Hey guys! After putting much thought into it, I decided to start making videos. I'm not sure if the term "YouTuber" is what the aim of this is, but I wanted to find a way to express myself creatively on a different platform. So, I decided to make videos. I want to combine art and fashion into one and this is my way of communicating this wish. I hope you enjoy and I'll upload more soon!
Where have I been all summer? Interning.
I thought it was about time that I wrote a new blog post. Lately, I have not been putting the effort to post updates. So, I'm giving a recap of what I did this summer.
Internship at Gensler and Associates
After presenting to BMW for my Collaborative Learning Center class, I packed my things and headed back home. The very next day, I drove down to Tampa where I interned with Gensler and Associates for 11 weeks. Having the opportunity to work at the #1 interior design firm in the world was incredible. From the moment I walked into the office, I was greeted and introduced to the whole team. During the internship, I worked alongside the design director and senior associates on a plethora of projects. Getting into the the interior design field, I was able to apply what I learned in school as well as prepare myself for what is to come after graduation. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and meeting such great people in the design field.
Exploring Downtown Tampa
Since I was working during the week, I would explore the area on the weekends. Other than my frequent trips to the mall, I also got to visit the Tampa Museum of Art and the well known Oxford Exchange. Oxford Exchange is a retail center that contains a bookstore, coffee shop, restaurant, and other small shops. After seeing it on Instagram and receiving recommendations, I decided to finally give it a visit. The space and the caramel latte from the coffee shop were both incredible!
Back to New York
Once the internship ended, I head back home for a few days where I got to hang out with my best friend Leanne. Since she was moving to Chicago for college, I wanted to spend some quality time with her. A few days later, I packed a carry-on and made my way up to New York. After a few hours of traveling, I arrived in the city where I was reunited with my sister. Since my sister was working, I spent most of the day exploring the city. One of the first on my list of places to visit was the Met. After hearing about the Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons exhibition, I needed to see it for my own eyes. In the past, I viewed the China: Through the Looking Glass and the Deus Ex Machina exhibitions.
Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between
The moment I walked into the Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between exhibition, I was in love. Rei Kawakubo’s designs are quite whimsical and extravagant. In addition to the designs, I was ecstatic to see that the interior architecture supported the masterpieces. Divided into groups, the designs were displayed within various, simple forms. Walking through the space, there were moments when the forms would overlap. Each display was unique just like the design it showcased. Overall, I greatly appreciated the exhibition.
Shopping in the City
Of course, a trip to New York wouldn’t be complete without doing some shopping. Throughout the days, I visited a few shops on Fifth Ave as well as in SoHo. I love shopping in New York because of the retail design. Many of the shops have aesthetically pleasing displays such as & Other Stories and Mansur Gavriel.
Asheville, NC
Once my sister and I flew back home, we got to spend some quality time with our family. First, we visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I was probably around six years old when I last visited the Biltmore so it was nice to see it again. On our way back, we made a stop at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The city had perfect weather and such beautiful beaches. I swear that sand is magical because it made my skin sooo smooth.
Once I returned home, Hurricane Irma hit the state. It was a nuisance and I surely did not enjoy the loss of electricity and water; however, I'm glad that it's all cleared up. Now, I'm ready to say hello to senior year!
Once my sister and I flew back home, we got to spend some quality time with our family. First, we visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I was probably around six years old when I last visited the Biltmore so it was nice to see it again. On our way back, we made a stop at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The city had perfect weather and such beautiful beaches. I swear that sand is magical because it made my skin sooo smooth.
Once I returned home, Hurricane Irma hit the state. It was a nuisance and I surely did not enjoy the loss of electricity and water; however, I'm glad that it's all cleared up. Now, I'm ready to say hello to senior year!
Rather than spending spring break on the beach, my friend and I decided to trade the heat for lip chapping wind in the "Windy City". After an early flight at 6:30am, we made our way over to Chicago, IL. The city is full of history from the neoclassical Field Museum of Natural History to the modern Cloud Gate sculpture. Our hotel was by one the parks near the lake.
Without a prior visit to Chicago, I honestly had no expectations of the city. I've heard a lot about the place, but I never had a true longing to see it; however, this trip changed that. Chicago is wonderful! It reminds me of New York with it's reliance on public transportation, view of skyscrapers, and lack of southern hospitality. In addition, there is a character embedded in the city and the people within it.
Being in the art district, the side of most buildings featured murals by various artists. There were many large, modern sculptures such as the Cloud Gate, also known as the Chicago Bean. Within the area, there were many art schools such as Columbia College and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since it was spring break, there weren't many students around.
If you plan on being in downtown Chicago, I have a few food options for you! Goddess and the Baker is a coffee shop located at 33 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603. The interior is nice and very photogenic. I HIGHLY recommend the butterscotch latte!
Another great place is Niu B, an asian cuisine restaurant located at 888 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605. The food was delicious! I recommend trying the "Sexy Mexican" maki.
Overall, it was a great experience and I hope to visit Chicago again!
So it's been a while...but some things just need to be noted! The co-founders of Refinery29 made an appearance at SCAD. Piera Gelardi and Christene Barberich spoke about their lives as part the major website as well as their start as interns and writers. The talk was moderated by Dean of Fashion Micheal Fink. I was engaged the entire time – they were incredible! They were very relaxed and down to earth. Being a social media editor, I was especially intrigued by their strategies for producing creative content. Overall, they gave great advice and I'm glad I was able to witness it!
More of the discussion on The Manor!
