ASU Learning Transformation Studios hosts 'Threading the Needle: Slow Fashion, the LA Way'
Arizona State University’s Learning Transformation Studios and ASU FIDM co-hosted “Threading the Needle: Slow Fashion, the LA Way” on Sept. 22 at the ASU FIDM Museum in downtown Los Angeles, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, faculty and students to explore how Los Angeles is shaping the future of sustainable fashion and economic development.
Speakers and panelists included U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation CEO Stephen Cheung, Cross Colours co-founder TJ Walker and ASU FIDM faculty Danielle Sponder Testa and Jessica Kosak. Special guests KTTV Fox 11 News anchor and ASU alum Christine Devine, LA84 Foundation President and CEO Renata Simril and former National Endowment for the Arts chair Maria Rosario Jackson underscored the event’s connection to both community and culture.
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts Vice Dean Sandra Stauffer kicked off the program by talking about the power of ASU's interdisciplinary offerings, and Learning Transformation Studios Director Alan Arkatov talked about the ability to harness principled design and the creative economy for slow fashion.
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove speaks at the Sept. 22 event about harnessing principled design and the creative economy for slow fashion. ASU photo
Kamlager-Dove's comments emphasized how the circular economy movement extends beyond design, describing slow fashion as “sharing stories, uplifting communities and giving voices back to people who’ve been told their voices aren’t important.” She added that this collective approach has the potential to “strengthen democracy ... and that there are so many opportunities to utilize the moment we are in.”
Pointing to the influx of major sporting events in the coming years, she added, “We are entering a mega-decade of sports, and we can use that to lean into opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Emily Vuduris, an ASU FIDM fashion merchandising student, said it was encouraging to see such a wide range of perspectives in the room.
“It was a great discussion,” she said. “From a manufacturing and design standpoint, it’s nice to see the conversation happening.”
Cheung closed the program by highlighting Los Angeles' opportunity to lead global fashion while showcasing innovations in sustainable design and manufacturing.
Collaboration emerged as the unifying theme, with policymakers, educators and industry leaders alike underscoring the importance of working together to advance sustainable practices. The conversations spotlighted areas for further partnerships and action, and the event stood as a unique example of ASU’s leadership in sustainability and conservation — on the same day that ASU announced a historic gift from Rob Walton and the establishment of the School of Conservation Futures.