Real-world experience is an integral part of the Master of Fashion Industry Studies (MFIS) program. Seven current and two former School of Fashion MFIS students had the opportunity to present at the Annual Conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA), held in Baltimore, MD on November 6–11, 2023.
The MFIS students presented their research and creative pieces at the annual conference of the ITAA, where their work was refereed or juried. “It means a lot for them to get accepted and deliver their presentation at this international conference with hundreds of attendees from all over the world.” Said J. Vick, graduate studies coordinator and professor. "Many of our graduate faculty have worked with MFIS students to get their work ready to make this great recognition happen. Their presentations at the ITAA were partially supported by funding from the School of Fashion or KSU Graduate Student Senate."
ITAA is the largest and most prestigious professional organization for scholars, educators and students in the textiles, apparel, and fashion industry. The organization aims to advance and advocate for scholars in the textile and apparel disciplines. ITAA welcomes professionals in the pursuit of knowledge, interchange of ideas and dissemination of knowledge through meetings, special events, and publications.
“There is so much to be learned from such a large industry gathering as ITAA. First and foremost, I learned that hard work pays off. I worked hard to get accepted into this conference as a graduate student, and I’ll forever be grateful that my tenacity created such an incredible opportunity. Additionally, I learned the importance of having an open mind when listening to the thoughts and experiences of others.” Said Jodi Frontino, MFIS student.
Congratulations to all graduate students and their faculty mentors. Here are the presenters in alphabetical order:
Jodi Frontino: “A Small Way to Give Back: Role of Buy Nothing Groups During COVID-19 Pandemic,” Oral Presentation. Faculty advisor - Gargi Bhaduri
Michael Hausknecht: “The Role of Recycled Polyester Fabric in a Circular Supply Chain: Less Bad is No Better.” Poster Presentation. Faculty advisor - Gargi Bhaduri
Jack Herman: “A State of Fashion Re-commerce: From Operational Perspectives.” Poster presentation. Faculty advisor - J. Vick
Hannah Johnson: “Size Inclusive and Body Positive? Key Discrepancies Between U.S. Female Body Measurements and Current Models Represented by Fashion Modeling Agencies.” Poster presentation. Faculty advisors - Catherine Leslie and Kim Hahn
Quynh Nguyen (Jennie): “Bridging the Gap Between Fashion Design Curricula and Industry Requirements.” Poster presentation. Faculty advisor - Kim Hahn
Lauren Street: “Live Composition & Mark Making: An Exploration of Maximalist Rug Tufted Fashion Using Secondhand, Deconstructed Yarns.” Design mentor - John Paul Morabito. A winner of the award titled, “Creative and Innovative Employment of Techniques – Graduate”
Yee Lin Elaine Yuen: “The Identity Expression Behavior between Eastern and Western Gamers using Stimulated Digital Fashion.” Poster Presentation. Faculty advisor - J. Vick
The Students and faculty also had time to catch up with former students who are pursuing their advanced degrees in the US:
Gloria Mifetu, pursuing an M.F.A. at U of North Texas, presented two creative design pieces under Chanjuan Chen's supervision.
Xiaohan (Emma) Lin, pursuing a Ph.D. at North Carolina State, presented two posters with her advisors.
About the Master of Fashion Industry Studies
The Master of Fashion Industry Studies is designed to set you up for success in the fast-paced world of fashion. It is the only one of its kind in the US. You’ll have the opportunity to explore how your creativity fits into the real world through a hands-on learning experience. Gain an advanced insight into the commercial side of fashion, find innovative ways to tackle industry challenges, and hone your design and merchandising skills.
It is important that your Master’s is geared towards your own career goals. That is why we enable you to choose an individualized learning path. Through nine credits in diverse areas of Fashion Design and Merchandising and three credits in coursework of your choice, you can follow your own interests and passions within the fashion industry. During the program, you’ll work on projects with local, regional, national and/or international fashion companies to gain real world, industry experience.