Graduate Theses
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Dressing the P-Arrrr-t: Fashioning the Pop Culture Pirate from the Seventeenth to Twenty-First Centuries
Jordain Williams
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
Historical Research, Analysis, Conservation of a Cantonese Opera Costume Faan Gung Zong
Yiqian Yao
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
A Look at Sydney Wragge's Career at B.H. Wragge Through the Lens of Visual Merchandising 1936-1971
Parker Vail Ahmad
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
Substitutes, Sacrifice, and Symbolism: Conservation of a Fire-Damaged Acetate Naval Nurse's Jacket from the Second World War
Annalise Mary Gall
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
A Bead-ing Heart: The Ethics and Process of Conserving Costume for Active Use
Claire Isabel Zimmeth
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
Advance Pattern Co., 1932-1980: A Company Lost to Time
Taleah Cameron
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
Crafting Lasting Impressions with Pop-Up Experiences in Retail
Hyunji Lee
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
The Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Curatorial Practice
Heeae Kim
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
WONDER: Transforming Narratives in Difficult Exhibitions
Aian Raquel
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
M.A. Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York 2025
Advance Pattern Co., 1932-1980: A Company Lost to Time
Taleah Cameron
- 2025
- Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice
- Text
- Thesis
Though unknown now, between 1932-1966 Advance Pattern Company was one of the biggest competitors in the sewing pattern industry. They did this by selling themselves as a fashionable brand with easy-to-sew patterns. This reputation, paired with their vast array of sewing patterns meant to appeal to various customers, was what solidified their place in the home sewing market. Despite utilizing all sorts of branding and advertising tactics to build a successful business the company disappeared and fell into obscurity. How did this once strong company disappear without much explanation, while its former competitors, Simplicity, McCall's, Vogue, and Butterick, still manage to maintain relevance in the home dressmaking market today? An analysis of older articles, archival materials, books, and the company's sewing patterns help in understanding what business decisions elevated or ultimately hindered the company, in hindsight.
The Impact of Digital Technologies on Contemporary Curatorial Practice
Heeae Kim
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
This paper examines the transformative influence of digital technologies on contemporary curatorial practices by exploring their integration across key domains of museum operations. Chapter I traces the historical evolution of museums alongside technological advancements, offering a foundation for understanding the shift from traditional preservation methods to dynamic, audience-centered approaches. Chapter II focuses on Augmented Reality (AR), investigating its capacity to overlay digital content onto physical exhibitions, thereby enhancing storytelling and fostering interactive learning. Chapter III delves into Virtual Reality (VR), highlighting its ability to create immersive and boundaryless exhibitions, Chapter IV explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool for curatorial analysis, thematic development, and visitor engagement, while addressing ethical and practical challenges, such as diminished curatorial visibility in AI-driven projects. Through case studies and critical analysis, this thesis evaluates how AR, VR, and AI not only enrich exhibition design and accessibility but also reshape the roles of museums and curators. By addressing these dynamics, this study underscores the balance required between technological innovation and curatorial expertise to ensure museums remain inclusive, culturally significant spaces in a digital age.
Case Study & Business Plan for Charriot Motors
K. C. Charriot
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
It Was Never About the Car…Racing has always been at the core of car culture, shaping not only technological innovation but also society's evolving taste in automobiles. From the Paris-Rouen Trial of 1874, where early motorized vehicles competed to prove their reliability, to today's Formula 1 spectacles, racing has driven both mechanical advancements and emotional connections. These events set the stage for cars to become cultural icons, reflecting desires that extend far beyond their functional purpose. Over the decades, societal tastes have been shaped by a blend of media, advertising, and the thrill of racing. Classic films like Bullitt (1968) and The Fast and the Furious franchise ignited fascination with high-performance vehicles, while shows like Knight Rider and Pimp My Ride celebrated customization and personality. Advertisements from brands like Jaguar and Chevrolet, emphasizing speed, freedom, and luxury, turned cars into symbols of aspiration and identity. Cars came to represent much more than transportation—they became mirrors of status and self-expression as well as evolving cultural norms.
The Evolution of Graffiti From the Trains to the Art World
Sofia Rudensky
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
The evolution and continuation of graffiti as an art form in New York City reveals a remarkable transformation from an act of rebellion to a recognized and lucrative art form. As graffiti progressed the motives and goals of the artists changed. What was once an act of defiance which produced a sort of high for these artists turned into lifelong and profitable careers. Through the exploration of the key moments in graffiti's history, such as the formation of the United Graffiti Artists collective (UGA) , the first gallery exhibitions and the rise of graffiti in auctions, illustrates the dynamic nature of the graffiti community and its capacity to adapt to changing cultural landscapes. Furthermore, the legal recognition of graffiti as a protected art form, exemplified by the 5Pointz case, has further solidified its legitimacy. Early taggers have evolved into established artists, collectors, and influential figures in the art world, driving up the market value of graffiti art. Museum exhibitions, auctions, and media attention highlight the shift of graffiti as an accepted form of art. The longevity of graffiti can be attributed to the artists' ability to pivot and mature while maintaining the core principles of "art by the people, for the people". Overall, the journey of graffiti from an ephemeral street practice to a lasting and valued form of artistic expression is due in part to the dedication of the graffiti community and its supporters.
