Round and Round: Circularity in Fashion
The Institute’s newest exhibition, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile, explores the 150-year history of the synthetic dyes that color our clothes and make our style stand out. But what does the future look like for sustainable fashion? And how can circular design—durable, reusable, and recyclable fashion—help combat “fast fashion” pollution and transform the relationships between us, our clothes, and our environment?
Join experts from Philadelphia’s leading fashion sustainability initiatives for an engaging panel talk on the future of circular design!
Agenda
- 6pm–7pm | Lecture
- 7pm-8pm | Reception
Moderator
Leslie Davidson
Cofounder and Executive Director, PA Fibershed
Speakers
Jo Corvus has a master of science in sustainable development and climate change from Antioch University. In 2021 he joined FABSCRAP, a textile recycling nonprofit, and launched their Philadelphia location. Jo currently serves as the service coordinator at FABSCRAP, which works with 660 organizations to divert excess textiles from landfills.
Lisa Hayes brings 25 years of industry experience to the Fashion Design Program at Drexel University as associate professor. As program director (2012–2022), she focused on infusing responsible, circular, and ethical design practices into the curriculum. Lisa has exhibited her designs across the United States and internationally in Thailand, South Korea, Japan, China, Uzbekistan, and elsewhere. Her editorial design work has been featured in House & Garden, Glamour, IN Style, People, WWD, The Philadelphia Inquirer, British Vogue, Me UK, and other publications.
Elizabeth Shane Quinn is a designer with over 20 years of industry experience as both a merchant and design executive and 8 years of academic experience as a university instructor. Elizabeth is the Director of Impact at Grant Blvd, a sustainable fashion brand focused on providing living wage jobs in Philadelphia, minimizing textile waste, and utilizing fashion as a powerful form of activism. Additionally, Elizabeth is an assistant professor at Albright College, teaching the next generation of fashion industry professionals responsible design and production practices that center people and the planet. Materiality and circularity are the foundations of Elizabeth’s research and personal practice, which focuses on the longevity and impact of the textile and fashion industries. Challenging students and businesses to lead the change, Elizabeth aims to answer the questions: “What is our responsibility as designers, makers, and artists to planet Earth and each other?” and “How can we continue to create newness while doing no harm?”
Samantha Wittchen is director of programs and operations for Circular Philadelphia. A seasoned sustainability professional, Samantha’s work has spanned operational sustainability, metrics and evaluation, and outreach. She has written for over a decade on sustainability-related topics for Philadelphia-based Grid magazine—including the January 2022 cover story on textile recycling and circularity in the Philadelphia region. She is a LEED Green Associate and holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia.
This event is copresented with the Design & Merchandising Program and Fashion Design Program of Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.
About Science and Society
Our Science and Society speaker series explores the history of science embedded in our everyday lives. We invite scientists, historians, policymakers, and educators for engaging, in-depth conversations that expand our perspectives. Program formats include lectures, interviews, roundtables, and book launches. Science and Society events are curated for an adult audience, fostering curiosity, conversation, and interactivity. Each evening concludes with a free reception with the speakers.
Featured image: 1960s color print magazine advertisement for DuPont dyed nylon stockings.
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