October 11, 2022

Photos by Amber Roldan

When attendees walked through Gwynn Hall’s doors Friday afternoon, they were met with eye-catching trifold boards and intricate dresses atop mannequins. This display was part of MU’s Textile and Apparel Management department’s open house and showcase Sept. 30 to show off new technology and opportunities. 

This anniversary event celebrated TAM’s achievements and improvements during its first year as an academic department of the College of Arts and Sciences. Throughout the year, the school received new cutting edge technology, and more publicity. Department chair Jung Ha-Brookshire, directors, professors and TAM students joined forces to  put on the event. From student presentations to lab tours and project showcases, the immersive event invited alumni, visitors, families and prospective students to come learn more about what theTAM department has to offer. 

Instructor and Academic Advisor Nicollette Leiby is responsible for TAM’s career Services and alumni events. 

“Before we even went into the College of Arts and Sciences, TAM students already had a reputation of having a well-rounded supply chain education,” Leiby said. “But by being able to be in Arts and Sciences, they actually have exposure to other ways to supplement those interests.”

To accommodate foot traffic and fully utilize the space to show off TAM’s new opportunities, the event took place in different rooms and hallways of Gwynn Hall. The following layout allowed visitors to weave in and out of each room as they pleased.

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Gwynn Hallway:

The front hallway of the building showcased the work of three students from an apparel draping class. Of the three designs, senior Sydney McClintok’s project: “The Power of Women ” was accepted to the International Textile and Apparel Association Design Exhibition (ITAA). With a 37% acceptance rate, the ITAA Design Exhibition had 122 undergraduate submissions this year. McClintock’s dress stemmed from a sustainability assignment where she was given a randomly sized, leftover piece of fabric to create a dress. To highlight the importance of sustainability through this project, all  the scraps from the dress had to fit inside of a sandwich size ziploc bag. 

“The people in the department have given me such great opportunities to build my own confidence…,” McClintock said. “I just want to be able to share that with other people and give them the same opportunities.” 

In addition to Apparel Draping projects located in the front hallway, Lily Rudman and Piper Noblit, two Fashion Scholarship Fund  competition winners, stood next to tri-fold boards explaining their winning projects. The annual FSF competition allows students to conceptualize solutions for existing issues in the fashion industry. With over 1,000 applicants this year, only 123 students were chosen, and four winners came from  MU’s TAM program. Through the program, each scholarship recipient receives not only financial support, but a mentor in the fashion industry.

“I didn’t know much about TAM, but my freshman year I took the Gen Ed’s and my TAM classes and I really loved it,” Rudman said. “But it honestly wasn’t until I won this case study that I got complete validation that I’m in the right school, in the right major and totally on the right path.” 

Kitty G. Dickerson Technology Lab:

This lab showed off TAM’s newest industry related technology. The most notable technological advancement has been CLO 3D — a 3D fashion design software. TAM Senior, Jillian King demonstrated the software capabilities and explained how theTAM department benefits from the technology. The new program allows students to create virtual realistic garment visualizations through advanced simulation technology. The technology lab is plastered with numerous touchscreen monitors, which allow students to collaborate using CLO 3D. With this software, students can more accurately design clothes and projects in a manner that stays up to date with the industry standard, and view or comment on presentations. 

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The presentations detailed study abroad opportunities, project designs from various classes and TAM’s collaboration with the Mizzou Store through the interactive MizzouMirror. The MizzouMirror will enhance customer interaction and engagement and allow visitors to snap a picture with Truman the Tiger and will be located in the Mizzou Store.

“It’s really cool being a senior and learning all of these different programs. We have some really cool technology now that is relevant to the industry,” McClintock said. “So it’s really cool to be learning that now because next year when I get a job I will be doing that kind of stuff at my job.”

Kellwood Company Apparel Technology Lab:

The second lab had several students stationed next to mannequins adorned with projects created in Textile and apparel management 2280: Apparel Production and 2380: Apparel Patternmaking. From a zebra print dress inspired by a childhood bedroom to dresses inspired by the hit TV shows Bridgerton and Euphoria inspiration for each project varied. Each design revealed the level of quality and understanding that TAM strives to develop in their students. In addition to mannequin displays in the lab, TAM senior Mara Fenwick enthusiastically gave patternmaking demonstrations. Her demonstration focused on the principles: Dart Manipulation, Fullness and Seams.

Room 117:

This smaller room had a plethora of colorful, information packed trifold boards with engaging titles that lured visitors to approach and talk to a student more about its contents. The subject of each board varied from undergraduate research investigations to final displays of projects, where students were asked to conceptualize an app or design a faux apparel line. The passion students have for TAM remained truly palpable in this room as they eagerly chatted with guests.

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 A reception at The Broadway Hotel followed the event and further provided time for students to network in a more casual setting.

“We honor the legacy of our past, but now it’s time to move on to the future in our new college,” Ha-Brookshire said. “So this is an opportunity for the new college to know who we are.”

Edited by Lucy Valeski | lvaleski@themaneater.com

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