For Megan Harrison, a senior merchandising and fashion design major at Missouri State University, this summer has been one to remember. 

Thanks to a summer 2024 ISA Scholarship, she was granted an opportunity of a lifetime to complete an internship in fashion accessory design at the Florence University of the Arts in Italy.  

Venturing into haute couture 

Harrison chose Florence as her destination because of the city’s deep-rooted history in art and fashion.  

“Florence’s rich culture in art and fashion history made it the perfect place for me to develop my skills and gain new perspectives,” Harrison said.  

Her six-week program was divided into two parts, each offering unique challenges and learning experiences. 

In the first half of her internship, Harrison focused on creating a digital fashion portfolio centered on ready-to-wear (RTW) fashion. This phase involved immersive visits to iconic fashion landmarks, such as Pucci Firenze, Gucci Gardens, Luisaviaroma and the Fashion Loves You store.  

These visits inspired her collection, which she developed and refined through peer group presentations and critiques. The RTW collection was designed with commercial viability in mind, with each piece intended for sale and everyday wear. 

The second half of her internship took a more avant-garde turn, pushing Harrison beyond her comfort zone into the world of haute couture. Under the guidance of her internship supervisor, she delved into the artistic and structural aspects of couture fashion, focusing on creating statement pieces meant solely for visual impact, rather than practical wear. 

Drawing inspiration from Chinese fashion designer Guo Pei and the secret gardens of Florence, Harrison curated her first digital couture collection.   

“The ISA Scholarship not only alleviated the financial burden but also gave me the confidence to pursue this dream,” Harrison said. “This experience challenged me and opened my eyes to possibilities I had never considered before.” 

Explore the digital fashion and merchandising program