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In Bloom: A Runway Collection
Elizabeth Acevedo
Elizabeth Acevedo, FTT451: Senior Project in Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Ali Eagen, Fashion and Textile Technology
The intent of my senior collection is to highlight and showcase the talent and passion of black designers who historically have been overlooked in the fashion industry. For far too long, the accomplishments of non-white designers have been pushed to the wayside. And in a modern society that aims to uplift our young women, we often forget about those who have come before us. My biggest inspiration for my collection was Anne Cole Lowe, an African American designer whose work was a favorite among high society matrons from the 1920 to 1960s. Best known for creating Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress, her feminine silhouettes and eye for detail became a staple among high society. My collection, In Bloom, works to modernize Lowe's designs and silhouettes while introducing them to an entirely new generation of consumers. In the fashion industry, it is important to constantly be moving forward. However, it is also important to reflect on our past, especially our mistakes. With the help of WGSNs womenswear forecast S/S 22: Resourceful, paired with the inspirations from Anne Lowe's work, I hope to take a step towards the future with a hyper-feminine line showcasing the beauty of natural colors. I strongly believe that like a flower, every woman deserves her chance in the sun. Through my collection, I hope to inspire others to look deeper into our industry's history and uplift those who moved mountains for us. To complete this project, I researched sewing to produce a clothing collection based on my inspiration. -
NFL and Its Influence on College Athletes
Myisha Cowan, Jamaal Huff, Isaiah Hancock, and Devin Diaz
Myisha Cowan, Jamaal Huff, Isaiah Hancock, Devin Diaz, CWP102: Argumentation and Research
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Susan Mary Paige, Academic Success, Professor Jane Sullivan, College Writing Program
Covid-19 has had a profound effect on America, but nowhere more than in professional sports. Professional sport franchises are faced with bringing back their fan base. For college athletes, the physical ability to play a sport at a professional level is not always promised. Serious injuries can happen at any time, and this can affect the recruiting process. In recent years, there has been a trend in the draft for the National Football League (NFL) for college players to leave their team mid-season to prepare for the draft. Some have suggested these college players are just quitting. College athletes believe they need to consider the risks and rewards of playing out the college season before registering for the NFL draft. Another perspective is that college players are looking at the sport from a financial point of view. College athletes are not being paid by the NCAA, and if they suffer serious injury while playing college sports, they will never get the chance to play professionally, in addition to losing their college scholarships. What do the NFL fans think about this issue? Are they sympathetic to the college athlete or do they want to win at any cost? After obtaining IRB approval, we conducted a survey of college students at a D3 four-year urban college campus in upstate New York. We question participants on post-COVID-19 NFL interests regarding (a) college players' path to the NFL, (b) Do fans follow the player or do they follow the team? (c) Do they think college athletes should be paid? and (d) Will they return to their pre-Covid interest in the NFL? -
Helpful Experience or Continued Exploitation? Let's Dissect this Topic
Benjamin Dalmeida
Benjamin Dalmeida, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality
Africa is a common destination in the field of cultural tourism. Some may even say that the continent has benefited significantly from the influx of tourists and their cultural experiences. However, I consider the reality of some of the negative aspects of tourism, such as the exploitation of cultural resources and environmental degradation. In my project, I researched both the pros and cons of tourism throughout Africa, while highlighting how some of the cons are greater than they might initially seem. Tourists typically learn cultural basics prior to visiting a destination, but may not always consider another place their home no matter how beautiful it is. My goals are to express the importance of cultural preservation practices, as well as discuss strict regulations that can be set in place to diminish the growing exploitation of African cultures. As a result, we can better focus on a well-rounded experience for tourists visiting Africa. -
Eyes on Me: A Collection Inspired by the Creator of the Iconic Playboy Bunny Costume
Jennifer Duarte-Portillo
Jennifer Duarte-Portillo, FTT451: Senior Project in Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Ali Eagen, Fashion and Textile Technology
