By Taylor Nieman
The diversity at Cornell University is endless; however, it is unfortunately rare to hear about fashion groups around the campus. Thus, I am bringing you the details of one of Cornell’s best-kept fashion secrets: Feedbak.
The summer of 2008 brought together two Applied Economics and Management (AEM) students, Mac Bishop ’11 and Jeff Aziakou ‘10, a duo who shared an interest in fashion. Both wanted to transfer what they were learning in the classroom into real world experiences in the fashion industry, but they did not know where to start. So, they reached out to the faculty of Cornell’s Fiber Science & Apparel Design (FSAD) department for advice on how to kick off their fashion business. Professors Anita Racine, Susan Ashdown, and Van Dyk Lewis were very receptive to the project and helped recruit the group’s original members. Five design students, who ranged from freshman to seniors, were selected.
Feedbak’s initial focus was to partner with apparel companies and industry professionals to offer market research and design insight focused on the collegiate market. The organization’s first partner was Pendleton Woolen Mills. They received samples from Pendledton’s upcoming collections and preliminary concept ideas that they provided feedback on. Feedbak organized focus groups and product testing sessions, gathering opinions from various members of the student body. The student designers also recommended technical modifications. A report was then sent to Pendleton, who implemented a portion of the recommended changes into their new S/S ’10 collection.
Inspired by their work on the Pendleton samples, the team began to originate their own innovative design concepts. The aspect of working in a team setting was particularly important to Mac and Jeff because in college designers seldom work with others on their own collections. Their group would serve as a way to gain experience solving problems while interacting with others.
Today, Feedbak boasts eleven enthusiastic members comprised of AEM students and student designers who have moved their attention away from providing clothing advice to companies, and have turned their focus on the design process.
In past runway shows, Feedbak has featured twelve models sporting different versions of the Pendleton plaid fabrics. Other years, the models sported only one item of the Feedbak collection while wearing one article of their own clothing. Mac and Jeff explain that this year, one can look at the runway to see four complete head-to-toe menswear looks. The inspiration for the Untitled line was described by Jeff as “aviators, explorers, and the military”. He furthered explained that their entire collection uses a mix of technical fabrics and Pendleton wool materials.
The group was extremely excited to showcase their new Untitled line at the annual Cornell Design League (CDL) Fashion Show this spring. Mac and Jeff send a special thanks out to all the professors that have guided and helped them with the process as well as their two production students, Katie Elks and Jesse Ruoff, because according to Mac: “They turn the entire group’s designs and vision into a reality.”
Jeff and Mac stressed the importance of Feedbak’s long-term sustainability even after they graduate. They are currently working on some scholarship ideas with Pendleton Woolen Mills. Whatever the future holds for Feedbak, this group has exhibited talent that cannot be ignored.
