Twenty-five Cornell Human Ecology (CHE) student designers traveled to New York City to showcase their work to more than 200 industry experts, alumni and friends at this year’s Cornell Fashion & Design Expo on April 11. 

From restorative spaces that improve well-being to inclusive clothing that values identity, the students were selected by a faculty jury for their human-centered design-thinking and innovation around this year’s theme: human thriving by design. This year the expo expanded to include twice as many student designers and their work, representing all of the CHE design majors: design and environmental analysis, fashion design management, and fiber science. The event also had a larger venue and higher attendance than the inaugural expo.

“Our students are passionate and deeply committed to improving human lives,” said Rachel Dunifon, the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean of CHE. “This year’s event deepened connections with the New York design community and established the expo as a marquee event for CHE in New York City.”

Students from the Department of Human Centered Design (HCD) presented design solutions to a range of challenges, from urban renewal to fashioning medical devices, reflecting the transdisciplinary nature of the department. 

FlashSwing, an interactive, movement-based video game designed by Claire Ahn ’25 and Leija Ivy Cao ’25 and master’s students Mingming Zhao and Cici Zhong, delighted and engaged attendees. Designed for students to play in common areas, the game increases physical activity and fosters social connections. 

Ashley Liaw ’24 presented “In the Midnight Studio,” a fashion collection using upcycled materials and reusable metal organic frameworks. The garments highlight the intersection of art and science, a balance that attracted Liaw to CHE four years ago.

“It was exciting to watch designers from across our department present their work together,” said Yasser Gowayed, Lau Family Professor and HCD chair. “They clearly articulated their design thinking and demonstrated how design makes a difference to the world and to them.”

In preparation for the expo, faculty and alumni volunteers coached students to polish their presentation skills. “What sets Cornell students apart is their ability to think critically and synthesize complex ideas into their designs,” said Kim Phoenix, senior lecturer in HCD. 

“Their designs are not just attractive to look at – it’s the thinking that underscores their concept and the expo provides a venue to showcase that,” added Nooshin Ahmadi, HCD lecturer.

Margaret Tsai ’27, one of two first-year designers who presented, combined art, technology and fashion design to create “The In-Betweens.” The all-black garment highlighted both modern and traditional Chinese aesthetics and incorporated sound-responsive LED lights.

“Breeze,” a group project by Lejia Ivy Cao ’25, Karen Mendoza ’25 and Jason Zhou ’25, uses therapeutic interventions for restorative spatial design. The result is a respite that uses wind and music to mimic the natural environment. Designed with college students in mind, it’s flexible enough to be adaptable to multiple populations and contexts.

The event format allowed students to share their projects individually with small groups of guests. That was by design. 

“Unlike traditional runway shows where the interaction is limited and viewers have no context behind the work, the expo allows us to discuss our concepts and processes in-depth,” said Raquel Coren ’25, who was selected to participate in the event for a second time. “The format allows students to make meaningful connections with attendees and gain worthwhile practice in communicating our creative ideas to a broader audience.”

Coren’s fashion collection “Erosion” uses reclaimed and salvaged materials to marry futurism and nature for human thriving.

Alumni attendees also appreciated the opportunity to speak directly with student designers. “The creativity and innovation on display at the event was truly remarkable,” said Jessica Couch MPS ’16, fashion tech expert and retail strategist. “Their innovative ideas are crucial for the continued evolution and positive trajectory of our field. The Cornell Design Expo not only highlighted the talents of these emerging designers, but also underscored the importance of nurturing such diverse and revolutionary ideas in design and beyond.”