Runway Retrospectives

Clothing is among the most visible and meaningful ways in which we express our identities. However, rarely do we ever think about the factors that truly shape our choices when it comes to dress. For instance, the interrelatedness of historical, economic, cultural, technological, societal and political/religious influences all have a say on the decisions and behaviors we make when it comes to our interactions with clothing.

Headshot of Professor Rachel Kinnard. Courtesy of Professor Rachel Kinnard.

For that reason, Professor Rachel Kinnard of the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries has sought to educate students and provide valuable insight the reasons why people dress the way that they do. According to her professional website “Rachel Kinnard is an educator, cultural producer and clothing designer living in Los Angeles, CA. She holds a MA in Fashion Studies and BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design and currently teaches at California State University Los Angeles, Chapman University and ArtCenter College of Design. Born and raised inAtlanta, she lived in New York City for twelve years where she gained crucial experience in the fashion industry in a range of roles.”

Her extensive expertise working with individuals such as filmmakers, designers, activists, photographers, and industry professionals has inspired the fashion-driven courses that she teaches at Chapman. The section of CCI 304: CCI In Practice that Kinnard typically teaches in the fall, introduces students to the rich history of the fashion industry and the basic design principles that are fundamental to its operation. This course is divided into two key sections. The first introduces issues and theories that are critical to the examination of the fashion landscape and the second focuses on exploring ethical and political considerations within the industry.

Korean clothing Historian Dr. Minjee Kim spoke to CCI 301 students about the evolution and nature of hanbok style; a traditional Korean style of dress. Photo courtesy of Professor Kinnard.

This spring semester Professor Kinnard began teaching a new section of CCI 301: Studies in Cultural Institutions- Fashion: Performing Style and Identity. The course takes a critical approach to fashion by considering the role that fashion takes in the construction of identities in the broader social, political and racial context. Through readings, discussions, guest speakers, and different forms of media, students are encouraged to analyze the daily dress practices that are necessary for the establishment of their personal identities and values through the span of three units. As described by Professor Kinnard, the second unit “examines traditional and ritual dress practices in the context of contemporary culture and how those dress practices interact with

consumerism and the modern world.”

CCI 301 students: Ben Holstine and Carly Dinowitz, are shown modeling the hanbok. Photo Courtesy of Professor Kinnard.

A real world example that students get to experience within this section of the course is the evolution of hanbok style; a traditional Korean clothing that continues to play an integral role in Korean culture and fashion. As part of this curriculum Professor Kinnard invited Korean clothing Historian Dr. Minjee Kim, to speak to her class about the origin, history, and evolution of the two thousand year old style of dress that continues to evolve in the 21st Century. According to Professor Kinnard, Dr. Kim’s presentation “emphasized the importance of researching and acknowledging history when creating costumes for industries and characters within CCI because these best practices provide a wealth of important information about people and societies.” Professor Kinnard believes that a lot of what the Creative and Cultural Industries are, are “people who are excited to learn about culture and create culture”, therefore she hopes that after taking these courses, her students are “better equipped to look beyond what they’re being fed as consumers and have the necessary tools and confidence to look at the fashion industry in a critical way.” Additionally her hope is that students are able to better understand people, conversations, and the power of using dress and adornment, by teaching them how to research, write, and engage with the world around them in an active way.”

One way that Professor Kinnard is hoping to bring the subject of fashion and the Creative Industries to life for our students is by planning a panel event for the next academic year. The idea is to bring together California based industry professionals such as designers, stylists, photographers, etc. that deal with and look at fashion from different perspectives, to talk and connect with our students in order to give them real world insight into the industry. Professor Kinnard also encourages any students that are interested in learning about issues and contexts related to fashion to reach out to her, and consider enrolling in one of her CCI courses. CCI 304-02 CCI in Practice is running fall 2022!"