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Our Students Went to the White House Design Workshop and This Is What They Thought

Thursday, October 16, 2014
October 16, 2014
School Without Walls, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Roosevelt High School students at the White House

Silk, cotton, sequins, velvet, and lots and lots of talent—this is what greeted visitors at the White House Fashion Education Workshop, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House on October 8.

College and high school students, including from School Without Walls, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and Roosevelt High School, connected with dozens of professionals from the fashion industry, such as magazine editors and fashion designers, to learn about entrepreneurship and journalism, among other topics.

Here are two student perspectives from that inspiring day:

Jillian Towson, Duke Ellington School of the Arts Student, DCPSJillian Towson
Duke Ellington School of the Arts, 9th Grade

On October 8, I went to the White House Fashion Education workshop. I first went to the Entrepreneurship workshop. I had the opportunity to hear many great stories. My favorite ones were that of June Haynes and Mary Alice Stephenson. Each story was special and different, and I think they helped every student there. Their stories were inspiring and encouraged me to get started with my fashion career.

After, taking pictures with the designers I moved on to the next workshop, “Inspiration”. I had the great opportunity of learning from Thom Browne. I began talking with him right away, before the workshop started. I learned a lot about fashion from sitting there watching his fashion videos. For example, I learned that all fashion shows don’t have to be on a traditional runway.

One of the best parts of my day was sitting next to ex-supermodel, Cecilia Dean. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to go to her workshop. So I was surprised when she sat at my table, right next to me! I really wanted to meet her because I want to be a supermodel. Cecilia Dean was very nice, and was just excited as me.

Another highlight of my day was when I got Mary Alice Stephenson’s email.  She invited us to New York to help with her charity, Glam4Good

In conclusion, I can say that my day at the White House was productive and one of the best I have ever had. 

Dresses at the Fashion Education Workshop at the White House

Jadian Headly
School Without Walls, 12th Grade

The Fashion Education workshop at the White House was a truly inspiring and educational experience. Even as someone who does not particularly seek a career in fashion, I found the overarching message of the First Lady truly powerful: hard work and dedication are essential in making all dreams come true.

The designers were extremely kind, knowledgeable in their fields, and even relatable. I enjoyed having the opportunity to hear and learn from about their struggles, as well as share my own goals and planned future endeavors.

"You never know when you'll be invited to the White House again," Mrs. Obama had said.

 If I had the chance, I would personally thank the First Lady, as well as Anna Wintour, and all of the designers for making this White House visit a particularly special, motivational, and life-changing experience.