Session 1 - Sam Cotton at 11 AM
Session 2 - Giles Montezin at 12 PM
Session 3 - Meisha Brown at 1PM
Session 4 - Adrianna Marina at 2PM

Revolutionary fashion icon Bethann Hardison’s wave-making strides have much to do with the diversity and inclusion infiltrating the industry today. Hardison and Alexandra, curator of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, “Willi Smith: Street Couture” exhibit will spotlight Willi Smith’s legacy and impact in fashion to stimulate ideas for uncommon approaches to style and trend. Including an exploration of the unexpected and sometimes overlooked reach of fashion, they will also share his experience as a Parsons Alumnus and a walkthrough of the Cooper Hewitt Willi Smith Community Archive.

Clara Jeon, co-founder of Chapter 2, and Angela Koh, market editor of T Magazine, discuss the importance of a brand’s story, how it’s told, and the relationships between the publicists and editors working together to uncover, develop and share it. In a conversation that spans their own learning lessons, special stories, shoots, and events throughout their careers, Jeon and Koh will highlight what makes a brand or story interesting and meaningful to a large audience, how to nurture professional relationships, and the purpose and power of storytelling for emerging brands.

Textile artist Ann Morton exploits traditional fiber techniques as a conceptual tool to inspire examinations of society and our participation in it as bystanders, participants, victims and perpetrators. Including an intimate look at her Arizona-based studio, this workshop will divulge the purpose, process and intention behind The Violet Protest Project – an effort Morton believes is a vehicle to healing and unity through the utilization of purpose-driven/purpose-intentioned, collective design.