Sarah Koussa

From 2024–2025, I pursued an MSc in Culture and Society at the London School of Economics, where I deepened my focus on consumer culture, affect theory, and the sociology of fashion. My dissertation, “The Affective Ties of Luxury Minimalism: Exploring Consumer Attachment to Acne Studios,” investigates how material culture cultivates loyalty and emotional resonance among consumers. Using a qualitative methodology of in-depth interviews and wearing diaries, I analyzed themes of desire, tension, comfort, and estrangement in the ways individuals experience and interpret Acne Studios garments. The project bridges academic theory and industry practice, revealing how affective forces shape both identity and market positioning. Throughout my MSc, I built advanced expertise in qualitative research methods, critical cultural analysis, and consumer insights, reinforcing my ability to connect rigorous academic inquiry with the dynamics of the global fashion and luxury industries.

From 2020–2024, I earned my B.A. in Global Studies at UCLA, graduating with Highest Departmental Honors, a 3.87 major GPA, and recognition including the Allen Cottriel Scholarship Award, Blue & Gold Scholarship, and multiple placements on the Dean’s Honor List. My undergraduate dissertation, “Social Media, Non-State Actors, and Mass Global Support: The Egyptian Arab Spring — Freedom, Bread and Human Dignity,” examined how digital media shaped global solidarity and collective mobilization. During my time at UCLA, I complemented academic work with professional roles at Christian Louboutin, Brandy Melville, Depop, and the UCLA Alumni Center, gaining experience in luxury retail, marketing campaigns, CRM data management, and event planning. I also held leadership positions with Fashion & Student Trends (FAST) and Her Campus UCLA, directing runway shows, networking galas, and branded activations with companies including Chanel, Valentino, Estée Lauder, and Coach.