fall 2024 - present
Faculty
Marcy L. Koontz, Ph.D. - Associate Professor
Kristin M. Maki, MFA - Assistant Professor
Brian E. Taylor, MS - Senior Instructor & Interim Chair
Undergraduate Research Assistants
Ali Byron - Fall/Spring 2024-2025
Anna 'Wings' Liebbe - Fall 2024
Research
  • Koontz, M.L. (2025, February 25-27). Measuring Historical Color Data with a Mobile Spectrophotometer: An Analysis of Two 1925 Real Silk Costume Color Harmony Charts [paper presentation]. Nineteenth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.
  • Maki, K.M. (2025, February 25-27). Integrating 3D Modeling Applications into Interior Design Education: A Curriculum Enhancement Approach [paper presentation]. Nineteenth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.
  • Taylor, B.E. (2025, February 25-27). Advancing Fashion Design Education With AI: Scaffolding Learning and Enhancing Curriculum Integration [paper presentation]. Nineteenth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices, LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.
Digitization in fashion collections is the comprehensive process of transforming physical fashion objects and their associated data into digital assets, aiming to preserve, document, and democratize access to fashion heritage. This process is increasingly augmented by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technologies like color spectrophotometry.
Key Components of Digitization
Digital Preservation
  •  Creating high-fidelity digital replicas of objects to mitigate deterioration.
  •  This encompasses high-resolution photography, scanning, 3D modeling, color spectrophotometry, and detailed documentation.  
3D Modeling
  • Utilizing 3D scanning and modeling technologies to create precise digital representations of objects.
  • This allows for detailed examination of form, texture, and construction, and can be combined with color data.
Color Spectrophotometry
  • Employing color spectrophotometers to capture precise color data of objects.
  • This ensures accurate digital representation of color, which is crucial for preservation and research.
Enhanced Accessibility
  • Expanding access to collections through online platforms for researchers, students, and the public.
  • This involves creating digital archives, online exhibitions, and virtual tours.
Detailed Documentation
  • Recording comprehensive information about each object, including materials, construction techniques, historical context, provenance, and precise color data.
AI Implementation in Digitization
 AI revolutionizes how fashion collections approach digitization, adding layers of efficiency and insight:
Image, 3D Model, and Color Data Analysis
  • AI algorithms automatically analyze digital images, 3D models, and color spectrophotometer data to identify patterns, fabric types, construction details, potential conservation issues, and color variations.
  •  AI helps to clean up and refine 3D scan data, creating more accurate digital models, and can correlate color data with material type.
Metadata Generation
  • AI automates the generation of metadata, enhancing search-ability, and discoverability.
  • This includes extracting information from images, 3D models, color data, and documents to create detailed descriptions.
Virtual Experiences
  •  AI-powered VR and AR applications create immersive and interactive experiences for online visitors, with accurate color representation.
  •  This includes virtual mannequins, interactive displays, personalized tours, and simulated garment movement.
Data Analysis and Research
  • AI analyzes large datasets of fashion information, including 3D model data, color data, and other metadata, to identify trends, patterns, and connections.
  • This provides valuable insights for researchers studying fashion history, design, and conservation.
Improved Search Capabilities
  •  AI enhances search functionality by using natural language processing to understand complex queries and by analyzing the content of images, 3D models, and color data.