Featured Stories
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
11 November 2011 4:59 PM | No Commentsby NPR STAFF
If you pay attention to the Emmys and Academy Awards, then you’ve probably seen those glamorous, haute couture gowns made by Kevan Hall. He’s known for dressing A-listers like Vanessa Williams, Salma Hayek, Celine Dion — even first lady Michelle Obama.
His work has earned him multiple awards. After studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he won a scholarship sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design. In 1989, the NAACP named him the Great American Designer, and in 2005, Life & Style Magazine named him Stylemaker of the Year.
Among the handful of top African-American designers in the country, Hall centers his work in Los Angeles. He’ll be showing off his 2012 bridal and ready-to-wear collections Friday at the Washington Club in the nation’s capital.
More here.
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African designers steal the show
11 November 2011 4:50 PM | No CommentsBy WANGUI MAINAWalking tall at 1.78 metres, Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana,, walked to the front to be crowned Model of the Year at this year’s Africa Fashion Week held in Johannesburg, South Africa two weeks ago.
An international model, Ajuma was one of the models who took to the catwalk to showcase some of the continents leading talent. In its eighth year, Africa Fashion week brought together 30 designers, based on the continent and beyond, to showcase their designs at the Sandton Convention Centre for three days last month.
More here.
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Assistant Professor, Graphic Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 8:03 PM | No CommentsASSISTANT PROFESSOR, GRAPHIC DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, TENURE-TRACK, EXEMPT, JOB # 2069
October 2011
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
The Graphic Design Program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. The program is dedicated to conceptual and skill-based problem-solving grounded in practical knowledge, critical awareness, and social and cultural engagement. Guided by an active and accomplished faculty, students are exposed to diverse design perspectives and practices and encouraged to develop a culturally competent and personally committed point of view. CCA’s Interaction Design Program takes a studio-based, collaborative, and playful approach to training future interaction designers, equipping them with a unique mix of skills to shape their field. The Graduate Program in Design prepares its graduates for careers in innovative design practice, including design direction, strategy, and leadership. Situated at the heart of the Bay’s Area’s vibrant design culture, these programs benefit from a rich community of practitioners and a compelling context for projects.
POSITION SUMMARY:
CCA seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track position of assistant professor of graphic design, beginning fall 2012. This position has been created to support the development of the program’s 4D curriculum. The successful candidate will demonstrate an active interest in the evolving relationship between graphic design and screen-based media and a capacity to steer curricular and pedagogical change in this area.
In keeping with the college’s commitment to diversity, community engagement, and social justice, we seek candidates who will cultivate an equitable studio environment and a diverse curriculum. In addition to teaching (a full-time load is five lines per year) and participating in the undergraduate Graphic Design program, the position requires a readiness to teach in the Interaction Design, Graduate Design, and First Year Programs, mentor students in the major, and serve on college-wide committees. It also entails a commitment to continued professional work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A BFA degree in Graphic Design (or equivalent professional degree and/or experience) with a minimum of one year of teaching experience at the college level or two years of professional experience in the field. Applicants should present evidence of leadership ability and the potential to make significant contributions in their field of practice. They should have a strong commitment to design education and a keen interest in design-related technologies. Specifically, CCA seeks candidates who demonstrate conceptual agility and practical aptitude with respect to the dynamics linking graphic design and screen-based media. Please submit at least five projects that provide evidence of front- and/or back-end skills and practice in one or more of the following areas: interface, interaction, video, motion graphics, or mobile/other platforms. Professional and/or educational experience in collaborative interdisciplinary contexts, project-based community engagement, and design writing and research are also desirable.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Postmark deadline for applications is January 20, 2012.
NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
application instructions:
Interested candidates should submit the following in .pdf format:
- A formal letter of application
- A brief statement of teaching philosophy highlighting areas of pedagogic concentration
- A curriculum vitae
- A portfolio of professional work
- Course syllabi and student work
- Student evaluations of recent courses taught at the college level.
- Three names of reference, including contact information
Note: A self-addressed, stamped envelope is required for return of submission materials.
