My international experiences have fundamentally shaped how I view sustainability, not only as an environmental responsibility but as a collaborative, global practice. Studying, researching, and working in London across multiple placements in under the span of a year has shown me how cross-cultural exchange accelerates innovation and encourages more responsible ways of designing for the future. Each return has deepened my understanding of sustainability while reinforcing that meaningful environmental progress depends on international collaboration.
In Summer 2025, I studied Advanced Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins, where I was first introduced to London’s culture of experimentation and sustainable design. That experience inspired me to return in Spring 2026 to study Fashion Product Design at London College of Fashion. I also became the first study abroad student to simultaneously study across both London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins by undertaking a visiting module in Fashion Bio-Materials at CSM. Combining perspectives from both institutions broadened my understanding of how fashion, science, and material innovation can create more sustainable solutions for the industry.
During my Spring 2026 semester abroad, I also interned for Pauline Dujancourt and Yuhan Ao during London Fashion Week AW26, gaining firsthand experience in craftsmanship while witnessing how emerging designers are rethinking contemporary fashion. Following the completion of my semester abroad, I chose to remain in London until the end of August to continue developing my research and professional practice. I am currently an atelier intern with Pauline Dujancourt while also working as a researcher at LifeFabs, a bio-fabrication laboratory dedicated to sustainable material innovation. The fashion industry generates millions of tonnes of textile waste each year, much of which ends up in landfill. In response, my research explores biodegradable alternatives including bacterial cellulose, mycelium, plant-root textiles, natural dyes, and bio-plastics that can be cultivated from natural materials rather than relying on resource-intensive production methods. Alongside my research, I teach workshops that introduce others to bio-design, encouraging greater awareness of regenerative materials and inspiring more sustainable approaches across fashion, design, and art.
Living abroad has also influenced how I travel. I primarily rely on London’s extensive public transportation network and choose walking whenever possible, reducing the need for private transport while allowing me to experience the city more intentionally. Remaining in London after my studies, rather than making multiple return flights, has enabled me to continue my education, research, and professional development while reducing additional long-haul travel.
My work aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The international relationships I have built through studying abroad have also led to opportunities beyond the classroom, including collaborating with bio-fashion designer Helena Elston to co-design and co-curate an exhibition for New York Fashion Week SS27. For me, sustainability abroad extends beyond reducing my environmental footprint. It is about exchanging knowledge, building lasting collaborations, and helping shape a more regenerative future for fashion and the planet.
