Search

“Who Owns What?” investigates fashion’s relationship with identity through the various perspectives of those who may refer to themselves as “The Owner.” The exhibit is divided into three sections: “The Creator,” “The Wearer,” and “The Steward.” “The Creator” explores design process, brand identity, labor, and consumerism. “The Wearer,” reveals how clothing can become intimately personalized. “The Steward,” raises questions about the slipperiness of meanings over time. Through a series of vignettes, identity becomes something owned

As a Ph.D. student in the field of Design and Environmental Analysis in our College’s Department of Human Centered Design, Tara Pearson explores the possibilities of design to positively impact emotional experience and bolster wellbeing. Her research examines the role of visual aesthetics in eliciting emotions in our environment—most recently, experiences of positive surprise and delight. As a Teaching Assistant here, Pearson has supported design-thinking related courses including: Design Graphics and Visualization (DEA1150); Making a

Larissa Shepherd, PhD., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fiber Science & Apparel Design.

Dr. Shepherd earned her B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering at Alfred University. While earning her M.S. and  Ph.D. from Cornell University, she breifly worked in industry as a Market Development Intern for  Invista™, in addition to taking part in a Liquid Crystalline and Responsive Fibers International Research Experience for Students in Germany.

Nanofibers represent a transformative class of materials whose tunable architectures are redefining the capabilities of nonwoven systems. By precisely engineering the high surface area and controlled porosity inherent in these fibrous mats, we can unlock multifunctional performance across healthcare, energy storage, and environmental remediation. This lecture explores the synthesis–structure–property relationships that govern nonwoven nanofiber performance, with a particular emphasis on bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing. We will delve into the advances

During the late nineteenth century, Ebenezer Butterick and The E. Butterick Company transformed women’s fashion by introducing mass-produced, precut sewing patterns based on a proportional grading system. While these patterns were marketed as accessible and democratic tools for amateur dressmakers, they were based on a rigid sizing framework that codified a vision of bodily “normalcy” centered on corsetry and the proportions of an idealized size “36.”

This talk shares research in progress on the origins

S. Kay Obendorf Ph.D. (physical chemistry from Cornell University, 1976) is a Professor of Fiber Science in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University. Her research and teaching interests are in the area of fiber science, chemistry of fibers and films, and protective clothing.  She was the department chair for the Department of Textiles and Apparel (now Fiber Science & Apparel Design) from 1985-95 and Senior Associate Dean for the College of Human Ecology