Interview with MFA student Daniel Bosco
Daniel Bosco, enrolled in the new MFA Fashion Design and the Arts program, spoke to us about their experience so far at Parsons Paris.
Where do you come from and what are your past academic experiences ?Â
I came from a mixed background of academics and work. Before coming to Parsons I completed a bachelors of design in Toronto from Ryerson University, then a graduate diploma in fashion at Central Saint Martins in London. I’ve also had the chance to intern throughout my studies as well as during some time off in London for brands like Bradley Shape and Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY.
Did you join this Master with a particular objective in mind?
I chose this specific MFA both because of the reputation of Parsons in the fashion industry and the opportunity to explore avenues outside the traditional role of a fashion designer. Compared to other fashion masters in Europe — Parsons Paris really seemed to emphasize individual identity development in fields other than just design that compliment my past education and work experiences. I was fully drawn into the idea of working in fashion through the visual arts, performance, and collaboration.
Can you tell us about one specific project you have worked on since the beginning of the year that you have particularly enjoyed?
Working with legendary embroidery house Lesage and fashion museum Palais Galliera during our couture project was a new and challenging experience for me. As a designer who focuses on sculptural silhouettes, and camp aesthetics, studying the couture techniques of Madame Gres allowed me to elevate my process in a way that highlighted the thought that I put into my designs and concepts. Having the opportunity to touch and study iconic Madame Gres pieces at the Palais Galliera archives changed the way I looked at historic couture — I truly went from a student who viewed the past as somewhat outdated to a student who will now continue to look back to historic couture to understand the future.
What course or elective are you most drawn to ?
Core studio 2: Performing the Social is a mandatory course that centers around how performance can influence our design approach. In general it’s just a really stimulating course with flexible outcomes, emphasizing experimental research. We have the opportunity to meet with artists and performers who work within non-traditional fashion roles and really allows us to rethink the way we see our own design process.
What challenges do you face as a student in Fashion Design and the Arts?
Experimenting is at the core of this program — you have to leave some of your past learnings behind and push yourself to try new things. Innovation is pushed in design and textile development but it is up to you how you want to interpret the projects. Since the class is so diverse in terms of skills, design approaches, and styles, the outcomes of projects are flexible and you have to be realistic with what you wish your own personal outcome to be. In contrast to more traditional fashion masters, our program relies on your knowledge and willingness to innovate to move the project forward — and since this is a new program there is a flexibility to adapt the project to each individual’s goals.
Is this your first time living in Paris? If so, how do you like it? Does Paris inspire you or help in any way your design process?
When I moved to Paris to start my Masters it was my first time stepping foot in the city. In the past I’ve lived in London, Florence, and grew up in Toronto — but by far Paris was the easiest city to settle in. The city itself is so inspiring — exhibitions everywhere, an interesting mix of students from all over the world, delicious food, and very friendly to foreigners (just make an effort to speak in french — even if you can only say bonjour). I travel from central Paris everyday to Romainville for our studio classes — the commute is fairly easy since the metro is very approachable and the area surrounding the Romainville campus is surrounded by young artists, cool galleries, and an industrial feel that gives you a nice escape from the downtown core.
Do you have any advice for incoming MFA students?
Be ready to unlearn and be open to change. The courses are open and push you in ways that you can’t expect — you will question who you are as a designer but will come out with new perspectives that you couldn’t have imagined before starting the course.