Gwenveria Sargeant interview, 2023 January 5, 2023 January 18
Scope and Contents
The Soul Club Oral History Project is an initiative of the FIT Library, inspired by the Soul Club fashion shows’ exuberance, positivity, dynamism, and joy. For this oral history project, FIT alumni and faculty members are interviewed about their participation and experience in the Soul Club. The goal of this project is to explore FIT’s rich and diverse history and uplift, amplify, and publicly share the stories of Black fashion students and faculty members as told by the community members themselves.
Taur Orange, interviewer, is the head of Educational Opportunity Programs at FIT.
Dates
- Creation: 2023 January 18
Creator
- Sargeant, Gwenveria Marcell (Chisholm) (Person)
- Orange, Taur (Person)
Language of Materials
English Latin
Conditions Governing Access
Access is open to researchers by appointment at the Fashion Institute of Technology Library, Department of Special Collections and FIT Archive. If you have any questions, or wish to schedule an appointment contact us at [email protected] or call (212) 217-4385.
The contents of this collection are also available to the public via our Archive on Demand repository: https://archiveondemand.fitnyc.edu/items/browse?collection=22
Biographical / Historical
Gwenveria Marcell (Chisholm) Sargeant is a native of Syracuse, New York with a diverse background. She is a Fashion Design graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology and a well-traveled, seasoned and innovative Woman’s wear Designer/Merchandiser. She is possessed with a wealth of experience in both the Women’s & Children’s wear markets. Her design endeavors have taken her to various parts of the Far East and Europe for both design development/research as well as production purposes.
Her entrepreneurial efforts (in association with her partners) resulted in a licensing agreement with “Sears, Roebuck and Co ” in association with G-lll Apparel Co., Cathy’s of California & Berkshire Hosiery, which resulted in nationwide distribution in over 100 stores. These unique garments and accessories were manufactured under their F.A.I.T.H. (Fashion Art In The House) label and featured original urban/ethnic textile designs & graphics for Women’s Coats, Ladies Accessories& Children’s Sportswear. Gwen is the founding member (1994) and Chairman of the Board of the Fashion & Arts Xchange Group Inc., a not-for-profit service organization that provides opportunities for networking and interchange among the diverse community of African-American professionals in the fashion and arts industry.
Recently she enjoyed serving as adjunct professor in the Fashion Design Art department at FIT her alma mater, and currently serves as guest Professor for the Educational Opportunities Programs there teaching fashion design to underprivileged, inner city high school students. While keeping her finger on the pulse of the fashion market as a Designer/Consultant on a freelance basis to various companies in the garment industry. Gwenveria now resides in Northern Westchester with her Husband and two sons.
Biographical / Historical
Taur Orange is the head of Educational Opportunity Programs at FIT.
Full Extent
From the Sub-Group: 1 placeholder
Existence and Location of Copies
* Watch this interview on Archive on Demand: https://archiveondemand.fitnyc.edu/item/136236
General
Gwenveria Marcell (Chisholm) Sargeant is a native of Syracuse, New York with a diverse background. She is a Fashion Design graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology and a well-traveled, seasoned and innovative Woman’s wear Designer/Merchandiser. She is possessed with a wealth of experience in both the Women’s & Children’s wear markets. Her design endeavors have taken her to various parts of the Far East and Europe for both design development/research as well as production purposes.
Her entrepreneurial efforts (in association with her partners) resulted in a licensing agreement with “Sears, Roebuck and Co ” in association with G-lll Apparel Co., Cathy’s of California & Berkshire Hosiery, which resulted in nationwide distribution in over 100 stores. These unique garments and accessories were manufactured under their F.A.I.T.H. (Fashion Art In The House) label and featured original urban/ethnic textile designs & graphics for Women’s Coats, Ladies Accessories& Children’s Sportswear. Gwen is the founding member (1994) and Chairman of the Board of the Fashion & Arts Xchange Group Inc., a not-for-profit service organization that provides opportunities for networking and interchange among the diverse community of African-American professionals in the fashion and arts industry.
Recently she enjoyed serving as adjunct professor in the Fashion Design Art department at FIT her alma mater, and currently serves as guest Professor for the Educational Opportunities Programs there teaching fashion design to underprivileged, inner city high school students. While keeping her finger on the pulse of the fashion market as a Designer/Consultant on a freelance basis to various companies in the garment industry. Gwenveria now resides in Northern Westchester with her Husband and two sons.
General
Taur Orange is the head of Educational Opportunity Programs at FIT.
General
Published
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and FIT Archive Repository