Eugenia Paulicelli (Photo: Isabelle Erb)

The study of fashion has traditionally been regarded as a creative pursuit. Those lacking an artistic spark were encouraged to cultivate their own niche by exploring the business aspects of the fashion world. But just as the popularity of fashion continues to soar to new heights in everyday society, the demand for academic options has followed suit. The City University of New York’s Graduate Center has answered the call, becoming the only school in the United States, that is neither a design or fashion school, to offer a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Fashion Studies.

“Clothing is like our second skin,” says Eugenia Paulicelli, Co-Director of the Concentration in Fashion Studies at the Graduate Center and author of the book, Fashion Under Fascism: Beyond the Black Shirt. “Throughout history it has been a symbol of status and personal identity.” The interdisciplinary program explores the role of fashion as a cultural and economic force. Students are expected to take full advantage of New York City’s resources as an international fashion capital.

On May 4th and 5th, the department of Fashion Studies at the CUNY Graduate Center and The Costume Studies Program at NYUSteinhardt will jointly host an international and multidisciplinary conference, Fashion Studies Today, History, Theory & Practice. Participants from the worlds of journalism, film, and academia will discuss the evolution of fashion studies. Co-sponsors include the CUNY Baccalaureate, the University of Stockholm, Sweden (Fashion Studies), and the London College of Fashion.

The conference is open to the public, but pre-registration is required: http://steinhardt.nyu.edu/art/costume/conference/register .

– Rhonda Erb

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