Kiah Thorne: LCF Summer study abroad

Hi, my name is Kiah Thorne. I am a 21-year-old rising senior studying Design and Merchandising student at Drexel University. I came to London for the Introduction to Fashion Business: Summer School at London College of Fashion, UAL. While I am a full-time student studying fashion, part-time work in retail and I am a signed model. Slowly starting to get my footing into the modelling industry, but as you can see, I want to try as much as possible in the fashion industry.

"I enjoyed learning fashion from a different perspective... I really enjoyed being able to use the skills I have to my project/class."

Why did you choose to study fashion?

I chose to work in fashion because this was something I always wanted to do when I grew up. Before my Dad passed away it was something, we would always talk about wanting to model and design my own clothing line. And he helped me push toward my goals by buying my art supplies and fashion toys. In school, I took apparel design classes and joined a tech school to help me focus on building my portfolio for art school. I love art and fashion, I just can’t see myself doing anything else.

How do you like studying abroad in London?

I loved studying in London, if I realized I could have applied to LCF for my undergrad I would of. The professors and the classmates I met were amazing. I am thankful to have met them and to have them in my network.

Why did you choose UAL study abroad?

I chose UAL study abroad because I was excited about the classes they have to offer, and I really wanted to study in a different country. These classes were different from what they offer at my university.

What is the best memory of studying abroad at UAL? What do you most enjoy about your classes?

I have so many great memories when studying abroad at UAL. One of my best was spending my 21st birthday with my friend and meeting Debby Ryan at Blue Box Café. Another one was being able to go to Paris for the first time and explore the city and the fashion in the city. I enjoyed learning fashion from a different perspective. Learning fashion in London is completely different from Philly. London is known for fashion while Philly/America isn’t that much. I really enjoyed being able to use the skills I have to my project/class. For example, I have been signed to a modelling agency last December and I was able to model for my styling class. And I really enjoyed being able to now have these photos for my art portfolio and modelling portfolio.

How do you like the Paris trip?

The summer of 2022 came with a lot of firsts for me. I studied abroad for the first time, I went to London, celebrated my 21st birthday, and went to Paris for a week. Paris was amazing. I was able to experience the city not only as a tourist exploring all the famous spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame but explore the parts true Parisians go to. I am so thankful for the way the trip was split up. We explored Paris as a group from the morning through the afternoon. And we had the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the city how we saw fit. After we hiked up and viewed Paris from the highest point called Sacre-Coeur. I took the time to finally buy my 21st birthday gift. I went into the city to buy my first Marc Jacobs bag. It was nice exploring the city that day. When I went the roads were blocked up and crowded with people because a concert was happening down the block. I really had to navigate and find my way around Paris as a true Parisian. And one afternoon we went to the Louvre and saw the famous Mona Lisa. If we want to not go on the tour on a specific day, then we could of. My friends and I did that one of the days. We walked around Paris and grabbed a late brunch that day. And I night we viewed the Paris night scene which was very interesting.

I had a very fun time exploring the city of Paris and the fashion scene and history there. The Dior museum and the Alaïa exhibit were so beautiful. I would not take for granted being able to go. I was very sad to think it was cancelled this year because of the pandemic. But when I heard it was back on, I was so excited. This trip was one of the best parts of my study abroad experience.

Is there anything you want to share with other study abroad students/ future applicants?

You will have an amazing time studying abroad. Make the most of your time here. 8 weeks will go by so fast. Just remember to do the assignments on a week-to-week basis so you are not rushing last minute to do it. I will always remember the time I spent here.