A reinterpretation of a slip dress. This piece draws inspiration from the 1980s and 1990s underwear as outerwear fashion movement, exploring historical trends through a contemporary lens. Bringing forth texture to elevate a minimal, timeless silhouette. The photographic direction references Helmut Newton’s signature high contrast black and white imagery, highlighting geometric forms and abstract angles to compliment the garment’s structure and feeling. Initial inspiration taken from a museum visit.
This began as a graphite drawing capturing the impression of curtains through emphasis on form. The drawing was then used as inspiration that transformed these interpretations into a weaving pattern. A process of exploring the abstraction of original forms through experiments with material and texture.
Genderless reinterpretation on button up shirt and vest, transitioning a traditional garment to a more natural form. Original print design on vest, inspired by the surfaces of stones and shells.
WHAT’S BECOMING
Felting wool, scrap cotton and acrylic yarns.
This piece draws inspiration from the earliest excavated garments from the Neolithic era. Exploration into how history, material, and identity intertwine and manifest in each other. Woven swatches created on a hand loom, then felted together using both machine and hand techniques. By placing the image of ancient cloth on the body, the piece questions how (in the merging of past and present) inherited forms can shift our identites and the meaning of what we wear.
RESUME
Contact: stevienbianco@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE
Vintage Clothing Buyer and Sales Associate
Chih Chic
May 2026 - Present
Researched and sourced vintage apparel based on fiber content, fabric quality, and resale potential.
Merchandised and managed inventory across online sales, pop-up markets, and retail storefronts by organizing displays, ensuring accurate stock organization, and maintaining an engaging shopping experience.
Delivered attentive customer service in retail and specialty market environments.
Textile Recycling Research Assistant
Dr. Md Imranul Islam February 2025-Present
Conducted research and literature review for sustainable methods of post-consumer textile waste management.
Assisted in writing and editing a scientific manuscript for publication by organizing research findings and supporting technical documentation.
Materials Showcase Coordinator
TexWorld NYC
July 2025-Present
Organized, swatched, and labeled fabric headers and textile samples for material showcases.
Built material displays that highlighted innovative woven and sustainable textiles for fabric suppliers.
Coordinated event logistics for industry speakers, exhibitors, and material presentations.
Fabric Research and Development Assistant
Dr. Preeti Arya July 2025-February 2026
Assisted in the research and development of an odor-engulfing surface treatment for activewear textiles.
Proactively coordinated with material suppliers to request fabric samples, chemical samples, testing equipment, and technical information for trials.
Maintained organized testing records and tracked weekly project updates using Microsoft Excel and Word.
Textile Studio Intern
Textile Arts Center
May 2025-August 2025
Organized and maintained a physical and digital textile library by cataloging fabrics and archiving materials.
Managed inventory, processed incoming fabric shipments, and maintained organized material storage systems.
Improved studio workflow through organization and coordination of classes, exhibitions, and artist residency spaces.
Fabric/Equipment Sourcing Research Assistant
FIT Textile Laboratory
January 2025-May 2025
Assisted in grant writing for the National Science Foundation to fund textile testing equipment.
Coordinated vendor outreach, equipment research, and presentation development.
Gained hands-on experience managing lab equipment needs and researching logistics.
Sewing Class Instructor
Sew on Central
May 2022-August 2022
Taught foundational sewing skills to children ages 7–13 in a small community arts setting.
Worked directly with studio owner to design class structure, manage inventory, communicate with suppliers, and prep the studio space daily.
Assisted with studio upkeep, lesson planning, and individualized support for students during classes.
Corps Member
AmeriCorps NCCC October 2021-July 2022
Collaborated with a team of 10 peope to complete service projects across multiple states that support local community infrastructure.
Contributed to natural habitat restoration on a Nature Preserve, supported a local food bank, built houses for low-income families, and maintained properties at an affordable housing nonprofit.
Awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award in recognition of outstanding volunteer service.
EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology
BS, Textile Development and Marketing. 3.9 GPA. May 2027.
AAS, Textile Development and Marketing, 3.9 GPA. May 2025.
Awards and Honors: Trevor Dingman Scholarship, Arthur Price Scholarship, WestPoint Stevens Scholarship, AATCC Varley Family Scholarship. Dean’s List (2024 - 2027).
Activities and Societies: President & Treasurer, AATCC Student Chapter.
Relevant classes include: Fabric Development, Color Creation and Sustainable Applications, Textile Branding and Marketing.
Parsons School of Design
Completed 60 credit hours of courseward toward a BFA in Fashion Design. 3.95 GPA. 2022-2024.
Awards and Honors: Fashion Event Scholarship, Parsons Institutional Merit Scholarship. Dean’s List (2022-2024).