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Clara Henry
Clara Henry is the Director of the Fashion Design Program and an Associate Professor at Philadelphia University.
Henry, who has been at Philadelphia University for almost two decades, says that the graduates of the Design Program merge seamlessly into the fashion industry because they are educated in an environment that simulates an industry job by dealing with problem solving, strict deadlines, and collaboration projects.
The program’s curriculum is a convergence of design, business, liberal arts, and technology with an underpinning of textiles, which pays homage to the university’s roots in textiles.
Henry, a fashion-forward woman, who admits one day she dons motorcycle boots and the next day slips into stilettos definitely looks the part. But, after a few moments of speaking with her, a person can see she is much more than a woman dressed in trendy clothing.
Henry speaks with such knowledge about the ever-changing fashion industry and speaks with admiration for the design students whom she believes will be the innovative designers taking fashion to the next level after graduation.
“They are the shining stars of tomorrow,” Henry said.
Inside the design studios, there is a mix of energy and intense silence surrounding the working students. Some students are dressed for the catwalk and others are clad in sweatshirts, but all are working as if their own fashion show is impending.
In the past, student designers have sent their creations walking down the runway at Philadelphia Fashion Week and at Philadelphia University’s Annual Fashion Show.
The production of the Annual Fashion Show can be credited to the Fashion Industries Association (FIA), a student fashion group that successfully promotes fashion on and off campus.
There are notable study abroad programs for the design students in London, England and Rome, Italy as well as the student-produced publication called Styleline.
“It is wonderful to be a part of an institution that can provide students with an opportunity to contribute to an exciting, rigorous industry,” Henry said.
For more information on the Fashion Design Program at Philadelphia University please visit
www.philau.edu/FashionDesign/
Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia University Website
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