Finding My Groove in Paris: Fashion, Fitness, and French Adventures

By: Allegra Giussani

As someone who signed up for practically everything upon entering college, I knew I would need to simulate this abroad. The endless opportunities have made me love my college in New Orleans, Louisiana. Having less of a course load and more free time were new concepts that frightened me going into this semester. In Paris, we are fortunate enough to have everything and more to keep ourselves busy. But opportunities aren’t just going to present themselves.

For the first few weeks, I played the role of a tourist since this was my first time in France, but this quickly became unfulfilling. The heart of the fashion industry is the perfect city for anyone on this career path. I have been serving as an abroad liaison for my school's fashion club, which allows me to promote events and activities for other students studying in Paris. Though challenging for someone new to the city and the language, I was determined to find fashion experiences for all.

Paris Fashion Week is one of the biggest events of the year. I knew it would be difficult, but I desperately wanted to be part of the festivities. I emailed every designer and PR agency possible. And though discouraged after a week of no responses, my persistence paid off. Everyone around me had said that even fashion students in Paris struggle to get these opportunities, but one day my potential was recognized. A PR agency I emailed invited me to a show, which still feels surreal. Not even twenty-four hours later, I was emailed asking to volunteer as a fitter for another show.

These experiences are once-in-a-lifetime and ones that I will cherish forever. I remember how excited and anxious I was stepping into both days. But with the support of CIEE staff, friends, and colleagues, I knew I deserved to be there. CIEE organizes events every week, from couscous dinners to day trips around France, and even conversation exchanges with other French students. I have done it all. Besides all the wonderful food provided (thank you, CIEE!), it allowed me to become more confident speaking to locals. It even inspired my friend group to attend Erasmus events, which is a European study abroad program much like CIEE, where we have met and gotten close to many amazing people.

CIEE encourages students to immerse themselves in the language and culture, and I was in dire need of a new activity and challenge. Surely my friends and I have our weekly dinners and weekend excursions, but it was not enough. I thought about how I could incorporate more of my favorite hobbies into my Parisian life. Pilates had been so hard to live without, as I instruct at my home institution, so I thought I would give it a try in Paris. Fortunately, ClassPass is offered here, so I was able to attend four classes over two weeks for only one euro.

I first took a mat pilates class, as I was hesitant to do reformer in French. Every instructor was incredibly understanding of my lack of French and helped cater to my needs. But by the third class, I felt the urge and confidence to try reformer. I had danced classical ballet with French terminology for fourteen years, so the movements were very simple for me to understand. Walking in, I didn’t feel the need to explain my American background. So, I proceeded to take the class without any formal introduction. Quickly, I realized I had made a huge mistake. I had been learning French since the beginning of the program, so directions and colors were drilled into my brain.

On the reformer, you have many different springs that affect the intensity of the machine, and they are labeled by color. Ten minutes into the class, I heard the words “rouge” and “jaune.” Music to my ears: red and yellow. I then looked down at the spring bar and noticed there were multiple red and yellow springs. Frantically, I looked at the others, but my eyes could not reach their machines. The instructor immediately noticed that I had the incorrect springs pulled and corrected me in French. I looked at her with panicked eyes as she repeated herself yet again. Nothing. I understood nothing. I then apologized in English, which made her understand that I was not a native speaker. In her Parisian tone, which can be aggressive to the American ear, she expressed her concerns about me not having told her I spoke English.

At this point, she stood by me to make sure I followed along. While appreciative, it bothered me that I was doing a disservice to this woman and the other participants. I made it my mission to demonstrate to everyone that I was more than capable of finishing this pilates class. Upon finishing, the instructor explained that she had initially worried about my safety but applauded my skills and abilities. Though discomforting, I was proud of myself for finishing what I started and for continuing to attend more classes after this experience.

To say my friends in Paris have not taken advantage of all that there is would be a complete and utter lie. We were the first to find pop-ups and exhibitions around the city, such as Louis Vuitton back in October, and recently attended a wine festival where we were the youngest and only Americans. My friends have also volunteered for Save the City Paris (STCP), which is an amazing way to give back to the community.

Whether you are an overachiever or someone who is looking for their niche in Paris, I hope this inspires you to put yourself out there and not let unfamiliarity or the language barrier stop you from fully experiencing everything this beautiful city has to offer. The fact that I can describe the cracks on the Argentine Metro stop walls yet cannot remember what wallpaper I have in my bedroom says it all. You have your entire life to rest and relax, but you will never get to relive these four months again.

EXPLORE PARIS