The Ellen Gang Design Studio

The Ellen Gang Design Studio

 

Offering classes during the school year as well as immersive summer experiences, The Ellen Gang Design Studio teaches teens and young adults to experience the joy of design. As students plan, construct, and model their own garments, they learn to harness their creativity, build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and have fun.

 

As part of its mission, the Design Studio also encourages its students to think about social responsibility and ways of giving back to the community. For several years, our clothing drives benefitted several Bridgeport schools in need. In 2019, our fashion show was dedicated to past student and summer assistant, Rachel Doran. We raised money for Rach's Hope, which assists families with children who are battling critical illnesses.

 

In 2015, the Design Studio showcased students' work at our FASHION TALKS event, raising funds for the newly established Teen Advisory Council at The Westport Arts Center. Students and guests were inspired by a panel of young industry professionals representing a variety of fields: style and trends, magazines, costume design, fashion buying, merchandising, and design.  

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In 2014, the Design Studio partnered with Mitchells of Westport to produce a fashion show that raised $6500 for Kids in Distressed Situations (KIDS/Fashion Delivers/Delivering Good).  

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For photos of these events, as well as others, click here!

 

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About Ellen Gang

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• 35+ years in the fashion design industry

• 20+ years at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT Assistant Professor)

• Adjunct Instructor, Fashion Marketing courses at Sacred Heart University's Jack Welch College of Business

• Featured in The New York Times' Fashion of the Times, Women's Wear Daily, Bridal Guide, Westport Magazine

• Three time Earnie Award Winner for Excellence in Children's Wear 

• Director of Design and Merchandising, Knitwaves, Inc. 1976-1999

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As Director of Design and Merchandising at Knitwaves, Inc., Ellen was responsible for overseeing the studio with sewers, cutters, artists, garment duplication, and final fit approval.  She designed fashion-forward collections for infants, toddlers, 4-6x, 7-16, Young Junior lines, and licensed properties.

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Additional honors include: Industry Critic for FIT Children's Wear Specialization, Tommy Award Nominee, member of FIT Industry Advisory Board and FIT Children's Wear Advisory Board, Waldorf Astoria & FIT Celebration of New York and The New York Times.