Faculty

Profile

Prof. Gene K. Lakin is a Part-time Assistant Professor with an over 23 year affiliation with Parsons.  He has taught all levels of Design Studio, Fashion History, and Model Drawing.

Prof. Lakin started his professional career as an award winning Costume Designer for stage, film and television after completing his MFA studies at Yale University.  What he thought would be a brief hiatus at Poli-Moda in Florence, Italy took him on a knitwear path after returning to the states.  Knitwear Design created opportunities for Mr. Lakin to travel around the world and experience cultures he never though he would have access to.  His great respect for the amazing teachers in his life, led him to pursue teaching while still maintaining a professional career.  Eventually teaching became his calling, where he has stayed for the past 23 years, not only teaching extensively in New York, but China, France, and South Africa. Mr. Lakin's approach to teaching is that of a journey with his students, as he negards them as artists first, that are storytellers, through fashion. Currently his outreache has taken a more personal turn as he works with Center's dealing with healing of victimized men, women and children, and his most current project is based on the LGBTQ+ community.

Degrees Held

BFA: North Carolina School of the Arts

MFA: Yale University

Research Interests

Currently working on an elective course, Marginalization and Normalization of the LGBTQ+ Community Through Fashion, Product, and Advertising.