Dr. Valerie Steele to Explore the Psychology of Clothing in Santa Monica

The evening features a presentation by Dr. Steele, followed by a discussion with Elizabeth R. Koch, founder of Unlikely Collaborators. The conversation centers on the organization’s Perception Box™ framework, which investigates how individual beliefs and life experiences dictate the ways we interpret the world. Rather than focusing on aesthetics, the speakers intend to deconstruct why specific garments make individuals feel authentic while others feel like a costume.

Dr. Steele, the chief curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, has spent decades researching the intersection of fashion and the human psyche. Known as "The Freud of Fashion," she has authored over 30 books and founded the scholarly journal Fashion Theory. Her work bridges the gap between rigorous academic inquiry and cultural observation, positioning clothing as a primary tool for communicating desire, status, and belonging.

The event, which is free to the public, begins at 4:00 p.m. with a reception, followed by the program at 5:00 p.m. Attendees may join in person or via a live online stream. Registration is required for all guests.