By Design: Process – Production – Profession

Iowa State University’s Apparel, Merchandising, and Design (AMD) program has a long history of offering classes in clothing design and construction. Originally named the Textiles and Clothing Department until reorganization in 2001, the primary goal of the instructors was to teach the students the skills necessary to produce clothing and household textiles for themselves and their future families. Hand-sewing, patternmaking techniques, and garment tailoring were perfected by the students as part of their coursework. Today’s classes still provide instruction in basic sewing and patternmaking, but now include access to specialized equipment and technologies not available over 100 years ago. Utilizing tools such as computerized patternmaking software, industrial sewing machines, and digital printers, students are constantly challenged to develop their skills and to express their creativity.

Along with a selection of student-made projects from the Textiles and Clothing Museum’s collection, this exhibition represents current trends in apparel design instruction by including examples of typical student assignments from all levels of coursework in the design option of the AMD program. In addition, AMD faculty along with graduate teaching assistants have been invited to showcase work that represents their own personal design scholarship and aesthetics.

The AMD program also claims numerous successful apparel professionals among its alumni; a few of these individuals are featured in the exhibition. From designing for large corporate retailers, working for niche apparel brands, to the more independent textiles and clothing entrepreneurs, our graduates are defining their futures and fulfilling dreams. Whether creating for fashion or function, by design, the students, faculty, and alumni of the Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program are attaining success and satisfaction in their chosen fields.