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From Sequins to Sustainability: Dr. Jessica Ciarla’s Groundbreaking Journey in Fashion Innovation

Writer's picture: Dr. Eulanda SandersDr. Eulanda Sanders

Updated: Jan 21


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Eulanda Sanders the founder of INNOVATION Insights smiling

In this episode of the iNNOVATION Insights Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Jessica Ciarla, an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a trailblazer in sustainable fashion. This conversation was significant because I have known Jessica for several years. I was on her dissertation committee, and witnessing her journey from that stage to where she is now has been inspiring.


When Jessica joined the podcast, her energy and passion for her work were evident. She shared how her career began with creativity and storytelling, leading her to design, entrepreneurship, and academia. Her story is about perseverance, adaptability, and a drive to create meaningful change in the fashion industry.


From New York to Academia: A Journey Rooted in Creativity and Resilience

Jessica’s path to sustainable fashion innovation did not follow a linear trajectory, which she candidly discussed during our conversation. She began her career in New York City, working with renowned fashion houses and developing her design, business, and production skills. Here, she learned the rigorous work ethic required to thrive in the industry.

She described the intensity of her early years—long hours spent in design studios, navigating the complexities of garment production, and wearing many hats, from creative director to salesperson. Those experiences laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial venture, Charlie Designs, a high-end evening wear brand. This period of her life was challenging and rewarding, offering her a deep understanding of the fashion industry from multiple perspectives.


Jessica’s decision to pursue a master’s degree in Italy marked a significant turning point. Studying at Polimoda in Florence, Italy, under Linda Loppa's mentorship, allowed her to embrace new perspectives on creativity and sustainability. The European focus on artistry and innovation reinvigorated her passion for design and led to the development of her first sustainable project: a wedding gown crafted from vintage materials. This experience planted the seeds for her eventual pivot to academia and sustainable fashion.


Innovating Sustainable Fashion: The Sequin Project

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation revolved around Jessica’s groundbreaking work on sustainable sequins. Inspired by Stella McCartney's remark about the lack of sustainable sequins, Jessica assembled a multidisciplinary team, including a scientist, a textile designer, and students from various disciplines such as business, design, and sustainability. Together, they developed an innovative plant-based sequin material.



Jessica detailed the challenges and triumphs of this project—from securing grants to obtaining a patent—and how it has evolved over several years. The team’s efforts have culminated in a commercial prototype with a full spectrum of colors and shapes. Collaborating with designers worldwide, they explore the material’s creative and commercial potential.


Chronicles of Color: A Collaborative Museum Exhibition

Jessica shared that the sequin project catalyzed her next major endeavor: curating the Particles of Color exhibition at the Texas Science and Natural History Museum. This ambitious project was born out of her desire to showcase the innovative work at UT Austin’s Department of Textiles and Apparel. With only three months to prepare, Jessica and her team transformed a 1,500-square-foot space into a vibrant, immersive display featuring 50 objects created by students, faculty, and designers.


The exhibit highlighted the sustainable sequin and celebrated the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Students played a pivotal role in the exhibition, gaining hands-on experience in design, curation, and storytelling. Jessica’s approach—mentoring students while empowering them to take ownership of their work—was evident throughout the process. It was inspiring to hear how the exhibit has sparked excitement and motivation among students, who are now eager to continue the work.


The Sustainable Fashion Materials Lab: Fostering Innovation in Academia

Jessica’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond individual projects. She has established the Sustainable Fashion Materials Lab at UT Austin, a space dedicated to researching and developing eco-friendly materials. Officially launching this spring, the lab is part of the Freshman Research Initiative, which provides students with opportunities to engage in hands-on, interdisciplinary projects from the start of their academic careers.



Her vision for the lab is rooted in collaboration and mentorship. By involving students in real-world problem-solving, Jessica equips them with the skills and mindset needed to address the pressing challenges of sustainability in fashion. Her efforts exemplify how academia can serve as a platform for innovation and meaningful impact.


Lessons in Collaboration and Storytelling

Throughout our conversation, a recurring theme was the importance of collaboration. Jessica’s career—from her entrepreneurial ventures to academic initiatives—has been defined by her ability to bring diverse perspectives and expertise together. She emphasized the value of being open to feedback, embracing discomfort, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.


Equally important is the role of storytelling in her work. Whether designing garments, developing sustainable materials, or curating exhibitions, Jessica approaches every project with a narrative mindset. She believes that sharing stories—about processes, challenges, and successes—amplifies her work's impact and fosters connection and dialogue within the global fashion community.


A Trailblazer in Sustainable Fashion

As I reflected on our conversation, I was struck by Jessica’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, creativity, and education. Her journey illustrates the power of combining diverse experiences and skills to drive innovation. From her early days in New York to her current role as an educator and researcher, Jessica has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in fashion.



It was an honor to feature Jessica on the podcast and share her story with our audience. Her work reminds us that innovation is about creating new things and solving problems in meaningful and impactful ways. I look forward to seeing how her lab, her students, and her projects continue to shape the future of sustainable fashion.

 

Keep innovating!


Eulanda

 


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