Fashion Resource Center (FRC) Presents Symposium and Workshops on February 23

To complement its collaborative exhibition with the Art Institute of Chicago, Material Translations: Japanese Fashion from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Fashion Resource Center (FRC) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is pleased to present the companion programs Material Innovations and Making on Saturday, February 23, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. A half-day symposium is followed by hands-on workshops inside SAIC’s Department of Fashion Design and Department of Fiber and Material Studies. Both eventscontinue the yearlong celebration of the FRC’s 25-year anniversary as a unique resource for studying contemporary and avant-garde designer fashions. Tickets ($75 / $50 students with current ID), which include lunch as well as an evening reception and tour hosted by IDEO, are available via saic.edu/frc.

Material Innovations, a half-day symposium co-hosted by Gensler, will investigate the innovative use of modern fabrics and materials. Authorities will present concepts and research detailing radical practices and inspired design processes. Featured presenters include keynote speaker Reiko Sudo, co-founder of Tokyo’s Nuno Corporation, whose innovative textiles blend tradition and technology; Carlie Berna, a representative of global materials consultancy Material ConneXion, who will dissect the company’s role as a comprehensive resource center dedicated to innovative and sustainable materials and processes; and Allison Folz of Maharam along with Global Fabric/Leather Design Manager for the Lear Corporation Jeanette Puig-Pey, who will explore the design and development of textiles for specific industries and products.

Making further explores contemporary techniques of fabric and material manipulations in three hands-on afternoon workshops focusing on heat pressing, fabric pleating, and new embroidery processes. Through lectures and experimental practices, instructors will facilitate and encourage a creative engagement with cutting-edge textiles. Workshop facilitators include Chris K. Palmer, designer and co-author of Shadowfolds: Surprisingly Easy-to-Make Geometric Designs in Fabric; Fraser Taylor, Adjunct Professor of Fiber and Material Studies at SAIC; and embroidery expert Beata Kania.

Transportation from SAIC to IDEO, and back to SAIC, will be available for registered participants.

For more information about Material Translations: Japanese Fashion from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, see coverage published by the Chicago Sun-Times and Time.

Material Innovations and Makingare co-presented by Gillion Carrara (Director, Fashion Resource Center), Fraser Taylor, Gensler, and IDEO. The programs are generously supported by Hermann Miller, Maharam, Douglas Dawson Gallery and Pret A Manger, with additional support by the SAIC Departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects (AIADO); Art and Technology Studies; Fashion; and Fiber and Material Studies.

Material Innovations Symposium + Making Workshops
Saturday, February 23
9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $75 or $50 for students with current ID
To purchase online, please visit saic.edu/frc
312.629.6731 | frc@saic.edu

Gensler
111 E. Madison St., suite 300

SAIC Department of Fashion Design
36 S. Wabash Ave., 7th floor

SAIC Department of Fiber + Material Studies
37 S. Wabash Ave., 9th floor

IDEO
626 W. Jackson Blvd., suite 700

About Gensler
Gensler is an international architecture, design, planning and consulting firm. Founded in 1965, the firm first focused on interiors, and has since diversified into commercial office buildings, retail centers, airports, education facilities and entertainment complexes. It is also involved in planning and urban design, brand strategy, environmental graphic design, mission-critical facilities, sustainable design consulting and other areas.

About IDEO
IDEO is an award-winning global design and innovation consultancy. Since 1978 the company has designed and launched innovative products, services, ventures, and brands for organizations in the public and private sectors by combining business acumen with human-centered market insights. IDEO's mission is to create positive impact through design.

About the SAIC Fashion Resource Center
One of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s distinguished special collections, the Fashion Resource Center maintains a unique hands-on collection of late 20th- and 21st-century designer garments and accessories representative of extreme innovation. Its singular nature is defined not only by the visitor’s ability to handle the apparel but also by the extensive visual, print, and fabric reference collection that support and illuminate the garments and the study of attire. These elements combine to provide students and guests with a creative and educational environment in which to explore the most progressive achievements in the world of dress and fashion. Located within SAIC’s internationally renowned department of Fashion Design, the FRC is open to the public by appointment.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from around the globe. SAIC also enables adults, high school students, middle school students, and children to flourish in a variety of courses, workshops, certificate programs, and camps through its Continuing Studies program. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. For more information, please visit saic.edu.

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