About

I offer educational services and public speaking engagements that bridge textile history and trend analysis with the evolving landscapes of today’s industry and academia.

My relationship to textiles starts with my ancestral Middle Eastern roots. My family name, Khawam, comes from the Arabic word "خام" (kham), meaning raw cloth (often wool or cotton). It carries a rich connotation of material beginnings, stories, and the foundation of textile-making. For me, this legacy is not only linguistic but also lived through my passion for textiles. Born in Lebanon, trained in France, and professionally grounded in New York, I draw from my multicultural background and international experience to cultivate a comprehensive perspective on textiles.

As an educator, researcher, and insight provider in textile studies, I approach fabric as a dynamic field of knowledge and exploration that connects material culture, textile know-how, and global systems. My goal is to spark curiosity and inspire individuals to engage more thoughtfully with the materials and histories that surround us.

_{Learning Through Textiles:
Past, Present, Future}

TREND FORECASTING

PREMIERE VISION New York, Paris, Montreal
Featured in:

DL Vision Mode, April 26, 2025
Knitting Industry, July 19, 2024
The Spin-Off, July 2, 2024
WWD, “Hibernation, Brutalism, Climate Keys at New York Textile Shows,” July 26, 2023
WWD, “Textiles Go Divergent, Authentic and Eco for Fall 2023,” July 27, 2022

I offer custom trend forecasting services rooted in material culture, history, trend analysis, and industry observation. My work is dedicated to institutions, brands, and creative teams seeking meaningful, research-driven insight into where textiles and fashion are headed. It includes leading seminars on seasonal color concepts and eco-responsible innovation at international textile trade shows like Premiere Vision in New York, Paris, and Montreal. This research can be delivered as tailored presentations, internal workshops, or curated written reports designed to inspire and inform.

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WRITING & RESEARCH

FASHION STUDIES NETWORK (FSN)“Unravelling Fashion Narratives”
June 9-10, 2024 Parsons The New School

TEXTILE SOCIETY OF AMERICA (TSA)“Shifts & Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles.” November 12-17, 2024, virtual

As a scholar, I focus on uncovering the biographies and contributions of forgotten designers within fashion and textile history. My research brings these stories to light through archival investigation and cultural analysis, aiming to reinsert them into the broader narrative of design history. My work was presented at academic symposia, including Fashion Studies Network at Parsons The New School, and the Textile Society of America. Through this ongoing scholarship, I advocate for a more layered understanding of fashion’s past and how it shapes the future.

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GUEST LECTURES

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY Surface Design Department

ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY Fashion Studies Department

I deliver guest lectures at academic institutions, including the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and St. John’s University, where I share insights into my professional journey within the textile design world and how the creative process operates. I also offer custom speaking engagements for brands, professional organizations, creative teams, and cultural platforms seeking to deepen their understanding of textiles. These talks can be curated around specific themes to craft engaging moments of learning where context meets creativity and strategy.

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TEACHING

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN Textiles for Interiors

PARSONS THE NEW SCHOOL OF DESIGN History of Textiles
Textile Partnership 2

I teach textiles not just as materials, but as living systems that shape and are shaped by human experience. From their everyday applications in fashion and interiors to their deeper roles in identity, labor, culture, and memory, textiles are far more than surface. They are part of how we dress, communicate, protest, preserve heritage, and imagine the future. My approach invites students to engage with textiles as an integral part of human life. Through this lens, even the most ordinary fabric becomes a site of meaning and inquiry.

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TEXTILE DESIGN

Designed for (selected):

Bellora 1883
Beekman 1802
Ralph Lauren
Hermes
Kenzo Maison
Givenchy
Lacoste / IZOD
Kelly Wearstler
Tommy Hilfiger

Showcased at:

Heimtextil “Toward Utopia”
Heimtextil “The Future is Urban”

With a foundation in design practice and research, I have developed home linens and textile accessories for leading brands, including Bellora 1883, Ralph Lauren, Hermès, Kenzo, and Givenchy, catering to luxury and high-end markets across the U.S., Europe, and Japan. My work often bridges creative direction with material storytelling through color palettes, surface designs, and product concepts that align with brand identity while staying relevant to evolving markets. At Bellora 1883, I created bedding collections tailored to the U.S. market while aligning with the Italian manufacturer’s artisanal heritage. For Ralph Lauren Home and Kenzo Maison, I designed bath & beach towels and rug collections shaped by the brand’s strong visual narratives. My collaboration with Hermès and Givenchy included early-stage product development for Italian-made linens, gloves, and silk scarf accessories. My creations were featured at Heimtextil (Messe Frankfurt), as part of "The Future Is Urban" and "Toward Utopia" trend forums.

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©CelineKhawam

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