Backed by more than 35 years of professional experience, Marie Aja-Herrera, Ph.D., is a revered figure in the fashion industry. At the young age of 8, Dr. Aja-Herrera received a box of vintage clothing from her aunt; the gift piqued her love for all things fashion and fabric. To support her success as a creator and designer, Dr. Aja-Herrera has formed relationships with industry-related organizations such as the Victorian Society in America, The Textile Institute, the Association of Polish Artists and Designers, the Clothing and Footwear Institute, and Fashion Group International, Inc. Additionally, she is a fellow of the Society of Artists & Designers and an honorary elected member of the Polish Union of Artists.
In 1977, Dr. Aja-Herrera received a Bachelor of Arts in fashion from the University of Central England, which is today known as Birmingham City University. Dr. Aja-Herrera was granted a scholarship to the University of Lodz in Poland, where she earned a Master of Arts in fashion and textiles in 1980. Upon returning to England, she received a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of London, as well as a Master of Arts in design studies from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in 1995. Nine years later, Dr. Aja-Herrera earned an honorary Ph.D. in fashion from New York University.
Dr. Aja-Herrera commenced her career in 1981, as head of the fashion department at South Essex College. She went on to serve as head of womenswear design for Ghirombelli/Pacanina Modas/Santini S.A. and Jefferson International Academy in Hong Kong. After spending a year at Lectra Systems dual roles as a sales executive and the design and education coordinator, Dr. Aja-Herrera returned to academia, serving as the chair of fashion design and merchandising at the American College in London.
Before joining Savannah College of Art and Design in 1997, where she currently teaches as a fashion professor, Dr. Aja-Herrera held noteworthy positions, including design director of computer-aided design, knitwear and textiles for Calvetron Brands Ltd.; dean of the art and design faculty at American University in Dubai; and head of design for Twins/NIKE Enterprise PLC. Furthermore, from 1982 to 1995, she was a consultant for Herrera UK Ltd. She has since enjoyed teaching people who share her passion for fashion. In 2008, she served as a member of People’s Ambassadorial Education Programs to China.
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