Theresa Winge

Therèsa M. Winge is an Associate Professor in Apparel and Textile Design, in the Art, Art History, and Design department, and an affiliate faculty in Asian Studies at Michigan State University. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Design with an additional emphasis in Graphic Design; Master of Liberal Studies degree with a multidisciplinary emphasis in Quantum Physics, Dress Studies, and Youth Studies; and Doctorate in Philosophy in Dress Studies from the University of Minnesota.

Common throughout her research, Winge focuses on the construction/deconstruction of visual and material cultures, dress, and narratives. Her research examines subcultural dress and popular culture fashions and costumes for their meanings and construction of identity, which informs and inspires her designs. Her research has been presented at international conferences and is published in journals, book chapters, and books. Her first book Body Style (2012) is about subcultural body modifications, and her second book Costuming Cosplay: Dressing the Imagination (2018) focuses on Cosplayers and their dress.

Within her creative scholarship and designs, Winge is inspired by visual messages common in popular culture, subcultures, and streetwear. She frequently incorporates visual messaging common in popular culture and subcultures into her designs. Winge is also drawn to STEM/STEAM methodologies: theoretical physics, mathematics, and spatial geometry, as well as innovations in technology to guide her creative process and designs. She explores these inspirations within current designs by using experimental and sustainable patterning methods (e.g., zero waste, transformational reconstruction, and laser cutting) and novel technologies (e.g., fiber optic fabric, conductive fibers, illumination, and 3D modeling and printing).

She practices slow-design as a means of holistically assessing the impact of her designs from sustainable to aesthetic, which provides a means of examining her design process and how it evolves with/within each new design. Winge often seeks to extend or manipulate the body’s natural silhouette with innovative patterning and/or draping techniques that rely on spatial geometry. She also enjoys the experimentation and exploration of the possibilities with various materials, as well as the ways material choices impact aesthetics. Winge’s award winning designs are shown internationally in fashion shows, exhibitions, galleries, and museums.

Winge frequently serves as a juror for arts and design exhibitions and competitions. She has a strong commitment to mentoring artists and designers, as well as academics in their career goals. She also professionally serves as the Co-Director for the Dress and Body Association and on the editorial board for the Clothing Cultures journal.