Design Practice | Accessory Design with Mia Wright-Ross of MWR Collection
Build your design toolkit! Design Practice is a series of free, drop-in workshops exploring techniques, strategies, and careers in design. No prior experience required—just bring yourself and a creative mindset. This month, join leather artisan Mia Wright-Ross to build, emboss, and paint your own leather clutch or leather keychain. Feeling festive? Design your accessory as a gift! Snacks and hot chocolate will be served.
Design Practice workshops are designed for high school students aged 13-18. No adults are permitted.
About the Program
- Program Length: 2 hours
- Interactivity Level: High. This is a hands-on workshop where participants will design their own leather clutch or keychain.
- Intended Audience: High school students interested in fashion design, product design, or trying out a new creative process.
GUEST DESIGNER
Mia Wright-Ross is an artist, focusing her works in leather sculptural installations and object design. The leather cording techniques that appear as the signature motif across her luxury design house, MWR Collection, represent Wright-Ross’ art & design philosophy— the unification of leather material used in the artisanal process is fundamental to the communication of dexterity through design. She has worked as a designer in the footwear and accessory industry for the past 10 years and has been a leading designer for a number of contemporary designer brands, including Calvin Klein, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saks 5th Avenue and Tibi. In addition to being the founder and creative director of MWR Collection, Mia Wright-Ross is an adjunct professor of shoe design and construction at Parsons The New School for Design, the Museum of Art & Design’s 2020-21 Artist Fellow, and a full-time design consultant.
Accessibility
This free program will feature a hands-on, accessory design focused workshop. Details will be emailed to you upon registration. For general questions or if we can provide additional accessibility services or accommodations to support your participation in this program, please email us at CHEducation@si.edu or let us know when registering. Please make your accommodation request as far in advance as possible—preferably at least one week before the program date.
SPECIAL THANKS
Design learning at Cooper Hewitt is made possible by The Pinkerton Foundation, The Richard and Jean Coyne Family Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, PwC Charitable Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, internal Smithsonian Institution funds from the Youth Access Grants for Youth Innovation in Rural America, and public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
