Fashion merchandising and design faculty member wins award to support study of knitwear

College of Education and Human Services faculty member, Dr. Su Kyoung An, has received the University of the Arts London (UAL) Summer Study Abroad ITAA Award for 2025. With this award, she will be studying knitwear design. Dr. An is currently a professor in the department of Fashion, Interior Design, and Merchandising, teaching classes such as Dress and Culture, Fashion Design Methods, and Apparel Product Development.

The UAL offers one Summer Study Abroad Award every year for a tuition-free, 3-week study aboard course. During this course, the recipient will study one of their world-renowned subjects, using London as inspiration for their research. Dr. An is thrilled to apply to the Experimental Fashion Knitwear Summer Program, where she can gain hands-on experience with the latest techniques and bring them back to CMU!

“In the last few years, I’ve heard from so many students who are eager for a knitwear course,” says Dr. An. “They recognize the creative and career opportunities in this area, and I’d love to be able to offer that to them.”

According to the Global Knitwear Market Report, knitwear has become one of the most versatile and popular areas in fashion and is expected to be valued at over $1600 billion by 2030, thanks to consumer demand for style, comfort, and versatility.

Dr. An adds, “for me, expanding into knitwear isn’t just about responding to market trends and student interest. It’s also a chance to push my own creative boundaries. Knitwear allows for innovation in texture, form, and sustainable designs that are so important in fashion today. By diving into the latest knitwear techniques, I’ll be able to evolve as an artist and bring new ideas to my students.”