Design Lab will premiere a new collection of garments and fabrics by designer Liz Collins based on the meaning of the word "safe." Collins is also assistant professor of textiles at Rhode Island School of Design, Providence. "I find 'safe' to be a state that describes an aspect of sensations I am to create in my pieces for the wearer, as well as a condition I experience during the act of making them. My explorations in apparel and textile design are often involved in thinking about protection, comfort, and transformation. I am constantly drawing from the natural world; from animals, plants, biology, and anatomy, where I look at the ways we keep ourselves safe, and at that from which we living creatures protect ourselves."

Collins' work represents an evolution in textile and garment innovations using machine-knitting technology. She calls her process "knit-grafting." She fuses together layers of knitted fabric with loose suture-like stitches. She also works with strategic shrinking methods, reflective safety yarn, and digitally imaged and printed fabrics. The sensuality in her combination of high-tech materials and soft sculptural constructions continues to defy easy categorization. She is a favorite among celebrities and stylists, and has a loyal customer following worldwide. Collins' work is perfect for Design Lab because her work examines the intersections of art and commerce and concept and design. Her theme of "safe" allows us to think about the emotional responses we have to clothing's multiple meanings.

Since Collins’ February 2000 runway debut, her work has appeared in numerous international fashion and mainstream publications, and on television.  She has shown her work during New York Fashion Week, and is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.  The Liz Collins label is available through trunk sales and in boutiques in New York and Tokyo.  Liz Collins received her B.F.A. and her M.F.A. in Textiles from Rhode Island School of Design, Providence.  This is her first solo museum exhibition.