Exploring the Incongruence of Institutional and Art Market Support of Feminist Artists of the 1970s
Lillian Winkelmann
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
This thesis concerns the relationship between deficient art market performance despite institutional support of artists of the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s, using the careers of Judy Chicago, Miriam Schapiro, and Faith Ringgold as case studies. Despite the relatively different approaches of all three artists, themes of non-collectability due to medium, scarce inventory, and overall sexism in the industry have emerged. Research consists of firstly exploring the historical context of the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s, followed by a case study for each artist which individually examines institutional support and analyzes market trajectories. A fourth case study, which reviews the peculiarity of Yayoi Kusama's immense success, provides a supplemental comparison to Chicago, Schapiro, and Ringgold. While many artists are associated with the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s, the scope of this research is limited to Chicago, Schapiro, and Ringgold in order to effectively evaluate the incongruence between support from the art market and institutions. Though all three artists slightly differ in findings for these inconsistencies, the overarching motivation for this cause is that collectors disfavor Feminist art due to its politicization, controversial baggage, and overall aesthetics.
The Art of Sustainability: Empowering Environmental Stewardship in the Art Sector
Rebecca Kent
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
The present thesis is broken up into two parts; a business plan (part I) and a case study (part II) that together examine the integration of sustainability in the art sector. The business plan outlines how RK & Co. Consultancy will provide art institutions with tailored services for greater environmentally-conscious operations. With services such as carbon emissions audits, strategy development, and eco-conscious exhibition design, the consultancy addresses the sector's unique challenges, particularly emissions from travel and shipping and the absence of standardized frameworks. Positioned at the intersection of art and environmental responsibility, RK & Co. Consultancy serves as a trusted partner for organizations seeking to lead by example in the race against climate change, redefining the art sector as a model for sustainability and innovation.
From Fandom to Fine Art: Museums' Capitalization of Pop Culture
Emma O'Brien
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
The following thesis examines the relationship between museums and pop culture, and how the evolution of the role of the museum has influenced this. Three case studies of museums within pop culture and media will be used, Night at the Museum (2006), Ocean's 8 (2018), and the "APESHIT" music video by The Carters (2018), respectively. Each chapter will detail a specific way in which the role of the museum has changed through specified subjects, namely education, fashion, and music. The first chapter will focus on Night at the Museum, a children's film which takes place at the American Museum of Natural History. The history of the Museum will first be contextualized, alongside its mission to educate the public. Dissecting the public's response to the film, the impact the film had on the Museum will be analyzed. Using the film Ocean's 8 as a case study, Chapter Two will outline the Metropolitan Museum of Art's (the Met) role in the making of the film as well as analyzing how the Museum is portrayed. In looking further into the relationship between Ocean's 8, Vogue, the Met Gala, and the Met, this chapter will illustrate the shift the Museum has gone through in regard to its place within pop culture. Analysis of the public's reception of the film as well as the overall impact the film made on the Met will be highlighted. The final case study chapter will focus on the "APESHIT" music video by The Carters which was filmed in the Louvre Museum. This third chapter will illustrate the history of the Louvre and its previous attempts to broaden its audience, the pop culture phenomena that are Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and outline the music video itself. Themes within the video will be analyzed, as well as the public's perception, and the impact this had on the Louvre. Together, each chapter will provide a comprehensive overview of how museums' have increasingly leveraged pop culture to directly increase visibility to their institution.
The Rise and Fall of British Punk: How Capitalism Plagued a Subversive Subculture
Teegan Oshins
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
This thesis provides an overview of the 1970s British Punk movement's inception to determine whether the subculture fell victim to capitalization and consumerism. By examining Jamie Reid (1947-2023), Vivienne Westwood (1941-2022), and Malcolm McLaren (1946-2010), the story of the famed band the Sex Pistols is told through its visual arts and marketing tactics. Each figure's legacy provides this thesis with the intricacies of Punk history and its transition into a subculture plagued by consumerism.
A Journey of Integrating Technology and Art: Xiaomi Group’s Marketing and Branding CROSSPARK International Culture and Creative Consultancy = 科技和艺术的融合之旅：小米集团的市场和品牌
Yi Liu
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
Cross-industry collaborations as a marketing strategy are not new. Luxury brands have long mastered the art of leveraging artistic associations in their process of decommercialization, aiming to reshape their brand image to emphasize their cultural depth. However, in recent years, marketing practices that involve collaborating with artists and leveraging the power of art have spread across a wider range of industries. Especially with the rapid growth of technology, more tech companies are now using art in their marketing efforts to make their products stand out in a sea of similar offerings, creating emotional connections and a sense of uniqueness.
