Hasta La Ideas

One of our favorite conferences of the year is almost here, a few months earlier than usual. The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s eighth annual symposium is devoted to American style, a nod to the museum’s current exhibition, “American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion,” on view through April 10 in New York City. The symposium will focus on fashion of the Americas and tackle themes ranging from the diversity of the American fashion industry to the unique characteristics of New York fashion. The fun begins tomorrow, December 4, with talks by “American Beauty” curator Patricia Mears, historian Kohle Yohannan (who will contrast small town girl Claire McCardell with femme fatale Valentina), and designers Maria Cornejo and Christian Cota. Saturday’s program will delve into America’s sartorially distinct subcultures, from hip-hop and cowboy couture to the modern-day preppy revival, which writer and New York Times columnist David Colman will address in a talk entitled “Prep-posterous.” The big finish? Designer Yeohlee Teng in conversation with scholar Susan Sidlauskas. Pre-registration for the symposium has closed, but the museum assures us that on-site registration is available (admission is $100 for both days and the event is free to all students). Ready for an in-depth look at style from sea to shining sea? More information and a full symposium schedule is available here.

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