An apparel merchandising and management student has won a two-week summer internship at a trailblazing design studio in London.
Hilsa Feliciano was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Eden Travel International Design Internship Award, which develops fashion leaders who are dedicated to making an impact on the environment and fashion. It’s the first time a Cal Poly Pomona student has won the award.
“The intention of this internship is to give some insights into this world of regenerative design,” said Cassie Quinn, an advocate of sustainable fashion whose CQ Studio will host Feliciano this summer.
Applicants for the award were asked to design a garment or accessory that highlights the potential of food waste to promote sustainability in the fashion industry.
Feliciano submitted an entry showing how designers can make clothing and jewelry collections from upcycled food-waste materials, like corn husk fibers.
The award covers Feliciano’s round-trip flight to and from London and includes a daily stipend to support her on the trip.
The internship will cover sustainable materials, ethical production methods, circular fashion practices, and the business of sustainable fashion.
“I am so excited to visit London and visit the CQ Studios and have the opportunity to learn hands-on and show off my designs,” Feliciano said in a video.
Eden Travel International offers customized, industry-focused academic study tours across Europe, Asia, and Australasia.
In addition to textiles and fashion merchandising, the company also offers tours in agriculture, wellness and nutrition, hospitality and tourism, theatre, history, architecture, education, business and marketing, and sports science