Buffalo State College State University of New York

The steadfast journey of Elaine Polvinen, MFA
We all know that rock stars and movie idols have groupies. Elaine Polvinen, MFA, a professor of fashion textile technology at Buffalo State College State University of New York has shown that design software can have groupies, too.

Since she began teaching in 1990 she has been on a steadfast journey first to transfer all of her traditional techniques to digital interpretation and then to continually retool and develop new coursework to reflect the transformational changes relating to global technology integration that is taking place in all aspects of the fashion/textile industries. This professional journey has led her to the OptiTex multi-dimensional product development technology.

Having recently immersed herself in OptiTex technology, she’s now on a mission to include its cutting-edge CAD/CAM Marker, PDS and Modulate programs in the curriculum for the Fall 2008 semester. “I am totally in LOVE with the ease of retooling over to the Marker, PDS and Modulate technology and plan to develop some basic pattern development and modification tutorials,” states Polvinen. “The OptiTex multi-dimensional product development application that also includes 3D Runway is the next logical step to prepare future professionals for the 3D transformational changes that are currently taking place in the global fashion industry.”

Polvinen stated, “If fashion education does not initiate the type of quick response solution (that students are taught with regards to the real world) to the unprecedented transformational technology shift that is taking place over to 3D, they run the serious risk of becoming redundant and obsolete and could actually be the driving force for industry to develop private training institutes.”

OptiTex is at home in major educational institutions worldwide. Universities and vocational programs have come to recognize that their students must be versed in the latest technologies for them to be viable in the workforce as recent graduates. These educational institutions recognized that major players in virtually all aspects of the textile industry, from fashion to automotive, aeronautics to upholstery, are currently integrating OptiTex multi-dimensional technology into their design processes.

 “The Web 2.0 approach OptiTex has taken has streamlined and reduced the learning curve significantly. Your online Wiki is both an exceptional learning and teaching tool, and I know it’s being expanded in early July, so I’m really looking forward to that. This will facilitate quick response faculty retooling as well as education on the part of today’s tech-savvy student,” concludes Polvinen.