in Paris and i cant even begin to explain how amazing the experience was. The staff were amazing, probably the most influential teachers/people i have ever met in my life. The people i met and the relationships i formed will forever be in my mind, and i will never forget them nor will i ever forget the city of Paris and the opportunities it gave me. PFI really makes you realise why you love fashion so much and i came away from it knowing, more than ever, that all i wanted to do was be a fashion designer. I learned so incredibly much. It really was the best month of my life and something i will forever cherish. Joan White is the most amazing woman i think i’ve ever met and she has so much to give. Thankyou Paris Fashion Institute i loved every second of it! I love you Joan Thankyou! xoxo Denis

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