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 2069)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
employment@cca.edu
We recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
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Position: Chair, Industrial Design at California College of the Arts (CCA)
12 October 2011 7:47 PM | No CommentsCHAIR, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN, SAN FRANCISCO CAMPUS, FULL-TIME, EXEMPT, JOB # 1968
October 2011
The CCA Industrial Design program
The Industrial Design program at CCA offers a fully accredited four-year undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. Industrial Design is among the fastest growing programs at CCA and reflects the dynamic nature of the field. Specific areas of interest include sustainability, urban mobility, design research, community engagement, and cultural analysis. For more information about the program mission, visithttp://www.cca.edu/academics/industrial-designCalifornia College of the Arts (CCA) invites applications and nominations for the position of Chair of the Industrial Design Program.
The profession of industrial design is expanding to more areas of influence than ever before. Designers have the opportunity to impact social, environmental and political outcomes. Consequently, the way we educate designers matters now more than ever. Merging visionary leadership, curriculum development, and professional and community connections, the Industrial Design Chair plays an essential role in shaping the next generation of industrial designers, who will tackle some of the most pressing concerns of our time.
The Chair of Industrial Design is a key player in the CCA and surrounding communities with access to the Bay Area’s most notable practitioners. The successful candidate will approach the development of a practical and critical design curriculum as a creative and intellectual opportunity and demonstrate a capacity to incorporate diverse cultural and practical perspectives in shaping curriculum, directing pedagogy, and building community.
The chair position is a full-time position throughout the 9.5-month academic year. A program manager provides administrative and organizational support, and faculty coordinators assist with specific aspects of the program, including internships, student reviews, technology support, sustainability and semantics. The director and assistant director of Design provide guidance and oversight for curriculum development, faculty selection, scheduling and accreditation reviews.
Specific Responsibilities of the Chair of Industrial Design
- Lead the program in attracting and retaining the most promising Industrial Design students.
- Design a curriculum that combines skills acquisition, design research, conceptual thinking, and professional preparation.
- Encourage collaboration between Industrial Design and other CCA programs.
- Establish external relationships with the professional design community, including sponsored studio partnerships.
- Promote the visibility of the Industrial Design program locally, nationally and globally.
- Hire and mentor faculty to reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives.
- Organize subject-specific student workshops throughout the academic year.
- Teach at least one class per semester.
- Direct the academic and administrative operations of the program.
- Oversee ongoing program assessment and prepare for accreditation reviews.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Professional experience in the field of industrial design and its related practices: research, prototyping, manufacturing, materials, sustainability, human factors, interaction, design history and criticism, etc. Experience in design education, including teaching and a demonstrated capacity for curricular and extracurricular program development. Proven management experience in an academic or professional setting.
The ideal candidate will articulate a vision for the future of the program and the field that merges creativity, curiosity and craft. He/she will demonstrate the ability to lead faculty, students and staff, and address diverse design practices that combine professional development, cultural awareness, and community engagement.
SALARY: Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Review of applications will begin January 17th, 2012. Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. NOTE: If you wish to be notified of the status of your application for this position, please provide a current email address on your resume or cover letter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a letter of interest that addresses their vision for the future of Industrial Design, in both education and the profession, as well as their philosophy of leadership and pedagogy. Applicants should also submit the names and contact information of three professional and academic references. Submit materials to:
California College of the Arts
Human Resources (Job # 1968)
5212 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94618-1487
Fax (510) 594-3681
Recommended document file formats are Word or PDF. If there are multiple attachments, we recommend compressing/zipping your files into a zip format file. Documents larger than 10MB, should be submitted on CD and forwarded to CCA as indicated above.
CCA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals who will contribute to its diversity.
Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts (CCA) is an independent art college with undergraduate programs in architecture, design, fine arts, visual studies, and writing. The college also has graduate programs in architecture, curatorial practice, design, design strategy, fine arts, visual and critical studies and writing. Through these programs, the college has created a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. Diverse cultural perspectives enrich the CCA community and the college believes that continuing to expand the horizons of the students and faculty is essential to achieving its educational objectives. With campuses in Oakland and San Francisco, CCA currently enrolls 1,930 full-time students.
