BIO
Ali Kushner is a fashion designer and fiber artist based in Chicago. Born in New York in 2001, she then moved to London and, subsequently, Boston, where she spent the rest of her childhood. Her upbringing in a place that encouraged STEM-focused education influences her practice, as seen by her in-depth research methods and integration of science into art. Botany, psychology, and environmental science are especially important themes, as her work centers around sustainability and healing (physically and emotionally). She often uses natural dyes, recycled materials, and transformational processes. She also aims to accommodate all body types and needs with her garments, preferring to work on a one-to-one scale with clients.
Education
Employment
2019-2023
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
2014-2019
Brookline High School
Fashion student, expected to graduate with a BFA in Studio in 2023.
Recipient of a merit scholarship (2019) and the Leora Comer Pogue Scholarship (2021).
High school diploma, with a deep focus on visual art.
Recipient of the Portfolio Award (2019) and Visual Arts Department Award (2019).
Jan-May 2022
Peer Mentor, SAIC
Assistant to Professor Ellen Grimes in the course Sophomore Seminar: Design Cultures.
Help facilitate class discussions and bring in outside resources for younger students.
June-Aug 2021
Costume Design Intern,
Chicago Summer Opera
Designed, constructed and repurposed costumes for multiple shows. Worked with cast, crew and directors to organize production.
Jan-Mar 2020
Production Intern,
DEFY Bags
Designed and constructed prototypes for new bags.
Oct 2018-June 2019
After-School Art Teacher,
Lawrence School Activities
Organized arts-and-crafts lesson plans. Conducted lessons for a group of 10 elementary students every week.
Oct 2017-Feb 2018
Sewing Class Assistant,
House of Colors
Helped the students with sewing tasks they found difficult, such as marking/cutting out pattern pieces, threading the sewing machines and figuring out how to piece together garments.