The Survival of the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archives: A Case Study A Plan for the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art to Establish a Permanent Home for Queer Film
Christopher Berger
- 2024
- Art Market Studies
- Text
- Thesis
In the Castro District of San Francisco, where rainbow flags wave among the streets, a distinct institution serves as both a mirror and a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Historical Society, Museum and Archives, often referred to as "San Francisco's queer Smithsonian," is a vibrant testament to the community's resilience and pride. It stands out as a vital educational institution for the community it serves, and as an exemplar among LGBTQ+ arts, historical, and archival institutions in the U.S. Their strategies are a model for thriving in the face of major sociopolitical obstacles for small culturally specific museums, especially in the LGBTQ+ sector. The GLBT's Executive Director Roberto Ordeñana, key staff members Isaac Fellman and Leigh Pfeffer, and supporters including Cleve Jones, a pivotal figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS and a co-creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, contemplate the organization's next chapter. Despite its rich history and vital mission, the museum faces mounting financial and operational challenges. As public interest waxes and wanes and resources dwindle, the museum team and its allies face hugely consequential decisions about who and what it is and how far it must go to ensure that its heritage remains intact for future generations.
Voices of Strength
Sarah Agudelo
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
Domestic violence can have profound and lasting effects on individuals and affect almost every aspect of their lives. It can often create health and personal challenges making it easy for victims to be triggered in spaces. The stages of an abusive relationship can be difficult to recognize due to their layered complexities and subtleties. My thesis proposes "Voices of Strength" as an experiential exhibit for domestic violence survivors, a safe haven created through the principles of trauma informed design; where women can find a sense of community and foster empowerment through various reflecting activities in spaces intentionally designed to promote active healing and vulnerability.
“Haute Craft” by House of Khadi Rebranding Luxury Through Art
Saher Sahni
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
Luxury is a subjective experience, varying widely across cultures, professions, and personal values. What may be a luxury for one person might not hold the same allure for another, highlighting the fluid nature of luxury and the evolution of its meaning. Historically associated with exclusivity, craftsmanship, and elite status, luxury today intersects with values like sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, reshaping its image to reflect contemporary ideals.
DREAMS: The Ultimate AI
Jude Desinor
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
In this thesis, my objective is to highlight the areas within the exhibition design industry that could be improved through the study of dreams, as well as conceptualize and implement design interventions to fill in these gaps. Through this detailed theory and graphic documentation, I aim to help the intended audience learn what makes dreams and understanding the subconscious crucial tools for self-improvement and understanding of the world.
Natural Neighborhoods Creating Well-Being for Individuals With ADHD and Autism
Sarah Miorelli
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
Spaces such as museums, cultural institutions, zoos, aquariums, and themed entertainment spaces are integral to the human experience and one's search for knowledge, growth, community, and well-being. These spaces encourage and nurture learning, creativity, empathy, and understanding of the world around us. However, what may be an engaging experience for some may be overstimulating and overwhelming for others, especially those with unapparent disabilities such as ADHD and autism. Museums are making great strides to address this problem by offering sensory-friendly hours, sensory kits, and sensory guides. These are helpful accommodations, but they are often implemented after spaces are completed and operational, when these accommodations could be integrated with a Universal Design process from the beginning. By expanding the principles of universal design, and centering this design on well-being for those with unapparent disabilities, designers can take steps to dismantle ableism and create more inclusive spaces for individuals with ADHD and Autism. These design choices can include low-stimulation environments, transitional spaces, "quiet spaces," predictable or familiar features, and "wayfinding." The following thesis and applied design project illustrates how it is possible to accommodate individuals with unapparent disabilities in a successful way that does not affect, and possibly even enriches the neurotypical experience.
Sharing Experiences: Exploring Participatory Design for Traveling Exhibits in Non-Traditional Host Sites
Carlos Hernandez
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
Museums are increasingly interested in growing their outreach and social presence in their home communities and beyond. Traveling exhibits have long provided a way for museums to connect with diverse and distant audiences outside of their home communities, however many traveling exhibits are designed primarily with peer institutions in mind. There is an opportunity to grow engagement with potential host organizations outside of the typical museum hierarchy and introduce museum content into more facets of our social infrastructure. Locally engaged organizations such as community centers, non-profits, universities, and libraries have rich insights and networks in their home communities and can use traveling exhibitions as a catalyst for developing unique, place-based experiences that enhance the visiting content. By incorporating participatory design strategies and encouraging co-creation with traveling exhibit content, designers can adapt traveling exhibitions to be more impactful and accessible to diverse hosting organizations and their communities.
Inclining: Aging With Energy Is Aging a Skill?
Honey Jernquist
- 2024
- Exhibition and Experience Design
- Text
- Thesis
Inclining: Aging with Energy is a fun house of reimagining: connecting people with best practices for healthy aging in fun and unexpected ways, and engaging embodiment with humor and possibility. Getting old is also getting new. The challenges of embodiment are always and ever. What if we reimagine aging as a skill? What if we reimagine our visions of aging? What if we (re)encounter having fun in the body — what that might have been, what that could be? Why not grow into the playground, instead of out of it? Is our construct of aging fundamentally based on the flawed philosophy of the compartmentalized, disembodied concept of mind? Let's explore!