Diana Saiki

Featuring clothing and textile collections online

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to analyse the display of digital images found on clothing and textile collection websites. Design/methodology/approach – Features noted included where on the website the images were found, such as in a display or as part of a database. Display features are documented, including enlargement abilities, the view of the artefact, the use of dress forms and mannequins, and the context in which the artefact was pictured. The text that describes the artefact is also documented. The instrument was a content analysis of clothing and textile collection websites. Data were collected in 2006 from 57 clothing and textile collection websites. Findings – All 57 costume and textile museums had images of collection artefacts online, with the majority sharing a featured artefact. Almost half of the websites used images in databases and displays. Enlargement abilities were not common; most of the visuals showed the front view of the artefact. Enlargements were more common in displays. Mannequins and dress forms were used infrequently. Detailed text to explain the artefacts was available in the databases. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to observing 57 websites. Originality/value – Common features used by costume and textile museums when displaying collection pieces online were identified. Suggestions as to what content to include in a website for clothing and textile collections are discussed in light of the data collected.

Trends in information categories on costume and textile collection web sites

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to assess trends in information categories featured on costume and textile collection web sites, and to assess differences in the online capabilities of these features between 1997 and 2006.Design/methodology/approach – The instrument was a content analysis of costume and textile collection web sites developed from a study completed in 1997. The previous study identified information categories which included hyperlinks to other sites, events calendars and forms to arrange visits, FAQs, online tours, and discussion group links. Information about education programs, contacting staff, volunteering, membership, and museum purchases was also noted. Data were collected from the 60 web sites used in the original study.Findings – The findings revealed that costume and textile museums were using web sites to stimulate interest in visiting the physical museum. A picture of the artifact does not show all the specific features of an actual costume and textile, and thus the au...

The influence of a client's perceived similarity to and differences from a fashion stylist in the adoption of appearance messages

The stylist profession is an increasingly important part of the fashion industry (Shala, L. (2012). The stylist: Becoming a professional image consultant (Unpublished honours thesis). Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland.). The purpose of this study was to examine how a clients perceived similarity to (homophily) and differences (heterophily) from a stylist impacts adoption of a fashion message. Within the diffusion theory, the stylist can be considered a change agent or a professional who influences clients to adopt an innovation or a product that is perceived as new. In this case, the innovation is a new appearance. Fifty-seven subjects participated in a programme where fashion students served as stylists to low-income community groups about appropriate workplace dress. Supporting previous theoretical assumptions, the subjects reported similarity to the stylist in attitude, background, and values. Differences in perceived credibility influenced adoption. Conflicting with previous assumptions, similarity and differences in appearance cues (fit and appearance) did not relate to adoption.

Implications of Smart Wear Technology for Family Caregiving Relationships: Focus Group Perceptions

Technological advances in monitoring vulnerable care-recipients are on the rise. Recent and future development of Smart Wear technology (devices integrated into clothing that monitor care-recipients) might assist family caregivers with tasks related to caring for young children, relatives with disabilities, and frail spouses or parents. However, the development and use of this technology in family caregiving contexts is in its infancy. Focus group interviews of family caregivers were conducted to explore perspectives regarding the potential integration of Smart Wear technology into their family caregiving. Responses were analyzed qualitatively for themes related to perceptions of how Smart Wear could impact relationships between caregivers and care-recipients. Three major themes emerged: quality and quantity of interaction, boundary issues, and implications for anxiety. Implications and recommendations are discussed regarding maximizing the potential benefits of Smart Wear technology in ways that promote and protect healthy relationships among caregivers and care-recipients.

Proportion in the Design of Women's Fashionable Clothing: A 50‐Year Retrospective

Proportion is a major element defining the appearance of apparel. This study identifies the proportions found in womens daywear. Data from 4,026 advertisement and main feature photographs in Vogue magazine from 1945 to 1995 are analyzed. Clothing ensembles are measured from left to right (horizontal proportion) and top to bottom (vertical proportion). The greatest number of observed horizontal proportions is in the 50/50 category, which is a proportion that is well balanced. The most frequent vertical proportion is 35/65, which is close to the golden section or ideal proportion. The proportion most equal to the golden section (40/60) is not the most frequent vertical proportion. In the 1960s, a time marked by social unrest and transition in womens roles in the United States, findings indicate that apparel meeting the guidelines of good proportion were not as common as other times. The study of proportion has application in teaching and critiquing design.

Learning styles of students enrolled in fashion classes: academic level, geographic region, and academic focus

ABSTRACT Learning styles are important for instructors to comprehend so they understand how to enhance student learning. The purpose of this research was to examine learning styles among undergraduate students enrolled in fashion classes. The research questions were as follows. Among students enrolled in undergraduate fashion classes, how do VARK (visual, aural/auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic) scores vary by (a) region (Midwest, Northeast), (b) academic level (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), and (c) major/minor or academic focus (apparel design major, fashion merchandising major, other major, and fashion minor)? The results demonstrated students enrolled in fashion classes preferred a kinesthetic learning style. Yet, a subset of these students preferred an aural/auditory learning style. These students were fashion minors as well as students in other majors, showing the academic focus was correlated with learning style. These findings can help instructors better meet the needs of students enrolled in fashion classes. For example, instructors could incorporate hands-on experiences for fashion major students and limit visual exercises for fashion minor students.

Knowing Your Value for Academic Career Negotiations

Academic positions are highly competitive and rare in the field of Apparel and Textiles, especially in comparison to other disciplines such as science, engineering, and English. Negotiating for that position can be an overwhelming, yet an exciting part, of the application process. Many academicians, particularly women, have a difficult time knowing, communicating, and negotiating their respective personal value for a competitive salary, benefits, and start-up package that is commensurate to their research, industry and teaching experiences (Kjeldal, Rindfleish, & Sheridan, 2005; Wade, 2001). It is challenging to tactfully assure adequate compensation and positive perceptions related to the value of one’s professional work and experience.