The RUNWAY theme for my senior project is History Retailored with an emphasis on black designers. Black designers have shaped the way for fashion just as much as other designers, with much less recognition for their amazing and talented work. After looking into many designers for this collection, one made a connection with me: Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes, who created the iconic Playboy Bunny costume. This costume was important to the female revolution where women began to reclaim their independence and the power of their sexuality. In many ways, Playboy gave women a new perspective and the ability to choose what made them feel sexy. It gave them a way to show how a woman can love herself and her body. It allowed women to show who they are in their bodies and be appreciated for it. Unfortunately, most people don't know who made this costume that has influenced so much fashion and women. Valdes also created dresses and fashion for singers without proper recognition for her talent. My collection modernizes aspects of her style with WGSN's S/S22 trend of euphoric along with the color palette. Design methods that I use for this collection include paneling and boning, to give them the style in which Zelda Barbour Wynn Valdes made the bunny suit. -
Reproducing History: A Doll's 1850s Calico Dress
Carleen Gabrys
Carleen Gabrys, Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Arlesa Shephard, Fashion and Textile Technology
This research project explores the methods of historical creation of textiles and garments through the recreation of a doll dress for the Buffalo History Museum. While items from history are important links to the past, the unfortunate reality is that they can often be damaged to the point where they can no longer be displayed, and their significance cannot be shared with a modern audience. Through reproduction of an item for display, the integrity of the historic item can be presented for viewing, while the original item can be preserved from further damage. This recreation process can also impart important knowledge about the original item that can allow for a greater understanding of the item and its significance. The original dress at the Buffalo History Museum had received extensive light damage and a new dress was requested so that the doll can be displayed without harming the original garment. The process for the digital recreation of the textile is detailed and compared to historical means of textile production. Comparisons to other garments and prints of a similar style and era are highlighted to analyze the construction of the garment. The procedure for recreating the garment from the textile to the final dress is illustrated and implications are drawn for the uses of recreating historic textiles through digital means. -
Venice: The Epicenter of Tourism That Has Had Enough
Kayla Kennedy
Kayla Kennedy, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality and Tourism
Global travel can be one of life's most exciting experiences to partake in. Travelers should always try to leave the location the same way they found it. This extends beyond tidying up one's hotel room and refraining from littering in the streets. It applies to the everyday challenges that present themselves throughout the European travel scene. I constructed my research study around the effects of tourism in the city of Venice. Often there are circumstances where visitors unfortunately aren't respecting foreign land. Cultural tourism brings together accepted practices of research with visitors' motivations to learn, discover, experience, and consume the cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. Venice, as one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations, cannot endure the continuous disrespect to its environment any longer. Increasing numbers of tourists, harsh inflation in the cost of everyday necessities, the impact of cruise ships on the environment, and public indecency have created profound negative impacts on the host community. Native Venetians have found themselves relocating to alternate regions as a result of the overflow of tourism. I seek to answer the question: Is it worth the heartache and pain the Venetians and the city must endure in order to continue as the epicenter of cultural tourists' experiences? How long can they wait before change occurs? -
Kochajmy Sie Wszyscy (Let's All Love Each Other)
Marcel Kosmider
Marcel Kosmider, FTT451: Senior Project in Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Ali Eagen, Fashion and Textile Technology
I am taking the opportunity to use my senior project for RUNWAY, under the theme of History Retailored, to place a spotlight on the social injustice that has affected millions of people worldwide for generations. We can no longer sit around and watch our friends/family be put down, shoved aside, and be the outcasts of our society. We must be the change that we want to see in the world and retailor our future history to a more positive and accepting one. Love comes in all forms and it is unjust for the majority to determine the ways of life for LGBTQ+ minority groups worldwide. We must be thankful to many minorities, who were the first of many who fought along the front line to bring about that change we have today. My collection is inspired by Nicole Zizi Studio and their mission focused on eco-consciousness, sustainability, and innovation in gender-free premium streetwear and accessories. We are all individuals who need to be nurtured and cared for not only by ourselves, but by the world around us. I utilize “Resourceful,” a WGSN S/S22 trend in executing the “Kochajmy SiÄ™ Wszyscy” (Let's All Love Each Other) collection. I focus on the sub-themes of natural fibers and imperfect dye to enhance the collection, while stressing the importance of eco-conscious and sustainable practices in fashion. This collection is intended to send a message about the promotion of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community by my executing a gender-neutral collection. -
La Haine: What Does It Mean to be French?
