Arts - Buffalo State College

The Fabric of Our Lives Has a Story To Tell
Ciara Wilson, FTT 450W: Issues in the Apparel and Textile
Industry
Faculty Mentor: Professor Lynn Boorady, Technology
“The fabric of our lives” has a story to tell. We see and hear
the cotton commercial on television all the time. We wear cotton or
use cotton in some way through our clothes, beauty products, or
everyday home items. Cotton was a major force behind the economic
rise of American power. Cotton helped America become completely
independent and it helped make us who we are today - proud and
innovative citizens. As proud as we are of where we are today, there
is also history within cotton’s past that is not something to be proud
of. As history buffs know, over two hundred years ago slaves were
used to grow rice, indigo, tobacco, and cotton. This research looked
at the history of America as it relates to cotton and the lives of slaves.
This study delves into America’s past at the millions of enslaved men,
women, and children who helped make the United States a great
country. In my poster I will have images of daily life of slaves and
relevant information about the rise of cotton.
Presentation Type and Session: Poster II
Fair Trade Cotton: A Positive Alternative
Faith Scheffer, FTT 450: Issues in the Apparel and Textile Industry
Faculty Mentor: Professor Lynn Boorady, Technology
Is fair trade cotton a legitimate alternative to conventional
cotton? My research looked at the government subsidies given to
US cotton farmers and how this government benefit to US farmers
affects farmers around the world. Conversely, there are many
design firms who have pledged only to use fair trade cotton in their
garments. While certainly a minority, these innovative companies
have been able to find a way to not only be profitable but to help
raise the income of families in developing countries. Apparel
industry groups are currently making a strong effort to develop
supply chains that help the producers and provide fair trade goods
to consumers. I take the position that if US subsidies were removed,
conditions in third world countries would improve and that we, as
consumers, have the power to help make fair trade a reality.
Presentation Type and Session: Poster III
Five Major Road Blocks When Planning
Your Event
Britton Buczkowski, HTR 375: Events Management
Faculty Mentor: Professor Kathleen O’Brien, Hospitality and
Tourism
There are many roadblocks that can stand in the way of the “big
day” of your event if you let them. This research study examines
the challenges event managers face while planning events and
ranks them in order of importance based on a review of literature.
According to the research, one of these roadblocks is securing the
right venue. Before an event manager can start planning they need
to find the perfect space. The next roadblock managers face are
Business and Fashion & Textile Technology
restrictions associated with the venue choices. There are limitations
on caterers, decor, rentals and photographers to mention a few.
The driving course gets tougher as the event manager faces the
realities of budgets and unanticipated events or “force majeure”.
The last roadblock is concerned with the audience attendance or
participation. This research will make event managers more aware
of the barriers they face while driving their event plan from start to
finish.
Presentation Type and Session: Poster III
From the Runway To Your Closet
Alicia Godfrey, Brittany Chapman, Brittany Morgante, and
Aziza DuBoi, FTT 358: Fashion Forecasting and Consumer Issues
Faculty Mentor: Professor Keunyoung Oh, Technology
As a group we put together what we believed the next fashion
trends will be in the upcoming season. To gather our information
we searched top fashion sites such as style, wgsn, wwd, and other
apparel sites. In addition to performing a trend analysis using data
found on websites, we also looked at trend reports and simply looked
at what was being worn around the campus of Buffalo State College.
Our age group is women in their young 20s and we researched
bottoms. We have found peplum, mullet skirts, geometric designs,
soft pastels, and utility shorts to be big upcoming trends. They were
popping up everywhere, from high-end fashion to local affordable
retailers. Many of these styles are convenient and can be transitioned
for a day to night look. Trying out new styles can be intimidating
but if you take a chance on these new trends you will not be
disappointed.
Presentation Type and Session: Poster II
The Heart of the Matter: Focusing On the
“Behind The Scenes” Aspects of an Event
Sharissa Isiah, HTR 375: Events Management
Faculty Mentor: Professor Kathleen O’Brien, Hospitality and
Tourism
Think back to a brilliantly executed event that you recently
attended. The atmosphere radiated with anticipation. The
decorations, music, lighting, even the staff mirrored the event at
hand. You felt comfortable and secure that the event would be a
great experience. You were ushered to a nicely decorated table. Soon
after being seated, a server was at your table, ready to take your
drink order. Less than three minutes later, you had a beverage that
delighted you. The event was about to take place. Not only does it
turn out to be a great experience, you also cherish this memorable
event for the rest of your life. Now think about the opposite scenario.
The atmosphere is null and void of excitement. The environment
is anemic, and creates an uncomfortable feeling for you and your
guests. There is a lack of urgency in service and your needs and
wishes are unfulfilled. The event turns out to be a disaster and one
you wish to forget. This research study is designed to provide a
literature review of activities essential to create memorable events
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