Fall 2021 seminar: Ph.D. candidate, fiber science and apparel design
Dyese Matthews is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design. In her research, Dyese aims to explore embodied experiences of the dressed body, the intersections of dress practices and identity negotiations, Black history and empowerment within the fashion system, and consumer behavior practices related to textiles and apparel.
Dyese earned an M.S. from Iowa State University where her research explored Black women student experiences using fashion to negotiate their Black and activist identities. In relation to this research, she co-curated the Collegiate Fashion and Activism: Black Women’s Styles on the College Campus fashion museum exhibition. Dyese hopes to continually gain knowledge that she can bring back into the Black-owned garment and textile industry to initiate conversations and initiatives on representation and opportunity.