By: Leo Boshardy
Students in COD’s Fashion Studies program this semester have been utilizing over 500 yards of fabric donated by alumna Robin Gathman for their final projects, which will hit the runway during the annual spring fashion show on May 16.
Robin Gathman, who graduated from College of DuPage in 1978 with an associate degree in business, donated the fabric to the College at the beginning of the year.
“As an alum, when I learned COD had a Fashion Studies program, it was a no brainer to give the fabric to the College,” Gathman said. “There should be something in there for all the students to really go crazy and make some unique fashion statements.”
Gathman has been designing clothes since the age of 10 and credits her mother in helping her realize her passion for fashion design. As a student she was in 4-H, a nonprofit youth-based organization devoted to teaching students practical skills for the workplace, and through which she was able to participate in state-sponsored clothing design competitions.
“My mom made some of my clothes, so I learned early to make more things that I liked,” she said. “I have been sewing since I was 10 years old and was excited to go to state with some of my designs.”
While working in the trade show industry, Gathman utilized her skills as a designer to custom-make formal and business casual dresses for her presentations. Eventually, she worked for 17 years traveling as a trade show manager for a dental manufacturer.
Gathman had accumulated fabric during her career and wanted to do something meaningful with it. She thought of COD and reached out to Joan DiPiero, Community Engagement coordinator.
“When Robin shared that she was an alum, it made the donation that much more special,” DiPiero said. “She went from raising a family to returning to work in a dental office to becoming a trade show marketer, ‘trading’ on a degree that helped her give back to her alma mater.”
Gathman is excited that her donation is being used to help students complete their final projects this semester and hopes the designs reflect an eclectic mix of styles. Nelson Cantada, Fashion Studies assistant professor, greatly appreciates Gathman’s contribution.
“Donated fabrics are important to our students because of the lack of fabric stores in our immediate area,” Cantada said. “With the closing of Joanne's fabric stores nationwide in the next few months, the need for access to high quality fashion fabrics has become even more important.”
For the capstone Design Studio Apparel course, students are required to develop a minimum of four original outfits in fashion fabric for the spring fashion show. The garments being designed by students in the program will be showcased on the runway, as well as a fashion installation presented during the show.
Fashion student Victor Mendoza enjoys the process of creating work for the show.
“Working with fashion designs is like working on a three- dimensional canvas,” he said. “It's a unique way to express ideas through shape, material and function.”
Cantada said the wool has been quite helpful for students in the Tailoring class.
“Wool fabric for suits is extremely expensive—as much as $20 to $50 per yard,” he said. “For students working with budget constraints, donations of high-end wool fabrics are very exciting.”
Recently, Gathman’s sewing interests have developed into a passion for quilt making. She has figured out how to incorporate her newfound interest with her hobby of fashion design and has sown over 12 different quilted jackets. She eventually hopes to speak to students about her love of fashion and ways students can aspire to create their own passion projects after graduation.
“I have done a lot of charity work and volunteered for many years with youth,” she said. “So, this was a great way for me to continue giving to the community.”