In our Tech Arts department, artist and educator Laurel Nathanson has been teaching LWHS students to design, sew, and create for more than two decades, helping them express their creativity through jewelry and textile projects. And each year, she invites them to think beyond the creative process, through a special assignment.

The task? Think broadly. Think creatively. What is a fashion, design, or textile topic you are curious about? 

Each student is asked to select a topic of their choice, dive deep into research on that topic, and then present their findings to the class. Curious LWHS students dove into all kinds of fields—from politics to history to environmentalism, and more. Each presentation connects back to fashion, textiles, and creativity, and exemplifies how LWHS asks students to take their learning to the next level, in every classroom.

Here’s a sampling of the presentations! Enjoy learning more about these rich topics:

• Black Music x Fashion by Simone H. ‘26
• College Merch, by Saskia L. ‘25
• Dress to Impress, by Julia H. ‘26
• Dyeing Textiles, by Joe G. ‘27
• Embroidery in Fashion, by Frances P. ‘25
• The Fashion Industry vs. Rainforest, by Lucas W. ‘27
• Handbag/Purse, by Lily W. ‘26
• History of the Bra, by Lina L. ‘25
• History of High Heels, by Jacqueline S. ‘26
• History of the Tallit, by Sonia G. ‘27
• History of Vogue, by Tillie C. ‘27
• Leather, by Kate M. '26
• Textiles in Tissue Engineering, by Salihah C-P, ‘25
• Victoria's Secret Industry & Effect on Body Image, by Mira K. ‘27
• What She Wore Was Political: Women’s Fashion, Religion, and Power Over the Last Century, by Amelia D. ‘27