The School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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 ofMaharam 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 explorescontemporary 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 Making are co-presented by Gillion Carrara (Director, Fashion Resource Center), Fraser Taylor, Gensler, and IDEO. The programs are generously supported by Pret A Manger and Maharam, with additional support by the SAIC Departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects (AIADO); Art and Technology; 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