With a focus on creating sustainable apparel for all body types and identities, the new Fashion and Apparel Design major at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is an exploration of fashion across gender, accessibility, size, trends, and the future of the industry.
Launching in fall 2023, the program has a distinguishing focus on sustain- able design, inclusion and finding authentic self, reflecting the college’s values, student interest and industry demand.
Taking its cue from this new major, the college planned its annual Creative Fusion gala around fashion and apparel. Creative Fusion: Fashion Forward took place on May 6, 2023, where MIAD’s supporters finalized the college’s successful $10 million comprehensive campaign. Funds raised enable MIAD to provide generous scholarships to students pursuing innovative pro- grams in its modernized facilities.
Although the Fashion and Apparel Design major officially launches in fall, fashion industry leaders continue the trend of seeking to hire MIAD students. Two students were awarded highly competitive summer internships at Nike. Catherine Currie ’23 (Communication Design) will be Nike’s only graphic design intern, while Emma May Travitz ’24 (Product Design) landed a Nike Global Apparel Materials (GLAM) internship. Nike is not the only internationally acclaimed company to recognize the hard work and dedication of MIAD students. Benjamin Cole ’23 (Product Design) will intern with Under Armour in their footwear department after graduation.
In addition to securing nationally sought-after internships, MIAD students are also making their mark closer to home in downtown Milwaukee. The new MIAD Gallery at The Ave, the college’s first off-campus gallery space, allows students, faculty, staff, and alumni the opportunity to show art and design work and sell work on consignment.
MIAD invites the public to visit the gallery and view an array of work at varied price points. More information is at galleryattheave.miad.edu.