Julianna Kraft
Julianna Kraft, HON400: All College Honors Colloquium
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Jason Grinnell, Philosophy
During race riots in 1990s France, a young Arab man named Abdel was brutally beaten by police and hospitalized. The film La Haine [Hatred] (1995) follows three friends--Vinz, Hubert, and Saïd--as the young men grapple with the aftermath of the riots, their own identities as minorities, and the ways in which individuals identify themselves and others within those contexts. La Haine explores the complicated relations between race, culture, and class, offering insights that remain relevant to France today. France has spent the past decade confronting a migrant crisis that has spread across Europe, immigration and nationalism were at the forefront of debate during the 2016 French elections, and the question of national identity continues to polarize French politics. I begin by discussing the film's director Mathieu Kassovitz and the genesis of La Haine, then break down each of the film's characters and their struggles with identity. I summarize how France has historically dealt with immigration and assimilation, as well as strengths and weaknesses of current French policy. Finally, I compare the real-life effects of these policies on French society with the social climate portrayed by Kassovitz in his film. I conclude with a discussion of the ultimate question: Is France's assimilation policy creating a greater societal divide? -
Slow Fashion: Stitching Together a More Sustainable Future
Keenan McKenley
Keenan McKenley, International Studies
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Vida Vanchan, Geography and Planning
Demands for cheap clothing and fast turnaround of supplies have resulted in a drastic cost-cutting approach by companies in the fashion industry. Over the past 25 years, the world fashion industry has become accustomed to cheap, low quality garments manufactured within developing countries upon the principles of unsustainable, low-cost business practices and working conditions. However, exposure into the world of fast fashion has ignited a global movement in response to the practices set in place by several clothing companies. This is known as "slow fashion." My research examines the slow fashion industry by addressing the efforts made by companies in this industry to produce high-quality, sustainable products and to adhere to environmentally conscious business practices. As fast and slow fashion companies continue to compete for global fashion supremacy, interest has sparked into just how much of an impact these industries have on the economic, environmental, and social livelihoods of developing countries. Evidence from secondary data sheds light on these issues, and it is evident that fast fashion plays a negative role with respect to the environment. Furthermore, there is growing support for the slow fashion industry and companies that aim to provide quality and sustainable products as well as promote social justice and equality. -
Empty Airports: Are Tourism Economies Ready for Take-off?
Emily Pyne
Emily Pyne, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality and Tourism
Throughout the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have suffered due to their economic reliance on tourism funds. As a result of the global shutdown and closing of borders, countries in which tourism is the chief income source have taken a direct hit. I focus my research on the effects of airport shutdowns in Aruba, the Bahamas, Maldives, and Belize. Each of these countries rely on tourism as the main source of revenue. I research the economic state of the countries directly before the pandemic compared to the current state, and speak to resorts or citizens who have been directly affected. My preliminary findings show a stark contrast in pre-pandemic vs. post-pandemic that I believe the final results will confirm. -
Revitalize and Reimagine: Modernization of Ann Lowe's Signature Gowns
Jasmine Selapack
Jasmine Selapack, FTT451: Senior Project in Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Ali Eagen, Fashion and Textile Technology
The theme for RUNWAY and my collection is Retailoring History -- not changing it -- showcased by embracing black designers from the past and present who have been overlooked. I focused my collection on designs by Ann Lowe from the 1960's. She had been sewing since she could thread a needle, and often included large flower embellishments on her gowns. I incorporate floral embroidery and chiffon overlays to my lingerie designs to represent the floral accents on Ann Lowe's gowns. Ann Lowe was often known as society's best-kept secret because of her skin color, but is now known for designing Jacqueline Bouvier's wedding dress. The intent of my collection is to bring attention to designers of color who usually go uncredited for their hard work, and to encourage more inclusivity in the fashion industry. WGSN's Spring/Summer 2022 Forecast: Connected relates to the theme by showing how we all have some form of connection which can be used to create a more united world. My collection consists of a variety of chiffon, organza, velvet, and satin fabrics in a variety of pastel colors from the Connected forecast. My presentation includes pictures of collection pieces and my mood board used for inspiration. I discuss the silhouettes and how my collection brings awareness to Ann Lowe's work while maintaining my own design aesthetic. -
Consciousness is a New Beauty
Ni Sung
Ni Sung, FTT451: Senior Project in Fashion and Textile Technology
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Ali Eagen, Fashion and Textile Technology
