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.


Celine Khawam is a textile & fashion historian, designer, and teacher at Parsons The New School of Design and the New York School of Interior Design. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University and a Master’s in Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, and Museum Practice from the Fashion Institute of Technology. With extensive international experience, Celine has specialized in designing high-end home textiles for the American, European, and Japanese markets. Her collaborations include prestigious brands such as Bellora 1883, Ralph Lauren, Hermès Selliers, Kenzo, and Givenchy.


Première Vision New York



Econyl Academy Podcast, Episode 19: Decoding Fiber Sustainability



Learning Through The Lens of Textiles:  Past, Present, and 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, such as 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.

Trends are interpretations and contextual markers that can help us understand where we are and where we might be heading. My trend talks aim to inspire, inform, and look beyond forecasting toward the deeper narratives of fashion and textiles.



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WRITING | RESEARCH 


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

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

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN DIGITAL COMMONS
“Henri de Châtillon (1906-1972): A French Milliner in Mexico City”
(Published 2024) 

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY
“Violette Marsan, Erik Braagaard, Henri de Châtillon: French Milliners of New York, 1930-1968.” 
(©2023 CelineKhawam)

As a scholar, I focus on uncovering the biographies and contributions of designers who have been overlooked in the history of textiles and fashion. My research sheds light on these stories 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 the Fashion Studies Network and the Textile Society of America. Through this ongoing scholarship, I advocate for a more layered understanding of fashion’s past and its role in shaping the future.



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TALKS & GUEST LECTURES 
THE ECONYL ACADEMY “The Future is Circular” PODCAST: Decoding Fiber Sustainability


THE ECONYL ACADEMY “Understanding Textile Fibers: Pros, Cons, and Applications”


FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY: Surface Design Department
ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY:
Fashion Studies Department
I deliver talks for industry podcasts and online resources, such as the Econyl Academy, sharing insights into textile science and sustainability. I also guest-lecture at academic institutions such as the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and St. John’s University, where I discuss my professional journey in textile design and explore the creative process. I also offer custom speaking engagements for educational platforms, brands, and professional organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of textile science, sustainability, history, and related subjects. These sessions can be tailored around specific themes to create engaging learning experiences where textile knowledge, cultural context, and strategy intersect.



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TEACHING


NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN Textiles for Interiors

PARSONS THE NEW SCHOOL OF DESIGN
History of Textiles
Textile Industry 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 integral to how we dress, communicate, protest, preserve heritage, and imagine the future. My approach invites students to engage with textiles as an essential 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 towel collections as well as rugs 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 scarves. 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
CELINE KHAWAM
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