Yiling Lai and Sugandha Tomar [View Animation]

Sustainable sourcing and manufacture, zero waste sampling, inclusive design and the ethical work place are overiding topics in the graduate fashion design courses. In Elizabeth Shane Quinn’s classes students explore the techniques of Zero Waste Design, Upcycling and De/Reconstruction along with concept development to design their own collections as in the sportswear collections here. In the co-requisite Design in the 3D Space class, students use Clo3D software for zero waste patternmaking and virtual fitting to help realize their collections.

Quinn spearheaded the initiative to promote Circular Design Thinking in the fashion design studios by creating Recycle/Re-use Bins for all unused fabrics and trims, and facilitated a partnership with NY-based FabScrap to process a portion of Drexel’s fabric scraps into a non-woven shoddy that can be used by many industries. The Recycle/Re-use Bins currently divert approximately 200 lbs. per semester of unused fabric scraps and yardage from landfills, an initiative lauded by FabScrap as being among the first of its kind in an academic institution.

Tara Rasmussen ReDress Project

ReDress, the Hong Kong based educational and industry consulting platform focuses on Sustainable and Responsible Design Practices. Students compete for the International ReDress Design Award. Drexel is one of only nine American Universities affiliated with this prestigious International Organization, alongside Parsons, Cornell, and FIT.

Under Quinn’s advisement, students applied their sustainable design concepts to a design collaboration with GEYED, a yoga wear company. Designs from the two graduate student collections above were produced by the company.

Students explore traditional Japanese techniques to conserve and reuse textiles at the Sashiko workshop with Philadelphia-based designer Robin Dombey at the Blue Bangs Shop.

Before coming to Drexel Elizabeth Shane Quinn was a Director of Design for Catherine’s Plus Sizes and a Senior designer for Pea in the Pod Maternity. These positions have informed her skills in inclusive design and in all aspects of global production processes and practices. Her designs have been featured on the red carpet, magazine covers, and by bloggers; and have been enjoyed by millions of women across the United States.

Karolina Kurcova, model, O Magazine, 2009; Jewel, singer/songwriter, FIT Pregnancy, 2011

Brooke Anderson, Emmy Awards, 2011

Quinn for Catherines as featured on learntobefearless.com, 2016-17. 126k followers