Photos from left: Cutting the material from the patterns / Having the materials sewn by the machines/The translator and the artisan help me out a lot / Tool to cut the materials / Metal and nylon Intrecciato / Student observing the sample bag / Woven piping / Different patterns for the bag handles / Serious looking student / Green moiré, beige-khaki nappa leather, and the model

A year has passed since the earthquake, and only half way left of life in Italy. Everything is going well, but it’s difficult to catch up with the classes and the way to creating the prototypes is a hard one. The way the classes proceed and how design is perceived, on many occasions, it’s very different from Japan.

Last week, I went to Venice and Padova. In Venice, there was an exhibition by a fashion editor and in Padova, I went to look for materials. It was my first time to get on a train so I was worried that I would be able to get back home safely…I had coffee with mint cream on top, which is a traditional way to drink coffee in Padova, and also went to a big market.

Vicenza, Padova, Venice. I’ve been to three cities, each with its unique beauty. I wish I could live here forever. If I have any free days, I would like to visit other cities as well, but for now, I’m overwhelmed with homework. I hope that I’ll be able to have a bit more time to enjoy my day off.

Next week, the metal parts for my prototype will be finished. The box that will be the base for the clutch bag and the metal part for the opening is being made. It’s a dream come true and such luxury that I’m able to have a Bottega Veneta artisan create the parts. I’m really excited to see how they are finished. The material I’m going to use is also from Bottega Veneta, a beautiful green moiré and beige-khaki nappa leather.

Tomorrow is a day we are going to show our designs to the school director, but I don’t know what designs we are supposed to show. There will also be a TV crew at the school. In the afternoon, I’m going to hold a sushi cooking class for the other students. I don’t have rice vinegar that is used for the sushi rice, but I’ll manage with something else. I’m glad that so many other students are interested in getting to know the Japanese culture.

Only half way to go until the end of the program, and I plan to put my best efforts in making the prototype something that I can be proud of.