Photo of the LFNY 2nde2 (10th grade) class in 1996. Polina Aronova sits at bottom left.
Graduation already feels as if several lifetimes have gone by. After leaving the Lycée, I lived in Canada, Italy and France, with multiple stints back in NYC in between each move. I graduated from McGill and embarked on my career in fashion. I covered several bases in the industry before landing on styling and becoming a fashion editor.
I travelled the world over, shooting for magazines such as Vogue, Vogue Japan, Interview, Glamour to name a few, working with the greatest creative teams. I was part of a small group to launch an independent art and culture magazine in New York called Dossier. These days I consult with brands, a few private clients, and am the creative director for a wonderful new fashion start-up (helmed by fellow alum Abrima Erwiah ’98.) I am also launching a children’s culture and education platform. Stay tuned for more on that. But my truly greatest accomplishment since leaving the Lycée is my son, Cosmo!
What inspired you to reconnect with the Lycée through the Alumni Program?
I never really left the Lycée. My younger sister only graduated in 2011. I took the steps to become more involved as I wanted to reconnect with the community that I have always felt a part of.
What impact do you feel alumni involvement can have on current LFNY students, as well as on alumni?
I believe that alumni, when truly engaged, can have an inspiring and empowering role on current students. As for fellow alumni — it’s great to catch up with your classmates. It feels a bit more personal than through the social media channels we rely on for communication (but it’s good to have both.)
Photo: Polina Aronova’s work as fashion stylist.
About the Author :
Claude’s goal is to develop a thriving program that alumni of multiple promotions will find engaging and compelling. Prior to coming to the Lycée, Claude co-directed the start-up and development of two Gates Foundation High schools, Food and Finance High School and the High School for Hospitality Management (HSHM). At these schools, he designed and implemented a work-based mentoring program for students. Claude is an avid Olympique de Marseille fan.