Michelle Rios: A Loewe Dream
Michelle Rios graduated from Parsons Paris in Strategic and Design and Management in 2021. She is currently the design team assistant at Loewe.
BY TAMARA BARAKAT
Tell me about your time at Parsons Paris.
Oh the simpler days! I’m not sure I know where to begin, I feel so unbelievably grateful to have had the opportunity to move to Paris and attend Parsons. I met my best friends here, I developed from a lost 18 year girl to a passionate and curious woman. COVID graduation, loss of a loved one, laughs, cries, existential crisis all happened here. Sometimes I felt like it was not a real school, it was truly a family where everyone watched out for each other and everything felt so personable. It is invaluable and you know you will be able to continue to nurture those relationships even after graduation.
How did you get to Loewe?
It’s truly one of those instances being at the right place at the right time!
What does your job entail?
As a design team assistant, my job is two fold. Half of it is ensuring that every aspect of the design workflow runs smoothly through organization and coordination of the designers, and the other half is (quite crazy) being the personal assistant to Jonathan Anderson, who is the creative director of Loewe.
What are the skills that you need most at your job?
As the organizer and coordinator of the designers, you are adept at juggling multiple projects simultaneously. You have to have an eagle eye for detail and a knack for keeping track of deadlines, ensuring that every project stays on schedule. Organization, rigor, and attention to detail are key. Also, communication, and being a people person because it’s really a personal and quite emotional job.
What advice would you give a fresh graduate wanting to enter the fashion industry?
If you’re a fresh graduate with dreams of making it big in the fashion industry, my advice to you is simple: Be open, be curious, and be everywhere you can be. The fashion world is constantly evolving, and opportunities abound for those who are willing to seize them.
Paris, the epicenter of the fashion universe, may seem vast and intimidating at first, but in reality, it’s a tight-knit community where networking is key. Attend industry events, fashion shows, and exhibitions whenever possible.
Keep in mind that some of the most valuable connections are made in informal settings. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at a trendy café or mingling at a fashion after-party, be proactive in putting yourself out there. People are often more forthcoming and relaxed outside of formal business settings, so take advantage of these opportunities to build genuine connections.
How does it feel to work closely with the designer of the year? How do you cope with it?
Sometimes on a day to day, you forget. It’s about getting the work done, and getting it done well. I feel humble, and grateful to be a part of it. I just tell myself that it’s amazing to be able to see how all of these
things come to life, and the work it takes. I just feel extremely lucky and privileged that I get to work so close to him. ■
This story is from the second issue of Later, the alumni magazine.
Editor: Tamara Barakat @tamarabarakat
Art Director: Giulia Tacchi @giulytacchi
Photographer: Demir Ramazanov @demirramazanov
Art & Photography Assistant: Iman Salem @imannsalem
Talent: Michelle Rios @michellearios