Nike Visit Inspires!

Jay Meschter, Vice President of Innovation Exploration, of Nike's innovation kitchen visited Philadelphia University today to speak about design and exploration. Providing case studies and speaking to students about successes and missed opportunities in innovation, Jay inspired students from architecture, engineering, industrial design, and textile design to think beyond the boundaries of their disciplines. The end of the fall term was the perfect time to re-ignite the students fire for making! We expect great collaborations between these groups as we move forward.

Nike as a brand is identifiable. It is edgy and irreverent.

Like a concert pianist playing with an oven mitt, if design is not crafted and pushed to meet the needs of its end user it is bulky and inefficient. Nike strives and pushes to make each application, fit like a glove. 

Sharing ways the team works to solve problems and create to meet the needs of the athletes they serve. Materials and their textile components are key to creating products that are successful. 

Each piece is meaningful. And cut and sew production is no longer the key to great design. Innovation in textile production, in no waste knit technology is at the forefront of the push for shoe engineering. 

Jay with Lyn Godley of Industrial Design and Marcia Weiss of Textile Design

Find out more about the innovation at Nike at NikeLab.com

Textile Design Immersion--New York City, Part III--Kravet!

On Friday November 20, 12 students spent the day in New York City touring Kravet Design Studios and Showrooms.  Textile Design undergraduate and graduate students, an international exchange Textile Design student and an Industrial Design graduate student enjoyed a full day with Scott Kravet, seeing the wonderful complexity of Kravet--from amazing textiles, to beautiful furniture and exciting accessories.  The day included expansive tours and discussions with the Kravet design and merchandising team, as well as an insider's look at the gorgeous showrooms in the D & D Building.  See the images below for a few highlights of the day. 

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Textile Design Immersion--New York City

Eight Textile Design, Industrial Design and Surface Imaging masters students participated in a Textile Design Immersion Day in New York City on Friday October 30.  Students enjoyed a great visit to Woolmark and to Material Connexion.  Woolmark is a company that promotes the use of fine Australian wool to the global marketplace.  Material Connexion is a materials resource library that holds a curated assortment of material innovation across a wide-range of disciplines.  See below some images from the Woolmark visit, where Angi Domsitz shared with students innovations in wool textiles.  It was a great, inspiring day in the city!

Kelly Cutrone and Carson Kressley Guest Speakers at Discover Fashion Day

On Tuesday, October 27, it was "standing room only" on campus for a presentation to prospective students and their families, current students and faculty for the Fall 2015 Discover Fashion Day.  This day brings together students interested in Textile Design, Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising for an overview of the programs and life at PhilaU.  Carson Kressley was the host for Kelly Cutrone's presentation.  They discussed a wide range of topics in the design and fashion industries.  Kelly noted that to be successful one needs to be "hardworking, tenacious, humble and curious" and that people with great lives are those that are "allowed to dream".   She stressed getting experience through internship opportunities and not letting fear hold you back.  Here are a couple images from Carson and Kelly's presentation.  It was a great day for everyone who was fortunate enough to attend.  Watch for future Discover Fashion Day opportunities.  There always are wonderful surprises!

Rowan College at Burlington County Students Explore Textile Design

On Friday October 23, thirteen students from Rowan College at Burlington County spent the day on campus exploring textile design.  Professor Lisa Steinberg brought her students to PhilaU to participate in digital printing, jacquard weaving and computerized knitting workshops, with PhilaU Textile Design students, faculty and staff.  Everyone had a great time, and made some wonderful textiles.  The day culminated with an exhibition and reception at The Design Center here on campus.  See the images below for a snapshot of the day.