Rebecca Jumper Matheson
Fashion historian and adjunct instructor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and author of Artisans and Designers: American Fashion Through Elizabeth and William Phelps, specializing in nineteenth- and twentieth-century American women's dress and material culture.
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Dec 25, 2025 • 56min
Sustainability, Identity, Artisans and Designers
Dr. Rebecca Jumper Matheson, a fashion historian and author, explores the innovative contributions of Elizabeth and William Phelps to American fashion. Dedicated to sustainability long before it was trendy, the Phelps crafted durable leather goods and functional sportswear in a humane workshop environment. Matheson discusses their unique partnership, the challenges of her research, and how WWII reshaped American fashion. She connects the Phelpses' legacy to broader themes of craftsmanship, identity, and the enduring nature of American-made luxury.
