Round and Round: Circularity in Fashion

The Science History Institute’s newest exhibition, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile, explores the 150-year history of the synthetic dyes that color our clothes and make our style stand out. But what does the future look like for sustainable fashion? And how can circular design—durable, reusable, and recyclable fashion—help combat “fast fashion” pollution and transform the relationships between us, our clothes, and our environment?

Join experts from Philadelphia’s leading fashion sustainability initiatives for an engaging panel talk on the future of circular design!

Moderator

Rachel Higgins
Cofounder, PA Fibershed

Speakers

Jo Corvus has a master of science in sustainable development and climate change from Antioch University. In 2021 he joined FABSCRAP, a textile recycling nonprofit, and launched their Philadelphia location. Jo currently serves as the service coordinator at FABSCRAP, which works with 660 organizations to divert excess textiles from landfills.

Samantha Wittchen is director of programs and operations for Circular Philadelphia. A seasoned sustainability professional, Samantha’s work has spanned operational sustainability, metrics and evaluation, and outreach. She has written for over a decade on sustainability-related topics for Philadelphia-based Grid magazine—including the January 2022 cover story on textile recycling and circularity in the Philadelphia region. She is a LEED Green Associate and holds a BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Virginia.

Lisa Hayes brings 25 years of industry experience to the Fashion Design Program at Drexel University as associate professor. As program director (2012–2022), she focused on infusing responsible, circular, and ethical design practices into the curriculum. She has exhibited her designs across the United States and internationally in Thailand, South Korea, Japan, China, Uzbekistan, and elsewhere. Her editorial design work has been featured in House & Garden, Glamour, IN Style, People, WWD, The Philadelphia Inquirer, British Vogue, Me UK, and other publications.

About the series

The Science and Society speaker series explores the history of science embedded in our everyday lives. We invite scientists, historians, policymakers, and educators for engaging, in-depth conversations that expand our perspectives. Program formats include lectures, interviews, roundtables, and book launches. Science and Society events are curated for an adult audience, fostering curiosity, conversation, and interactivity. Each evening concludes with a free reception with the speakers.

This event is copresented with the Fashion Design Program of Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design.