Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Claire Kapstein,
Ph.D.
University of Minnesota, 2006
Quinn Hall 107,
(401-874-9294) clkapstein@mail.uri.edu
Claire
teaches the TMD foundation course for Textile Products (TMD103) and Fashion
Theory and Analysis (TMD 424). This spring she directed the Spring Seminar
(TMD 402) with the theme "Fashion for all Ages."
Before her Ph.D. studies,
Claire worked as a freelance knitwear designer for many years, and wrote a book
on “Fashion Knitwear for Children”. That led to a children’s clothing
business, experience in global apparel sourcing, and managing a specialty store
in Cambridge, MA.
With a specialization in gerontology, Claire’s research interests focus on all
aspects of identity, appearance, and apparel design products for the older
population. Her thesis was on apparel preferences and identification of older
professional women, which will provide a fruitful area of research and student
engagement for this growing target consumer.
Claire was born and raised in France, consequently in addition to her teaching, she is using her “French connections” to develop study abroad programs and academic partnership opportunities for our TM and TMD students.