Design Exhibition Designing What We Wear Day at MCASD La Jolla

The Fashion track at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego challenges the culture of the disposable. At the core is an exhibition of “The Infinite Design”—singular works by fashion local designers and students engineered to outlive trends and defy the noise of hyper-consumerism. Through a curated sequence of  industry talks and  panels, documentary screenings and design workshop, the track interrogates the friction between the fleeting and the enduring design. It is a deliberate shift toward establishing a visual standard for style that refuses to be obsolete.

Visitors can engage, inquire, and explore the designs at their own pace, creating a more elegant, contemplative experience that emphasizes fashion as a form of human-centered design and cultural expression. This approach elevates the public’s understanding of Fashion, celebrates the artistry behind each design, and positions San Diego as a hub for innovative, thoughtful design experiences.

The exhibition will be an all-day event. Attendees will gain insight into the impact of fashion beyond aesthetics, understanding its role in cultural expression, economic influence, and the evolution of fashion design, making the day both engaging and educational.

 

Designing What We Wear Schedule Date: Thursday, September 17th Location: MCASD La Jolla

11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Designing What We Wear Day at MCASD La Jolla Presenter/Host: Design Forward Alliance The Fashion track at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego challenges disposable culture through The Infinite Design—a showcase of local designers and students creating work built to outlive trends. The track explores the tension between fleeting fashion and enduring style.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM Unraveling the Archive: 250 Years of Fashion, History, and Regional Heritage Presenter/Host: Dr. Tina Zarpour A conversation with Dr. Tina Zarpour on preserving historic textiles.

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Zandra with a Zed Presenter/Host: Bridie O’Sullivan (Documentary Creator) A documentary exclusive preview.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM From Concept to Retail: Dante Rowley’s Product Development Process Presenter/Host: Dante Rowley Strategic insights into design, sourcing, and curation.

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Lunch Break Provided by: Toast Catering

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Deconstructing Isaac Mizrahi 30 Years Later: Legacy, Evolution, and Rediscovery Presenter/Host: Olga Cecilia Sanchez A retrospective panel and presentation analyzing Isaac Mizrahi’s career-defining work, design techniques, and legacy.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM The Dazzle Lab: Stencil Design and Rhinestone Workshop Presenter/Host: Design Forward Alliance A hands-on workshop focused on stencil design, rhinestone application, and textile customization.

5:45 PM – 6:15 PM From Runway to Classroom: Designing a Future Where Everyone Belongs Presenter/Host: Ashley Nell Tipton Insights from Ashley Nell Tipton, Project Runway Winner.