A Common Thread: Design and Merchandising instructor Crystal Emerson brings historical fashion to life – Oklahoma State University

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Media Contact:
Christy Lang | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-9740 | christy.lang@okstate.edu

Design and merchandising adjunct instructor Crystal Emerson’s goal is to bring fun
and creativity into the classroom.

As a child of the 1980s, Emerson fell in love with fashion and pop culture at an early
age. Her love of clothes was nurtured by her grandmothers, who both taught her how
to sew. Emerson went on to graduate high school and college and eventually start a
family.

After experiencing a deep personal tragedy, Emerson turned back to sewing. The craft
helped her deal with the situation and fed her creative appetite. With a desire to
enhance her skills and knowledge, she found the Department of Design and Merchandising
at OSU.

Emerson quickly fell in love with the program, earning a bachelor’s degree and then
moving forward to complete a master’s degree. Now as instructor, Emerson fully embraces
her role teaching heritage of dress. She uses photos, music and videos. But her most
powerful tool is dressing in period clothing. She takes her students from the French
Revolution to modern day, all in an effort to help them understand the content.

For Emerson, it’s a dream come true to serve as an instructor and share her passion
in the program she loves.