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Job Postings on this site with BDNN
12 October 2011 7:36 PM | No CommentsBeginning November 1, BDNN will charge for all job postings on website.
- Please inquire by email at atim@blackdesignnews.com
Until September 30, 2011, all postings at BDNN are free. We have a right to select what we post.
Read More
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
Fashion Design Archive
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Fashion Matters In Tough Times, Says Top Designer
Posted on November 11, 2011 | No Commentsby NPR STAFF
If you pay attention to the Emmys and Academy Awards, then you’ve probably seen those glamorous, haute couture gowns made by Kevan Hall. He’s known for dressing A-listers like Vanessa Williams, Salma Hayek, Celine Dion — even first lady Michelle Obama.
His work has earned him multiple awards. After studying fashion design at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, he won a scholarship sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. After graduating, he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design. In 1989, the NAACP named him the Great American Designer, and in 2005, Life & Style Magazine named him Stylemaker of the Year.
Among the handful of top African-American designers in the country, Hall centers his work in Los Angeles. He’ll be showing off his 2012 bridal and ready-to-wear collections Friday at the Washington Club in the nation’s capital.
More here.
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African designers steal the show
Posted on November 11, 2011 | No CommentsBy WANGUI MAINAWalking tall at 1.78 metres, Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana,, walked to the front to be crowned Model of the Year at this year’s Africa Fashion Week held in Johannesburg, South Africa two weeks ago.
An international model, Ajuma was one of the models who took to the catwalk to showcase some of the continents leading talent. In its eighth year, Africa Fashion week brought together 30 designers, based on the continent and beyond, to showcase their designs at the Sandton Convention Centre for three days last month.
More here.
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Designer Moves from Project Runway to Runway Reality
Posted on October 4, 2011 | No Comments(The Grio) — As his first New York Fashion Week show slides into the past, Mychael Knight, 33, is already contemplating how he can outdo himself in his next collection. ”I always like to pick up where I left off,” he said, on the rare occasion of a day off following New York’s week-long fashion frenzy and a well-received collection inspired by dinosaurs. Knight says his fall/winter 2012 collection slated for February will be “super sexy and super feminine. ”Bigger, badder, better. Hell yes.”
Propelled to national fame after winning Project Runway’s Fan Favorite award in season three, Atlanta-based Knight boasts a lingerie label and a unisex fragrance along with his flagship fashion label. He is part of a small but enterprising group of African-American independent designers who have understood that a brand cannot be built on creativity alone.
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/black-fashion-designers-on-the-rise.php
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ARE YOU WHAT YOU WEAR? The Politics of Fashion
Posted on October 4, 2011 | No CommentsKathy Peiss
Zoot Suit: The Enigmatic Career of an Extreme Style
(University of Pennsylvania Press, 2011)Fashion is our second skin. Our fleshly persona can be hidden or displayed, repressed or exaggerated by the costumes we wear. Dress can be magical. The harassed secretary by day can become the glamorous starlet during the evening; a company’s uptight executive can become a Don Juan at night. All it takes is a change of clothes, of appearance and mindset. Fashion dresses – and creates—many sins.
Sometimes fashion becomes more than a mere decorative trapping, crossing the line from a personal style to a social, if not political, statement. In the decade spanning the mid-1930s to mid-’40s, a new male fashion emerged and gained popularity thoughout the country. It also provoked much controversy. It was the new style of the youthful sharpie, the jitterbuger, the zoot suiter.
Read more at http://www.brooklynrail.org/2011/10/express/are-you-what-you-wear-the-politics-of-fashion
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March 16: Naana B., designer of Vixen Handbags
Posted on March 16, 2011 | No CommentsA self-confessed dream chaser and globetrotter, the designer began her artistic journey creating steel sculpture and paintings at Columbia University, later inspiring a long lasting love affair with clothing and accessories.
After crafting and learning the elements of design, the line Naana B was conceived! A woman designing for women, Naana B takes the uniqueness and artistry of handbags and clothing seriously. The line reflects the free nature of the designer’s life and adventures.
Handmade and produced by women artisans in Ghana (http://rcempowerment.org/), proceeds from all sales go to the Rural Communities Empowerment Centre in Ghana.
