Skip to Content
MASSART Logo At Massart
All MassArt news

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.

Share

More News

Brian Collins: designers need peripheral vision more than ever

  • Alumni in the News
  • MassArt in the Media
In a new essay for The Drum, MassArt alumnus Brian Collins revisits themes from his 2025 MassArt Commencement address, arguing that artists and designers are uniquely equipped to imagine and build the future in uncertain times.
The Drum 

Peter Wolf receives honorary degree from MassArt, and more arts news

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Academic Affairs
Peter Wolf receives an honorary degree from Massachusetts College of Art and Design at the 2026 Commencement ceremony honoring his contributions to music and visual art.
Boston Globe 

Giving Clothing a Second Chance

  • Alumni in the News
  • Fashion Design Certificate
  • Fibers
Jessamy Shay Kilcollins BFA ‘19 Fibers, Fashion Design Certificate, was featured in the Somerville Times for her work on sustainable fashion.
The Somerville Times 

Artist Brad Chapman Bleau on Seeking Community Connections

  • Alumni in the News
  • Illustration
Worcester Magazine profiled MassArt alum Brad Chapman Bleau, BFA ’14 Illustration, highlighting his work as both an artist and educator.
Worcester Magazine 

See the Good: MassArt Students Design Toys for Zoo Animals

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Integrative Sciences and Biological Arts
7 News spotlighted MassArt students’ designs of enrichment toys for animals at Franklin Park Zoo, part of a longstanding partnership with Handshouse Studio.
7 News WHDH 

Kelly Wearstler: Roving Roots

  • Alumni in the News
Flaunt Magazine featured MassArt alum Kelly Wearstler, BFA ‘94 Communication Design, in a design-focused editorial spread.
Flaunt Magazine 

40 Minutes and .6 Miles: A Conversation with Erin M. Riley

  • Alumni in the News
  • Fibers
Whitehot Magazine profiled MassArt alum Erin M. Riley, BFA ‘07 Fibers, exploring her contemporary textile-based practice.
Whitehot Magazine 

‘The Same Sea’ exhibit connects New Bedford to the Azores

  • Alumni in the News
"The Same Sea," curated by MassArt alumna Lara Lourenço Harrington, BFA ’00, explores cultural connections between New Bedford and the Azores.
The New Bedford Light 

MassArt Photography Students Among 2026 Alexia Grant Recipients and Finalists

  • MassArt in the Media
  • Photography
Two BFA ‘26 students have earned national recognition through the 2026 Alexia Grants, with Daniel Holt named a student recipient and Aubree Guilbault recognized as a student runner-up.
Syracuse University Newhouse School 

Meghan Mirasolo, BFA ‘02 Photography, featured on Community Canvas

  • Alumni in the News
  • Photography
MassArt alum Meghan Mirasolo BFA ‘02 Photography is featured on today's GBH's Community Canvas with her piece "In Bloom," capturing the sensory intensity of renewal in which the world seems to pulse with motion.
GBH 

Artist Masako Miki crafts modern take on ancient Japanese folklore

  • MassArt in the Media
  • MassArt Art Museum
Artist Masako Miki takes viewers inside an immersive world of yōkai-inspired creatures, reimagining Japanese folklore through play, transformation, and connection in a segment on her exhibition at the MassArt Art Museum.
PBS NewsHour 

New York Times Magazine Features Photography by MassArt Alum William Wegman

  • Alumni in the News
The New York Times Magazine featured recent photographic work by MassArt alum William Wegman, BFA '65 Painting, highlighting his ongoing creative practice and cultural influence.
The New York Times 
MassArt logo
621 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115

(617) 879-7000

Academics

Programs

Admissions

Costs & Aid

Student Life

About

At MassArt

Giving

Information for