If people ask the most important thing I learned from majoring in Fashion and Textile Technology, I will proudly say addressing the negative impacts of the fashion industry on the planet through sustainability practices. I had no idea how much the fashion industry could impact our environment and social lives. I thought fashion only makes us beautiful, but I was wrong. Being mindful and conscious about what we wear is more beautiful. For my senior collection, I created a collection promoting sustainability and eco-friendly designs. I designed simple silhouettes that can be worn multiple times or mix-and-match with other garment silhouettes. I tried to use minimal fabrics to eliminate fabric wastes and have chosen natural fibers for most of my garment pieces in order to avoid synthetic fibers manufactured with chemicals. The fabrics are expensive, but I invested in them because I know that if fashion brands continue to choose cheaper fabrics and labor and avoid sustainability, nothing will really change. I thrifted some fabrics and am excited to use them for my designs. The most challenging part of this project was making design patterns. My pattern-making class was moved online like many others after the pandemic hit. It wasn't easy to learn this skill virtually, and I relied increasingly on textbooks and virtual tutorials for pattern-making guidelines. I plan to include the journey of this collection and the final garments in my presentation. -
Water Crisis in South Africa: The Influence on Tourism
Amanda Szymanski
Amanda Szymanski, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality and Tourism
The availability of clean water in South Africa has been an ongoing issue, originating before the post-apartheid era. The clean water shortage has greatly affected the country's prosperity, its citizens' health, and its tourism sector. Tourists in South Africa need to remain very aware and cautious of their water usage, and they typically experience the burden of the water crisis through their lodging accommodations and their trip activities. The shortage has obligated South Africa to take on numerous water conservation and recycling methods that tourists are asked to respect and follow, such as taking less than two-minute showers and catching shower water with a bucket, so water can then be used to flush toilets when needed. The lack of water has also made sanitation and hygiene difficult to achieve, therefore, the country has had limited resources in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. The country does not have enough water for its citizens to frequently wash their hands, therefore contributing to the increase in Covid-19 cases. The CDC has warned tourists to not travel to South Africa due to its high Covid-19 case levels. I use a collection of peer-reviewed journal articles to obtain my information. My in-depth research explores the water crisis that South Africa faces, the impact that this issue has on tourism in the country, and the courses of action that tourists and the tourism industry can take to conserve water while in South Africa. -
Life Without Tourism in South Africa
Sydney Watters
Sydney Watters, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality and Tourism
Africa is known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife and for me this is a “must go” on my travel “bucket” list. Tourism is a key driver in South Africa's economy. Not only does tourism create many jobs for the host community, but it allows for the sharing of rich African history and culture with travelers from all over the world. Summertime is a popular time of year to visit the country, with people flocking to most beautiful beaches and enjoying outdoor activities. Other reasons people travel to South Africa is for college studies. Students make up a significant percentage of travelers to the country each year. My research focuses on why tourism is important to the African people who make up the host community. I also discuss the most traveled places in South Africa and compare them to destinations that are less popular. Finally, I report on the effect tourism has on the economy and how it changes residents' lives, and document negative impacts on the environment. I am excited to explore the factors that make South Africa such a unique destination. -
Global Warming: How Will It Affect Your Favorite Destination?
Kiara Woodruff
Kiara Woodruff, HTR318: Cultural Tourism
Faculty Mentor(s): Professor Kathleen O'Brien, Hospitality and Tourism
Global warming is affecting the world around us. The countries we love to visit and depend on for our travel experiences will be taking the biggest hit since travel has become more affordable and carbon emissions have increased. This trend is likely to continue as the demand for travel increases. My research focuses on identifying the names of popular destinations that depend on tourism for economic prosperity. I link the discussion to the issue of global warming to understand how the economy and preservation of landscapes are affected. Currently, studies indicate that tropical islands are at the biggest risk of environmental degradation due to global warming. My project concludes with recommendations for how tourists and businesses can minimize impacts of global warming. If we want to continue travelling to our favorite destinations, we need to begin making significant changes in carbon emissions. The rising sea levels or damaged infrastructure is a problem everyone should be concerned about. As I advance my goals of becoming a professional in the field, I will pursue information which leads to preservation of these tourist destinations. Hospitality professionals and all citizens are witnesses to the serious effects of global warming over recent years. If we want to save our tourist destinations, we need to be agents of change.
