By Rebecca Ceccatelli and Giulia Piceni. Foto: Gabriele Busi.
“This blazer over those pants is a disaster!” – you might hear someone say as you reach the 2nd floor during the fitting day at our institute. As you turn the corner from the stairs, you’ll see half-open suitcases with fuchsia satin tongues sticking out. Soon, these creatures on the floor won’t just be suitcases but also students waiting for their turn, possibly blocking your way through the corridor with groans of exhaustion and mini-shouts of encouragement. Accessing rooms 201 and 202 may become almost impossible, as they will be transformed into closets by models dancing from one garment to another during the fitting, leaving all other pieces on chairs and tables. It is quite unusual, as on regular days at Istituto Marangoni Firenze, you would only see students in front of their laptops—and perhaps a cup of coffee. As you continue your search for an available spot, you may need to navigate around people running and mannequins missing an arm or two. If you’re lucky, you’ll reach the room where all the magic happens: Room 204.
As satisfying as it is nerve-wracking, the first fitting is a crucial step before the most important event of our School, the Fashion Show. Being judged will inevitably always carry a negative connotation unless you know how to manage all the stress of this situation. To help you survive your first fitting, we have put together a guide with our POV.
Fitting in Fashion how to survive!
1. Wrap up all of your materials (and garments) neatly
As a fashion design student, your first fitting is a crucial moment. The best advice is to be thoroughly prepared. Here’s how. The night before, arrange your mood boards and sketchbooks. Make sure all your creative plans are ready to guide the fitting process. Iron every piece carefully and pack them with protective wrapping to prevent wrinkles or damage, keeping your creations in perfect condition. A well-organised space brings mental clarity. Keep everything in order to stay calm and focused during the fitting. By being prepared, you’ll ensure a smooth and successful fitting, showcasing your designs at their best.
2. Fitting in fashion asks for Survival kit essentials
A fitting can last from morning to evening, covering breakfast to dinner with a short break for lunch. While not all students need to be present the entire day, final touch-ups, ironing, and checking zippers can take several hours. To effectively manage this long day, thorough preparation is key. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready for anything:
Bring everything you might need, from your sewing toolkit to personal comfort items. Essentials include pins, scissors, measuring tape and chalk, while comfort items can range from coffee, snacks, water, and anything else that keeps you energised and focused. Pain relievers like ibuprofen, soothing items such as nicotine if necessary, and anything else that helps you stay calm under pressure make up the emergency kit that any fashionista should always keep in the bag.
3. A short mindfulness course might be vital for survival during a fitting
Have you ever heard of mindfulness? Sometimes, it really helps to know how to relax and chill out. Imagine a student not being part of the fashion show because their skirt broke while the model was walking or realising you sewed something wrong after pulling an all-nighter. During a fitting, many unexpected things can happen that might test your calm. Be ready to take deep breaths and keep going. And remember: negative feedback, rejections, and setbacks are completely okay.
4. Listen to your teachers’ advice and learn to be critical of your own work
It can be extremely challenging to be self-critical, especially when there’s a personal connection. For fashion designers, their collection is more than just garments; it represents an attempt to create something truly original, a materialisation of their persona and beliefs in the folds and zippers. As they look closely at every dart and stitch, they can almost hear the hum of the sewing machine filling the silence of many sleepless nights. The pursuit of objectivity may not be our initial inclination when personal ideas are so deeply intertwined, but striving for it can be beneficial. Embracing mistakes can lead to unexpected creativity. Critically questioning our work is not only about identifying flaws; it is a powerful tool for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
5. Support each other with your classmates and enjoy this unforgettable moment
This is a significant moment in your journey as a fashion designer. In a few years, these experiences will become cherished memories shared with your classmates. Support one another and savour these final moments together before your careers and further education take off. One day, you might even find yourself missing these late-night work sessions.
