Joe Segal

Senior Critic
Joseph Aaron Segal is the founder and designer of the knit development studio World of JAS and ready-to-wear line Pretty Snake. He earned his BFA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and launched his companies after graduating from RISD (MFA Textiles 2009). His Pretty Snake line is known for its original textiles and unique prints that go “viral” and is sold in boutiques around the world as well as by larger retailers Urban Outfitters and ModCloth. Segal’s unconventional apparel earned him the opportunity to be a contestant on Project Runway season 11, where he created memorable knits for the season’s winning designer. His World of JAS studio is a recipient of Rhode Island’s STEM Wavemaker Fellowship and continues to create prints, textiles and technical knits for fellow designers’ runway shows, artists, footwear companies, celebrities, drag performers, music videos, television shows and commercials.

Courses

Fall 2024 Courses

TEXT 4832-01 - KNITTED FABRICS
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4832-01

KNITTED FABRICS

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Joe Segal Location(s): College Building, Room 210 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This course approaches the development of machine knit fabrics and forms as one process, where aspects of form are developed along-side fabric patterns and structures. Students learn advanced construction techniques and knit structure drafting and shaping, in order to further develop their design processes and ideas for knits. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, careful consideration of materials, and research. Ideas about color, pattern, texture, drape, concept and working large scale are explored. Fully-fashioned garments are the primary three-dimensional forms to which students apply their ideas. Throughout the semester, students bring their experience of garment building and shaping, their range of knitting skills and techniques, and their ability to express ideas in knitting to a higher level of resolution. Hand knitting, embellishment, dyeing, printing, finishing, felting and other processes are encouraged and can be integrated into the fabric design and construction.

Elective

Spring 2025 Courses

TEXT 4842-01 - INDUSTRIAL KNITTING
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4842-01

INDUSTRIAL KNITTING

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PM Instructor(s): Joe Segal Location(s): College Building, Room 143; College Building, Room 446 Enrolled / Capacity: 12 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

This advanced knitting course investigates the design and creation of knit fabrics using specialized software and a computerized, industrial knitting machine. Students deepen their understanding of a wide range of knit constructions, learn new structures, and experience a different method of creating knit fabric and forms through weekly sampling work and then a final project that is a collection of fabrics for interior or apparel applications, or art pieces. The intended end use will guide students' pattern and material studies. Students are introduced to the knitting industry and exciting examples of contemporary and historical knitting and encouraged to forge new paths in the medium.

Prerequisite: TEXT-4832 and TEXT-4826.

Elective

TEXT 4898-01 - TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT
Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date

TEXT 4898-01

TEXTILE DEGREE PROJECT

Level Undergraduate
Unit Textiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
Format Studio
Mode In-Person
Start and End 2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Instructor(s): Amalia Galdona Broche, Anna Gitelson-Kahn, Jaclyn DeLamatre, Joe Segal, Mary Anne Friel Enrolled / Capacity: 30 Status: Open

SECTION DESCRIPTION

The student's project, designed in consultation with the faculty, can be in one of the textile areas or in combination with other disciplines at the school. The project, which will be evaluated by the faculty and visiting critics at the end of the semester, can entail a collection of designs or fine arts work representing the current conclusive state of student's work or an investigation of a new area. The level of concepts, skills, and commitment constitute a major part of the criteria in the evaluation of the work.

Mid-year graduates should seek department permission to fulfill 9 credits in Fall and Wintersession.

Estimated Cost of Materials: Varies based on use of advanced equipment; additional fees may incur.

Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Senior Textiles Students.

Major Requirement | BFA Textiles