Faculty Scholarship
The faculty in Fashion and Apparel Studies is engaged in a wide range of scholarly projects involving empirical research, creative design, and advances in teaching. Many projects have international dimensions or are connected with the department’s overarching concern for Social Responsibility and Sustainability in a Global Environment.
Project Listing:
Aligning Internal Practices with Compliance
Did you know that when an apparel factory does not comply with a buyer code of conduct for labor standards and working conditions, the problems can often be traced back to the buying company’s corporate staff? Read more.
Apparel and Footwear Compliance Programs: Responding to Global Challenges
How are apparel and footwear companies responding to human rights and labor standards problems emerging from global production? Are “sweatshop problems” a thing of the past? Read more.
Black Friday: Shopping on the Dark Side
Have you ever thought about opening your store at 3:00 am for holiday shoppers? Does the Black Friday shopping experience meet consumers’ expectations? Read more.
Online Customer Service Cues, Perceptions, and Consumer Responses
Does the customer service provided on your company website satisfy consumers? How can you make consumers feel that a purchase from your online store is less risky? Read more.
The Effects of Objective Website Characteristics and Apparel Retail Sales from the Website
Are you getting all the sales possible from your retail website? What can you do to make the website more enticing for consumers? Read more.
Delaware Quilt Documentation Project
Ever wonder about the history behind that old quilt your grandma gave you years ago? Consider including it in the Delaware Quilt Documentation Project. Read more.
Exploration of Creative Design Using Non-Traditional Textiles
Nonwoven textiles are often thought of as having a limited span of uses—and certainly not as the primary component of formal wear. See what a creative designer can do with this functional. Read more.
Historic and Contemporary Exploration of Sustainability Within the Context of Textile and Apparel Products
Sometimes we think of sustainability as a new invention resulting from the global warming crisis. Yet, sustainable practices have been used throughout history and in varied cultures. Read more.
Using Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Motivations to Profile Inner City Consumers
Studies of consumers often focus on those with the greatest money to spend and shopping choices. But consumers come in all types and can benefit from the retail experience in a variety of ways. Read more.
Media Influences on Body Dissatisfaction Among Men
Many women feel pressured to conform to the ideal body image they see in magazines. But what about men--do they have similar concerns? Read more.
Natural Dyes
Apparel designers can use sustainable processes to lessen negative impacts on the environment. But sustainability also enhances creativity. Read more.
Nonwoven Fashion Design
What can a creative designer do with 3 yards of non-woven fabric? Just about anything! Read more.
Online Communities
What if all your retail customers got together online and talked about your products? Some retailers are encouraging this. Read more.
Paul R. Jones African American Art Collection Teaching/Creative Research Project
For creative designers, inspiration can be found in a variety of objects. Knowledge is enhanced when the objects reflect some of the greatest work of African American artists. Read more.
Social Responsibility in Apparel, Textile, and Footwear Industry Supply Chains: Development of a Post-baccalaureate Core
Managing social responsibility is of growing importance to brands and retailers. Providing future industry leaders the necessary knowledge to tackle pressing concerns in human rights, labor standards, and environmental is of utmost importance to us. Read more.
Social Responsibility in the Global Apparel Industry
Being a socially responsible apparel brand or retailer requires more than having your suppliers sign off on a code of conduct. Find out how you can learn more about implementing a labor compliance program and working with stakeholders to improve labor standards, working conditions, and environmental stewardship in your company. Read more.
Sociocultural Influences on Body Image, Psychological Functioning, and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescent Children: A Cross-Cultural Study
Young women often suffer from body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Is this only an American phenomenon? And what sociocultural factors influence it? Read more.
