ISU Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management - AESHM

AESHM is hiring for Academic Advisor.

Help AESHM grow. Help students grow. 🌱

https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/IowaStateJobs/job/Ames-IA/Academic-Advisor-II---Temporary_R19427

When Mia Nichols ’23 first visited Iowa State, she had her sights set on a business degree. A conversation with an admissions counselor led her to hospitality management—a path that combined business strategy with hands-on restaurant experience and ultimately inspired her to launch her own food truck, C’est la Crêpe, while still a student. Read how she turned that spark into a thriving business: https://bit.ly/4eh2N2S

You probably don’t think twice about the zipper on your jacket, the buttons on your jeans, or the drawstring on your favorite hoodie.

But these small details can make a world of difference.

For many people with physical disabilities, medical conditions, or specialized professions like firefighting and the military, apparel closures aren’t just design features. They can determine whether a garment is comfortable, functional, safe, and accessible.

That’s why apparel, merchandising, and design graduate student Bahar Esfahani is taking a closer look at these often-overlooked components.

Esfahani was selected as one of Iowa State University Library’s 2026 Digital Inquiry Fellows for her project exploring closures and fasteners in adaptive and functional clothing. Her research will help identify how these systems are used today and where future innovations can make clothing more inclusive.

“Closures and fasteners may seem like minor components, but they can determine whether a garment is easy to don and doff, safe to use, compatible with medical devices or protective equipment, and practical for people with limited mobility or dexterity challenges,” said Esfahani.

From everyday clothing to life-changing apparel solutions, the smallest details can create the biggest impact.

Congratulations, Bahar! We can’t wait to see where your research takes the apparel industry.

👕 T-shirt: $14.99.
🌪️ Showing your Cyclone pride: priceless.

The official 2026 Orientation T-shirt, designed and sold by students at Innovate 1858, is here, but not for long. These tees are moving faster than a freshman late for their first class.

Even better, $1 from every shirt sold supports Cyclone Aides.

Pick yours up at Innovate 1858 during summer orientation or shop online through the link below before they're gone.

https://www.innovate1858.com/shop #!/Orientation-T-Shirt-2026-Large/p/839400243

When most people think of fashion careers, they think of design studios and retail merchandising. But the industry also includes exciting opportunities in costume design for film and theater, museum collections, historic preservation, and more.

Iowa State's Fashion Design and Merchandising program prepares students for these diverse career paths through a blend of creative and technical education, hands-on learning, and access to our Textiles and Clothing Museum.

This summer, AESHM faculty and students attended the 52nd Annual Meeting and Symposium of the Costume Society of America, an organization dedicated to advancing the study, preservation, and appreciation of clothing and costume history.

Learn more about how our program helps students turn their passion for fashion into meaningful careers. Visit the link below.

https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/find-your-major/apparel-merchandising-and-design-2/

What happens when creativity meets real-world experience?

AESHM students aren't just designing concepts for class, they're researching trends, pitching ideas, collaborating across disciplines and creating products that make it to store shelves.

Through the Cyclones Take New York competition, student teams put their fashion, design and storytelling skills to the test, transforming ideas into retail-ready products inspired by the Cyclone experience. Along the way, they gain valuable hands-on experience and a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion and retail industry.

The competition itself is a true campus collaboration, bringing together Trademark Licensing, the College of Health and Human Sciences, the College of Design, Innovate 1858 and Iowa State Athletics, with judges from across the university. Students also gain exposure to industry partners Charlie Hustle and Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), connecting classroom learning with professional practice.

The best part? Their winning designs are now available for purchase, and the students are headed to New York City for an immersive industry experience.

Congratulations to this year's winners for turning great ideas into something Cyclone fans can actually wear. ❤️💛

Read more about their journey and discover how to get their designs below.

https://hs.iastate.edu/news/from-classroom-to-closet-iowa-state-students-launch-market-ready-designs/

Because those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it (see the visible thong). 👙 🫣

For more information on the Textiles and Clothing Museum at Iowa State ➡️ https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/student-services/facilities/textiles-and-clothing-museum/

Congratulations to Iowa State’s Summer Fashion Camp on being nominated for the Outstanding Youth Program of the Year Award at the 2026 Youth Program Awards and Recognition Reception! ✂️🎉

Led by Yvonne (Heajoo) Lee and Jason Gagnon in the Department of Apparel, Events and Hospitality Management, the camp was recognized for its outstanding contribution to youth development and leadership among Iowa State-sponsored youth programs.

Fashion Camp gives high school students a hands-on introduction to Iowa State’s fashion design and merchandising program through immersive, experiential learning. During the week-long camp, students explore everything from mood board creation and garment design to visual merchandising, all while experiencing life on campus alongside fellow creatives.

Programs like this give future students the chance to discover their passions, build new skills, and see what studying fashion at Iowa State is really like. 👗🎨🧵

For more information about Iowa State's Fashion Camp: https://hs.iastate.edu/info-for/visit-campus/fashion-camp/

From coordinating weddings to planning community events 🌿✨, Iowa State alum Jenna Hunter turned her passion for creating memorable experiences into a career she loves at the Iowa Arboretum.

Through hands-on experiences, campus involvement, and career fair connections, Jenna found her path in event management and built a career where no two days look the same.

Check out her full story: https://bit.ly/4dF5CL0

Alpacas, llamas, and sheep are helping inspire the next wave of innovation at Iowa State. 🦙🐑

An interdisciplinary research team, including AESHM’s Dr. Rachel Eike, is working with Iowa farmers and processors to better understand the state’s animal fiber system and identify opportunities to make it more connected, efficient, and sustainable.

From supply chains to textiles, this project is helping lay the groundwork for a stronger future for Iowa’s fiber industry.

See the full story: https://aeshm.hs.iastate.edu/news/mapping-iowas-animal-fiber-economy-to-unlock-new-value/