Jackey Robinson is a young and thriving designer interested in the way we view, experience and contribute to space. Growing up in Washington, DC, he felt a need to better the lives and livelihoods of those around him. Early in his studies, he became interested in the social and communal aspects of architecture, specifically those pertaining to marginalized groups, and cooperative and participatory design has always resonated with him, especially projects restoring minority communities. Robinson is not only an architect but a designer constantly questioning how we as analytical thinkers can change the lives of those around us. He takes an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, questioning space-making through architecture, apparel, installation design and performative design.
Robinson’s thesis focused on the multiplicities and innovative genius of the Black and brown LQBTQIA+ ballroom community. Using four clients (performers), three of whom are associated with ball culture, his thesis challenged the typical perspective on architects and designers, bringing the notion of Black queer joy into the architecture profession. Like architecture, ballroom is performative, involves specific parameters and requires performers to present and sell the final product, being open to criticism and judgment by the gatekeepers of the community. Robinson’s identifying as a Black queer male has been positively affected by the ballroom community, a group of individuals that nurtured him during his teenage years, molding him into the person he is today.
Courses
Fall 2024 Courses
APPAR 3122-01 - SOPHOMORE: IDENTITY/IDENTITIES I (FALL)
This course introduces technical and conceptual grounding in the aesthetics of identity projection through apparel and personal ornamentation. In addition to offering an intersectional lens through which to investigate both individual and social identity, students will learn foundational and interdisciplinary skills for design and construction: from presentation plates to effectively communicate the visual language of their design intentions to digital embroidery, laser cutting, UV printing, etc. to explore novel material and construction strategies. Research, discussions, and collaborative activities investigate how clothing might assume responses for both the wearer and the audience in the context of identity informed by gender, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, religion, and more; both classic and experimental production techniques empower students to more fully realize their concepts of identity representation and projection.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
Spring 2025 Courses
APPAR 3123-01 - SOPHOMORE: IDENTITY/IDENTITIES II (SPRING)
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3123-01
SOPHOMORE: IDENTITY/IDENTITIES II (SPRING)
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodSpring 2025
Credits3
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: M | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PMInstructor(s): Gwen Van Den Eijnde, Jackey RobinsonLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 102Enrolled / Capacity: 15Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The design course builds on design process skills from the first semester through assignments that focus on research and its application, conceptual development, and team dynamics. Varied facets of apparel design are explored through lectures, museum research, classroom discussion, and creative exploration.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $150.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
