Pop-up Instructor Carolyn Smith

Carolyn Smith is a fashion and textile designer dedicated to cultivating a sense of healing and tranquility through the textures, colors, and fibers of her creations. Drawing inspiration from the ocean’s calming presence, Carolyn designs textiles that invite touch, reflection, and connection, offering moments of peace amidst the chaos of daily life. Her profound connection to nature fuels her creative process, while her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and warmth permeates both her work and personal life. This energy of acceptance and emotion is intricately woven into every piece she creates, making each design not just a garment but an experience.

Carolyn’s journey into fashion began during her undergraduate studies in Fashion Design at Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, where she first discovered her passion for knitting, crochet, and environmentally conscious design. However, it was her initial encounter with the flax plant that truly ignited her fascination with plant-based fashion. It was here that Carolyn learned that raw plants could be transformed into yarn at the farm level, an insight that shaped her future path. This experience, combined with her Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design, led her to the Farm to Fabric to Fashion Master’s Program at Polimoda, where she further honed her knowledge of textile design and production.

Her educational journey, spanning Philadelphia, USA, and Florence, Italy, also included international experiences that broadened her global perspective. Carolyn was selected for a specialized study abroad course in footwear at the London College of Fashion and further refined her expertise through a Japanese textile production course at the Osaka Bunka Institute of Fashion. These diverse, global experiences have enriched her work, infusing it with unique international influences and a deep appreciation for diverse textile techniques.

Throughout her time in the Farm to Fabric to Fashion program, Carolyn was mentored by Li Edelkoort, gaining a profound understanding of fashion at its very core—the fiber itself. She immersed herself in the entire process of textile creation, from washing raw wool and carding fibers to spinning yarns and creating warps. Carolyn also designed knit stitches, developed patterned garments, tailored perfect fits, andcompleted each piece with intricate crochet details. This hands-on, comprehensive approach has allowed Carolyn to cultivate a mastery of the craft, equipping her with the skills needed to create intentional, thoughtfully crafted pieces from the ground up. Each garment she creates reflects her deep connection to the materials, ensuring that every design is executed with precision, care, and purpose.