Jamall Osterholm’s vision recognizes histories both pre and post its creator. The ancestors, originators of this world, birthed a new language and historical record that is cultivated in a Black queer canon. In a world that leaves no trace of his person, Osterholm documents the impact that his body and mind leave in this existence. He begins to recognize himself as those from whom he descended. Seeing through the perspective of his descendants, he unearths relics of the Osterholm brand.
As a menswear designer, Osterholm derives inspiration from personal lived experiences with the understanding that our experiences are not isolated or necessarily our own. Drawing upon inherited history and collective consciousness, his goal is to subvert the trauma as a Black queer individual to create a world that not only reflects his existence, but comes to be as a result of it. He designs a world where his life truly matters. Resisting a reality that sees Black bodies as weapons, reclaiming strength, joy, beauty and authentic expression is one of the most defiant acts.
Large forms exploding from Black bodies to command space. Cocoon-like silhouettes that surround and protect like armor. Honing in on the more tender parts of the male physique to challenge the falsehood of Black masculinity, he sees his clothes as armor—protective barriers that also reveal truth.
With four Jamall Osterholm collections, he has shown at NYFW and cultivated a relationship with the CFDA, first as a designer in the CFDA’s first-ever Fashion Future Graduate program and then through collaborations with Pepsi Co’s LIFEWTR and CFDA’s Designer Hub spearheaded by Bethann Hardison. Through 2020 he designed for Kerby Jean-Raymond’s label Pyer Moss. Collaborating with director Georden West, he designed and creative-directed two films: Patron Saint, which premiered at Outfest and won gold at the Student Academy Awards, and Exorcisms, set to debut at the XIII Florence Biennale and Outfits 2021. He was also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in 2021.
Courses
Fall 2023 Courses
TEXT 484G-01 - TEXTILE SEMINAR I
LevelGraduate
UnitTextiles
Subject Textiles
Period Fall 2023
Credits 6
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
TEXT 484G-01
TEXTILE SEMINAR I
LevelGraduate
UnitTextiles
Subject Textiles
PeriodFall 2023
Credits6
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2023-09-06 to 2023-12-13
Times: TH | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PMInstructor(s): Anais Missakian, Jamall OsterholmLocation(s): College Building, Room 510Enrolled / Capacity: 12Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course focuses on issues in the professional textile field, such as the effect of production parameters and end use on design decisions. While helping students become more familiar with the wide ranging market, from the most innovative to the traditional, this course aims at providing an awareness of how one's own work fits into this context. Lecturers include professionals from the field, who advise on the studio work required in this class.
This course is a requirement for second-year Graduate Textiles Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Textiles
Spring 2024 Courses
APPAR 3121-01 - SOPHOMORE APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Spring 2024
Credits 6
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3121-01
SOPHOMORE APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodSpring 2024
Credits6
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: THF | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PMInstructor(s): Jamall Osterholm, Maha Barsom, Sarah GuerinLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 102Enrolled / Capacity: 15Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Building on basic techniques taught first semester, students proceed to more complex cuts for bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants through techniques of draping, drafting and construction. One finished garment is required.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
APPAR 3121-02 - SOPHOMORE APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
Period Spring 2024
Credits 6
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
APPAR 3121-02
SOPHOMORE APPAREL STUDIO
LevelUndergraduate
UnitApparel Design
Subject Apparel Design
PeriodSpring 2024
Credits6
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: THF | 1:10 PM - 6:10 PMInstructor(s): Jamall Osterholm, Maha Barsom, Sarah GuerinLocation(s): Canal Street Studios, Room 102Enrolled / Capacity: 15Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Building on basic techniques taught first semester, students proceed to more complex cuts for bodices, sleeves, skirts and pants through techniques of draping, drafting and construction. One finished garment is required.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $125.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for Sophomore Apparel Design Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Apparel Design
TEXT 485G-01 - TEXTILE SEMINAR II
LevelGraduate
UnitTextiles
Subject Textiles
Period Spring 2024
Credits 3
FormatSeminar
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
TEXT 485G-01
TEXTILE SEMINAR II
LevelGraduate
UnitTextiles
Subject Textiles
PeriodSpring 2024
Credits3
FormatSeminar
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2024-02-15 to 2024-05-24
Times: TH | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PMInstructor(s): Jamall Osterholm, Salem van der SwaaghLocation(s): College Building, Room 446Enrolled / Capacity: 6Status: Open
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course continues from Textile Seminar I and focuses on issues in the professional textile field, such as the effect of production parameters and end use on design decisions. While helping students become more familiar with the wide ranging textile market, from traditional work to the most highly innovative, this course aims to provide an awareness of how one's personal expression fits in to this context. Lecturers include professionals from the field, who advise on the studio work required in this class.
Please contact the department for permission to register. This course is a requirement for Graduate Textiles Students.
