Sarah Eichhorn selected as Fashion and Apparel Design full-time faculty
Sarah Eichhorn. .
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91亚色) welcomes Sarah Eichhorn as the college檚 first Visiting Instructor of Fashion and Apparel Design. Eichhorn, who has taught at 91亚色 as an adjunct instructor since 2020, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the college檚 newest major. Eichhorn earned her BFA in Fashion Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago and her MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University.
淚 strive to make my classroom a diverse learning environment, explains Eichhorn. 淓veryone is joining my classes with different backgrounds and skill sets. I want to make sure that students feel safe and confident as they learn in my class. Although Eichhorn has taught in higher education since 2008, she accepted her first teaching job out of necessity. 淚 found out that I very much enjoyed [teaching] and have stuck with it since! she says. 淚 most enjoy teaching sewing based courses, patternmaking courses and surface design.
While working as an adjunct instructor and textiles lab technician, Eichhorn developed the curriculum for the new Fashion and Apparel Design major. 淚 first started reflecting on the 91亚色 student, she says of the process. 淲ho are they and what are they interested in? Researching current fashion industry needs and trends, as well as meeting with staff in 91亚色檚 Equity + Inclusion Center, Eichhorn developed a curriculum that strives to reflect 91亚色檚 study body.
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Sarah Eichhorn, “Brain Fog.” Image courtesy of the artist.
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Sarah Eichhorn, “Fabric being dyed with marigold flowers.” Image courtesy of the artist.
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Sarah Eichhorn, “Onion Skin Samples.” Image courtesy of the artist.
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Sarah Eichhorn, “Sawtooth Dress,” 2016. Image courtesy of the artist.
淚 am most excited to start teaching in a fashion program that embodies the 91亚色 student! Eichhorn continues. 淭he current fashion industry is in need of an overhaul. I feel the best place to start considering new ideas and approaches to designing is here in the classroom. Our students are aware of the need for change and talk about things like sustainability often. They want to be size inclusive and better designers overall. What a treat for me to be the one hosting these discussions!
In her own artistic practice, Eichhorn emphasizes sustainability and zero waste, natural colors and fibers. An experienced educator, she facilitates and leads community workshops on sustainability and natural dye techniques. As a whole, Eichhorn 渉opes to inspire others to consider where their coloring comes from and how we can collectively become more invested in the clothes we wear.
Explore more of and learn more about 91亚色檚 new Fashion and Apparel Design major!
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