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Inspiration can come from anywhere, but traveling the world and experiencing different cultures seems to be the best source of creativity for Anne Louise Pesch Kruklis.  

Kruklis, a senior fashion design major from Curitiba, Brazil, has explored the world with the programs offered by �鶹��ý. Currently, Kruklis is taking part in the Paris American Academy program, experiencing the French culture and exploring the world of fashion while eating croissants.  

When Kruklis discovered that there was a possibility to study fashion in Paris, she immediately wanted to board the plane. The idea of studying in the capital of fashion for a semester while immersing herself in a new culture spoke to her heart. 

“I am loving it here,” Kruklis said. “I think it is the best experience I have ever had. It is fascinating to see closely another angle of fashion, a different work culture and to learn different techniques and processes. For example, this is the first time I am learning about tailoring and the process behind it.”

While in Paris, Kruklis learned that the French value taking their time to design and produce. Only through attention to detail and by not rushing the process can the best piece be achieved.  

She has learned that in the French culture it is best to allocate more time to a project and work toward ensuring precision and perfection. Kruklis said she will bring this to her life and work ethic.  

In addition to her studies in France, Kruklis has studied in Kent, New York, Brazil and Italy through Kent State’s program.

“I started by doing the American Academy program in Brazil,” Kruklis said. “While I was there, I had the opportunity to go to Florence, Italy, for three weeks to do an astronomy class in June of 2022. I moved to Kent in January of 2023 and in the fall of 2024, I did the New York fashion program. Right now, I am studying in Paris.”

The internationalization of Kent State motivated Kruklis to apply to the American Academy program in her hometown in Brazil. From there, she embraced every opportunity possible to expand her horizons. Kruklis said these experiences allowed her to grow as a person and as a fashionista.  

“The School of Fashion is very helpful with sharing study-abroad information,” Kruklis said. “For example, they do study-away presentations every semester and they bring past students to talk about their experiences and give advice. They really help you with the process and make you envision yourself living abroad before you leave.”

In addition to giving her opportunities, Kruklis said that the structure of Kent State’s international programs helped her better adjust to moving countries. Moving to the United States alongside her Brazilian peers from the American Academy made this life-changing moment less scary and with a taste of home.

Her international background has been reflected in her work. The three-week summer course Kruklis did in Florence, along with her Brazilian heritage, inspired her to create different class projects.

“I did not understand how these experiences also impacted my creativity and fashion until I looked back at my work,” Kruklis said. “It’s so fun to be able to show what I experienced through fashion; it is a fun way of revisiting everything and reliving those memories.”  

Her favorite part of this journey is to share about Brazil and her culture on her travels. Kruklis said watching people fall in love with Brazil and her culture is one of her favorite things in the world.

Kruklis is very grateful for the experiences and programs she has had during college. She said she always comes back more inspired to work on her projects and that she loves being able to connect her studies with traveling.  

"I feel like I experienced a lot and met many great places and people. But if I had to choose one of the places I lived abroad to settle down, I would pick Paris,” Kruklis said. “It’s the connection between fashion and the great experiences here that just makes this the best place to build a life.”  

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