This exhibition brings together recent work of six creatives, each of whom is defining their own pathway amidst the ever-changing industries of fashion, social media, and design. Their experiences reveal a rich array of experiments, trials, multiple jobs, and networking, all underpinned by hard work, determination, and imagination. All are also alumni of the KSU School of Fashion and have at least 6 years of experience beyond graduation.
While the alumni’s pathways are unique, their stories share qualities and strategies. One of the most significant connectors across the group is their impulse to build community and partnerships that transcend a purely transactional relationship with their clients.
Fashion designers Keäma Garrett, Joshua Hupper, and Miyako Nakamura each design for very different clients. Garrett’s bold garments for Keäma are designed to empower all and showcase the beauty of Black women. Miyako Nakamura is Co-Founder of MMLaFleur, a ready to wear line of clothing designed for working women, defined broadly as women running households or running for office. Joshua Hupper along with his creative partner, Qiaoran Huang of BabyGhost, creates cutting edge streetwear for cool kids in Shanghai, China. In fact, due to the pandemic lockdowns, Hupper was unable to send his garments and so his designs are represented with digital images. Jules Acree is a digital creative and entrepreneur, helping us to simplify and live our best lives. Deanna First is a fashion illustrator known for her live sketching events, and Anne Skoch is based in Cleveland where her company Anne Cate produces responsibly sourced, small batch bags featuring skylines of cities from around the globe.
Available in the KSU Museum Store are products for sale by Keäma Garrett and Anne Skoch, as well as by another School of Fashion alum, jewelry designer, Rhea Kusclar.
PATHFINDERS 