Research by Design
By Alyssa Bessasparis
Textile and apparel management major Kathleen Kowalsky finished her busy final semester at Mizzou with a gender-neutral capstone project. Partnering with fellow seniors Imani Chambers and Rebecca Schneider, Kowalsky designed a gender-neutral fashion line. The goal was to design clothing with an appealing fit for a woman’s figure and a man’s build.
Kathleen Kowalsky, Rebecca Schneider and Imani Chambers display their gender-neutral clothing line.
“Because the fashion industry is showing a lot of movement to more gender-neutral apparel, I feel that this project is important and is preparing us for issues we may face post-graduation in the working world,” Kowalsky says.
Kowalsky has conducted her own research into changes that could make to the fashion design process and presented that research at Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol in March in Jefferson City.
She was one of 24 MU students who displayed their research and fielded questions in an open forum for Missouri legislators. Some students also met with specific legislators from their hometowns or regions. The purpose of the event is to demonstrate to lawmakers in Jefferson City the unique opportunities undergraduate students have to participate with faculty in research at the University of Missouri.
Kowalsky focused her research on minimizing waste in clothing design. One of the greatest challenges she faced was learning how to relay textile and apparel terminology to others.
“It was a very interesting experience for me,” Kowalsky says. “I was one of the only non-STEM students presenting. It was wonderful to be able to speak on behalf of my department and the arts community to show that we are also doing important research and work to better our community and the world at large.”
Earlier in the semester, Kowalsky showcased her textile work in four showcases including the Undergraduate Visual Art and Design Showcase, where she was awarded a $500 applied design award to be put toward funding professional development. She also received a $5,000 scholarship award from the national YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund for her work in sustainable design.
Kowalsky has always loved art and design, but her interest in fashion began to flourish during high school when she began sewing and designing garments.
“Having grown up in Colorado, my parents continuously emphasized the importance of the environment,” Kowalsky says. “I have developed a passion for sustainable design and ethics.”
She mainly pulls her inspiration from nature including both raw and natural materials, colors and shapes.
“I generally love to sew in my room,” Kowalsky said. “I pull up the blinds, turn on music or Netflix, and get lost in my projects for hours. But if I am sketching my designs, I love to be outside. I enjoy sketching in many different sceneries, including hiking trails, urban streets, parks and anywhere in between.”