CARS faculty and graduate students attended the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) annual meeting in Long Beach, CA from November 20-23, 2024. ITAA is the primary academic association for faculty in programs like CARS and serves as a resource for educators as well as students in the textile and apparel industry. This year there were 29 peer-reviewed research presentations at the conference by CARS faculty and graduate students and four designs showcased at the design exhibition.
CARS Assistant Professor, Dr. Haeun (Grace) Bang received the Sandra Hutton Award for Excellence in Fiber Arts for her design titled, Entangled Echoes: Converting Oceanic Chaos into Textile Harmony. Her design came to fruition after she watched a documentary examining the growing number of whale deaths. The documentary depicted a necropsy (a procedure similar to a human autopsy) performed on a whale. The necropsy showed the various non-biodegradable plastics the whale ingested.
Dr. Bang wrote, “Microplastics in the ocean pose a serious problem… Microfibers, a distinct sub-category of microplastics, primarily originate from clothing and textile waste, as a designer and educator, I have always tried to practice sustainability but had never focused on the issues of microfibers and ocean pollution…”
Bang’s design aims to raise awareness about sea debris and pollution, therefore, she “Focused on creating a visual impact through intricate hand-knitting techniques and the use of tangled fiber scraps, which mimic the entangled and layered forms of oceanic waste.”
“I exclusively used natural fibers in this piece, as they are biodegradable, addressing the pressing issue of microplastics in the ocean.” said Bang
When asked to reflect on the impact of her experience she stated, “I was thrilled to receive the Sandra Hutton Award for Excellence in Fiber Arts, as I have been striving to express my creativity and aesthetic through designs crafted with various hand-knitting techniques to emphasize garment textures.” “Furthermore, this project serves as an educational tool, inspiring both consumers and designers to prioritize sustainability in their everyday practices. It highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of fashion choices and encourages a shift towards more responsible consumption and production.”
Dr. Bang also served as a faculty mentor to two undergraduate CARS students, Gina Pham and Thre Sar, whose designs were selected for submission at the conference.
Gina Pham is a senior level student who created her design in a patternmaking and draping studio course in Spring 2024. Her Power-In-Culture Dress was selected due to its “use of Generative AI in the design process, communication of the designer’s cultural heritage, application of patternmaking techniques, and excellent construction detail.”
Thre Sar is also a senior whose design was created in a portfolio development course in the Fall of 2023. Thre was tasked with creating a garment that addressed a substantial environmental and social challenge. Her design Sustainability Blooming “… highlights sustainability by integrating creative design and technology skills. It incorporates relevant elements such as natural fibers, nature-inspired colors, and motifs, and naturally draped, flowy silhouettes, which add harmonious cohesiveness to the design.”
The CARS department is extremely proud of Gina and Thre’s dedication to exhibiting their designs at ITAA. Doing so provided a wonderful opportunity for them to showcase their distinct interests and growth as student designers.
Moreover, CARS faculty member, Dr. Elena Karpova received the Distinguished Scholar Award and presented the keynote lecture, Reimagining the Textile and Apparel Market through Research and Education. In Karpova’s presentation, she addressed how clothing production and consumption have shifted in terms of sustainability.
“My goal was to demonstrate how my professional background and research experiences qualify me to speak on this important topic. I then proposed four broad approaches that ITAA and its members can contribute in meaningful ways to make our industry and planet better: Fostering future industry leaders, Shaping better consumption, Transforming the industry, and redefining the meaning of fashion.” Dr. Karpova is the President Elect of ITAA this year and another faculty member, Associate Professor Melanie Carrico, is serving as the organizations current President.
Finally, congratulations to the following award winners:
- Dr. Karpova, Dr. Hodges, and Dr. Bang received a Paper of Distinction award for the paper, If Not Now, When? Critical Reflections on the Future of Sustainability Among Apparel Industry Leaders.
- Charlotte Mills, PhD student, received a Paper of Distinction award for the paper, Content Creator, Small Business Owner, or Both? Exploring the Dynamics of Influencers’ Roles and Role-Related Behaviors on Instagram (mentored by Dr. Nancy Hodges)
- Elana Kellis, MSRS student, received the Sara Douglas Fellowship for Professional Promise.
Thank you to ITAA for hosting yet another notable conference for our faculty and students!
Story Written by Lily Kamiab, CARS Department
