Students in Appalachian State University’s Apparel Design & Merchandising (ADM) program recently presented their initial concepts for the Hickory Museum of Art/Charles Harbison Design Challenge, earning high praise from acclaimed fashion designer Charles Harbison and Hickory Museum of Art Executive Director Clarissa Starnes.
Guided by Dr. Anthony Wilson, ADM Program Director, students developed original design concepts inspired by Harbison’s work currently featured in the museum’s Grand Reopening exhibition. The challenge invites students to explore themes of luxury, empowerment, color, and innovation while creating original garments influenced by one of Harbison’s exhibited looks.
During a recent feedback session, Harbison and Starnes expressed how impressed they were with the students’ creativity, professionalism, and thoughtful design approaches. Students will now refine their concepts and move into the construction phase, with the winning design earning a place in the Hickory Museum of Art’s Grand Reopening exhibition this fall.
About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research, and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor's degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design, and interior design.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
Charles Harbison f2026 thumbnail
Charles Harbison f2026 thumbnail