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Denim Expert Benjamin Talley Smith on Making Best-Selling Khaite and Reformation Jeans, Plus the Styles to Shop This Summer

  • Alumni in the News
  • MassArt in the Media
  • Fashion Design
Who What Wear 

MassArt Alumnus, Benjamin Talley Smith (’01 BFA Fashion Design), the founder of the renowned denim atelier Talley Creative, has been making waves in the fashion industry. Described as “the most influential jeans guy you’ve never heard of” by The New York Times, Smith discusses his extensive experience in the denim industry. He has collaborated with numerous high-profile brands, including Helmut Lang, Earnest Sewn, Ulla Johnson, Jordache, Re/Done, Everlane, Reformation, and Khaite.

In his interview on the Who What Wear Podcast, Ben shares insights into the best denim pairs currently available, the resurgence of low-rise jeans, and the story behind naming Khaite’s Danielle jeans after his wife. He also hints at an exciting upcoming denim line with Spanx set to launch in 2025.

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Rare 1970s photographs and early video by William Wegman go on view

  • Alumni in the News
The exhibition "William Wegman: Private Show," brings together rare vintage photographs and video from the 1970s with later works by MassArt alum William Wegman, BFA '65 Painting.
Art Daily 

Mass. summers are getting hotter. Is it cool to wear shorts in the office yet?

  • Faculty in the News
  • MassArt in the Media
  • Fashion Design
Professor Jennifer Varekamp, MassArt Fashion Design Chair, weighs in on office attire trends.
GBH 

Museum of American Bird Art Collaborates with MassArt Students

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts
For the second year in a row, MassArt’s talented studio art students have created works of art inspired by Mass Audubon’s Museum of American Bird Art collection.
Mass Audubon 

Elizabeth Freeman celebrated with MassArt student exhibit at Du Bois Freedom Center

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Illustration
A new exhibition of MassArt student work at the Du Bois Freedom Center honors Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved African American woman to sue Massachusetts and win her freedom.
The Bay State Banner 

MassArt Alum Doug Ansine Launches Brain Child x Reebok Sneaker Collaboration

  • Alumni in the News
  • MassArt in the Media
  • Industrial Design
Designer and Brain Child founder Doug Ansine returned to MassArt to unveil the “Red Nebula,” reflecting on creativity, perseverance, and Boston’s thriving arts community.
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MassArt Alum Rania Abdalla Kadafour Explores Memory and Identity Through Textile Sculpture

  • Alumni in the News
  • 3D Arts
  • Fibers
Featured in Boston Art Review, MassArt alum Rania Abdalla Kadafour combines quilting with community-centered textile practice across Boston’s arts community.
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MassArt Alum Sophia Grausam featured on GBH’s Community Canvas

  • Alumni in the News
  • Illustration
"Piece of Cake" by MassArt alum Sophia Grausam, BFA '25 Illustration, was featured on GBH's Community Canvas.
GBH 

MassArt Alum Connor O’Malley Wins Bluebikes Design Competition Celebrating Boston 250

  • Alumni in the News
  • MassArt in the Media
  • Communication Design
MassArt alum Connor O'Malley's Boston Harbor-inspired design was selected by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for 250 limited-edition Bluebikes celebrating Boston 250 across Greater Boston.
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Hive & Colony Celebrates Boston Flagship Reopening with ‘The Cut’ Upcycling Competition in Partnership with MassArt

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Fashion Design
A collaboration between MassArt Fashion Design and bespoke suiting company Hive & Colony brought together student designers to upcycle and reimagine existing garments.
The Associated Press 

The Stories Behind the Obama Presidential Center’s Major New Artworks

  • Alumni in the News
MassArt alumni Jack Pierson and Magdalena Campos-Pons have work in the collection of the new Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Artnet News 

Boston’s Midtown Hotel Completes Art Collaboration with MassArt

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Press Release
  • Illustration
National Development and MassArt have partnered to install a permanent collection of student artwork at Boston's Midtown Hotel, offering visitors a unique view of the city.
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5 things to do this weekend, including Juneteenth observances and the Roxbury International Film Festival

  • MassArt in the Media
The annual Roxbury International Film Festival is the largest New England film festival that showcases the works of people of color. Now in its 28th year, the festival will screen 100 films at locations around the city, including MassArt. 
WBUR 
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