Find her at:
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March 15: Nkwo Onwuka, fashion designer
Posted on March 15, 2011 | No Comments
Nkwo Onwuka is a bit free spirited, a bit nomadic, and totally African inspired. She is also by the bohemian era of the 60s and 70s in America and the beautiful wearable art found across Africa. Her UK-based collection debuted in 2007 and she volunteers to encourage self-sufficiency among African families living in poverty.
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March 14: Joyce Chimanye: talented Zimbabwean fashion designer
Posted on March 14, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN selects Joyce Chimanye as a talented Zimbabwean fashion designer
Joyce Chimanye is a talented Zimbabwean fashion designer. Zuvva is a quasi-rustic clothing line that was established in 2001 by Joyce Chimanye. She studied fashion at the South African Academy of Fashion Design in Cape Town. Zuvva has participated include:-
• Kora All Africa Music Awards- Sun City South Africa 2001
Fashion Extravaganza by some of Africa’s top designers
• Ubuntu, The African Heritage Afro-Australian Fashion Evening – Sydney, Australia 2003
Afro-Australian fashion evening in support of HIV/AIDS orphans in Africa.
• Fading Cultures Emerging Innovations – Washington D.C, USA 2003
Art and Craft showcase and workshop
• Miss World 2002, 2003.
Dressed the Zimbabwean representatives to the Miss World.
• Tribal Fusion Show-Santa Fe New Mexico 2005 -
March 13: Fashion Designer Aisha Obuobi of Christie Brown
Posted on March 13, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN selects Aisha Obubi as Ghana’s Emerging Fashion Designer.
Designer, Aiha Obuobi
Aisha Obuobi – creative director and founding partner of Christie Brown Ltd – began her love affair with fashion at an early age. Her grandmother, who the brand is named after, was a seamstress so she grew up watching Ms. Christie Brown, stooped over a sewing machine, creating beautiful clothes…like pieces of art – out of rich, vibrant materials. As a little girl, she reveled in playing with shreds of African print material and designed mini collections for her favourite dolls.
Aisha started this label whilst in her final year at the University of Ghana, Legon, where she majored in Psychology and she is driven by the desire to create beautiful pieces that will enhance the natural beauty in Christie Brown’s clients. In 2009, Aisha won the highly coveted “Emerging Designer of the Year” award at the inaugural Arise Fashion Week, in South Africa. She was invited to sit on a panel at the African Economic Forum, which took place at Columbia University, New York, and Marie Claire (international) featured Aisha as one of twenty-one “Daring Women of 2010″, noting the “the energy, the courage, the creativity,” and “the drive” behind her work.
Website:
http://christiebrownonline.com/
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March 12: Kendra Francis of FRANKE
Posted on March 8, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
Kendra began her career at the age of 13 and was self-taught by the time she began her studies in Fashion Design at Ryerson University in Toronto. Kendra Francis launched her Atelier under the label FRANKE and her SS04 collection, during Toronto’s LFW, consolidated her reputation as one of Toronto’s hottest and respected designers.
Very much a woman’s woman, Francis’ philosophy is based in the belief that “Fashion should enhance one’s personality, not detract from it”. Her collection is focused on the female form and the balance of fluidity, clean lines and refined silhouettes. Francis has since partnered with mass-market retailers to design exclusive collection and in 2010 Franke grew to include accessories. Kendra currently works and lives in Toronto, Canada.
Website:
Web Trails:
http://toronto-style.blogspot.com/2007/06/interview-with-kendra-francis-one-of_07.html
http://concreteloop.com/2011/03/designer-spotlight-kendra-francis
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March 11: Towana Phillip, designer of To’Sha Knits as Emerging Handbag designer
Posted on March 8, 2011 | No Commentsby Atim Annette Oton
BDNN selects Towana Phillip, designer of To’Sha Knits as Up and Coming Emerging Handbag designer
Towana Phillip, the designer of To’Sha Knits, an eclectic line of handbags and t-shirts, a Brooklyn-based handbag company.
Website:
Web Trails:
http://www.textileglobal.com/2011/01/fashion-group-internationals-rising-star-awards.html
