Reflections on the Symposium
Attending the Textile Society of America (TSA) 2024 Symposium was a profoundly inspiring and enlightening experience. The theme, “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles,” highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of textiles as historical and contemporary sources of knowledge. The discussions explored textiles through scholarly, cultural, political, scientific, and creative lenses, providing a platform to exchange and grow within this versatile field.
I was honored to receive the TSA’s Student and New Professional Award which fosters the achievements and contributions of emerging scholars, professionals, and students in the field of textile studies. This recognition allowed me to present and share my work with the broader textile community, while also contributing to the TSA’s mission of fostering an inclusive and accessible space where the study, practice, and significance of textiles can be transmitted globally. The symposium gave me the opportunity to connect with individuals from around the world and to learn from their research, dedication, expertise, perspectives, and lived experiences.
I was drawn by the title of this edition of the symposium. It outlined the themes, challenges, and aspirations of the textile world within a few words. The term “Shifts,” implying transition, movement, and resilience, was evident in the diverse range of topics discussed at the symposium. The idea of textiles in constant evolution was a consistent thread, encompassing everything from digital systems and technological innovations in textile production to the revival of traditional methods to the celebration of craftsmanship and recovered fashion histories. The term “Strands,” suggesting collaboration and connectedness, was mirrored in the way the symposium fostered dialogue through the Whova app, where speakers and attendees were able to easily engage with each other. I was privileged to be part of such an interactive conversation that reinforced the TSA’s commitment to building an international collective community.
The overarching concepts of “Shifts” and “Strands” also provided an inspiring foundation for reflection, analysis, and awareness. One session in particular, the keynote speech by Wafa Ghnaim which opened the symposium, stood out to me as a memorable and deeply moving prologue. Wafa spoke with grace, care, and simplicity. Through Tatreez Palestinian embroidery she presented support for Gaza as a call for unity, peace, and advocacy. Her presentation was a reminder of the transformative potential of textiles as carriers of life, voices, overlooked narratives, and powerful messages of solidarity and resistance. As someone who has ancestral roots and family connections to Palestine, her words impacted me.
Another session that captured my special attention was the screening of Wax Print: One Fabric, Four Continents, 200 Years of History, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Aiwan Obinyan. This film offered an exploration of the rich and complex history of wax printing, a textile practice that has transcended generations, cultures, and nations. Aiwan eloquently guided us through these narratives, explaining how wax print fabrics have evolved and how they continue to inspire design and creativity across continents. She highlighted the significance of the fabric in various cultural contexts and its ability to connect diverse communities through a shared history of craftsmanship and innovation.
One of my key takeaways from the symposium was the storytelling power of textiles, and the way textiles can affect how we perceive the world. The TSA Symposium offered thought-provoking dialogues and promising opportunities to expand our knowledge with greater receptivity and respect. It made me consider how we can create a more equitable, ethical, and sustainable value system within the textile industry.
The symposium also served as a platform to explore the shifting landscape of textiles, both in terms of practice and discourse, and to consider the many ways in which textiles intersect with the environment, human needs (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual), and legacy. This broader understanding highlighted textiles not only as objects but as mediums for fostering unity and connection, rather than division. In this way, textiles can create greater empathy and insight into the world within us and around us.
My experience at the symposium reinforced a sense of purpose in my professional journey and highlighted the value of being part of a community of individuals with similar vocations. It emphasized how our collective contributions can help reshape the future of textiles, whether in industry, academia, or the arts, in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, inclusive, and empowering for all.
Celine Khawam is a fashion historian, textile designer, and educator at the New York School of Interior Design, where she teaches “Textiles for Interiors”. She holds an MFA from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and an MA in Fashion and Textile Studies from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Celine has designed home linens for the American and international markets, collaborating with brands like Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Kenzo, and Givenchy. She also leads the Color Trend and Eco-Innovation seminars at Premiere Vision in New York and Montreal. Her scholarly research focuses on rediscovering the stories of forgotten designers and restoring their legacies within fashion history.
