52nd Annual National Symposium - 2026 

Our 2026 symposium in Charlotte, North Carolina will be an in-depth examination of the various cyclical facets of dress and textile history. The concepts of reuse, remake, and recycle have long been integral to the history of clothing, reflecting humanity's ingenuity and resourcefulness. Since ancient times, textiles have been repurposed due to the high cost of materials and labor. In recent decades, the rise of the fast fashion industry has led to a surge in textile waste, prompting a renewed focus on sustainability. Movements like upcycling, where old clothes are creatively transformed into new pieces, and the increasing popularity of second-hand shopping, highlight a modern shift towards more sustainable practices in the clothing industry, emphasizing the enduring importance of reuse, remake, and recycle.

Charlotte, with its rich textile heritage, thriving fashion scene, and innovative textile recycling industry, is the perfect location for Re-Cycles of Dress. This theme provides a dynamic interpretive framework to examine the complex histories of dress and textiles, and the fact that the diverse communities who make them often have their techniques, patterns, and innovations usurped. The symposium will feature a broad range of presentations, workshops, and exhibitions that will center the myriad cultural influences, artists, and narratives that have shaped dress history and inspire current design trends. Showcasing the unique cyclical nature of design trends, histories of remaking/reusing garments and textiles, the process of creating circular economies, and global practices of recycling textiles throughout history, the symposium will offer a unique fusion of topics past and present. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the city's historical mills, modern design studios, and modern textile processing centers that provide insights into the evolution of the creative and industrial organizations in the region.