Exclusive interview with Sonia Leonte: Insights into the life of a Fashion Design student

Can you introduce yourself to the readers?

My name is Sonia, I am 20 years old and I am a fashion design student in Milan. I’ve been doing professional ballet dance, until last year, when I quit my career and my job at the Theatre where I was working and decided to start a new chapter in my life.

Why did you choose to study fashion design? And why Marangoni?

Honestly I took this decision with my heart. When I decided to do fashion I didn’t know much about it. I visited a couple universities, in Paris as well, but I was very attracted to Milan, to Italy. I felt that I needed to be there.

Was the application process at complicated?

Not at all. I had to present some drawings and personal projects, but I think that what they were looking for was creativity and ideas more then technical skills.

Could you walk us through your overall classes?

Well it varies from day to day, my schedule is pretty chaotic, but I would say that I usually start at 8.30 in the morning, and finish at around 6. Last class could even finish at 20.30. I have drawing classes, digital programs, fashion design (which means creating a personal collection and developing it from scratch), pattern making, history of art and costumes, Italian language, and some workshops that change each semester. Usually all this subjects are connected in order to archive a real fashion collection at the end of the year.

What would you say is the best part about studying there?

I think the best part is having the opportunity to meet people and create connections in the fashion world, having the chance to have your work seen by important figures of this industry.

Do you have a Fashion Designer you take inspiration from?

Yes! The one and only John Galliano ! I adore his work! Alessandro Michele and Yves Saint Laurent are also among my favourites.

Do you have a favourite course?

I love pattern making. I really like the process of creating garments and seeing them develop step by step until you get to see and touch the final result.

Do you have any advice for aspiring fashion designers or aspiring fashion design students?

Work, work, work and never stop reaching! Always be a student! Remain a human and never forget your roots and values! I would say this is the secret recipe in order to grow and share yourself with others.

How would you describe your personal style?

This one is interesting because I think the way I dress is quite different than what I create. I dress pretty simple and classic, with some twist when I like to dress dramatic and a bit theatrical. I also like to be extravagant sometimes:)

What is one of the hardships you’ve encountered since you started studying there?

Managing my time for real… there is an insane amount of work to do, from having all my day full of classes, to doing my homework, going to get fabrics, meetings, always printing stuff, and also getting some sleep eventually:)

If you could dress any historical figure in the world who would it be and why?

I think Marie Antoinette! I am in love with Rococo and she is the icon of that era. I would design that type of flamboyant dresses even now. I love the details, fabrics and gatherings of the period and she is a real character! I wish I could’ve met her!

What are your plans for the future?

I have a lot of plans. I dream big hahaha. But I try not to make expectations at the same time. I’ll see what doors will open for me after graduation. I want to do a master in haute couture or costume design. But I really believe in what’s meant for me will always find a way:)

What is the most important thing you learned while studying Fashion?

I just finished my first year so I cannot say I have that much of knowledge. But I think I realised that is very important to stay focused and strong. I see so much fashion every day, I am surrounded by trends, designers, and different styles, is super essential to not get influenced by what surrounds you and stay yourself, but learn from what you see. You can get inspired by a lot of things, from art to the people in the metro. You have to watch people. You have pay attention and observe. You have to understand what you create and to whom you are addressing to. There are lot of things to learn and knowledge is the strongest tool you can own.

I know you used to practice ballet, do you believe that ballet and fashion connect in some way?

Definitely! More than you imagine. They both require a lot of discipline, and have a lot of history behind. Personally, I think that coming from ballet gave me a big advantage. I also take a lot of inspiration from there. I observe myself being attracted to fabrics and shapes that are very used in ballet. I like big volumes as well. I can mange a lot of work because I am used to it. I have a lot of visions because my creativity had been developed there. I want to mention also that stage is a beautiful place, the feeling of being there is incomparable, and once you lived that experience you’ ll always try to reach that glory moment again:)