BOONE, N.C. — “The way someone dresses can help them see the best parts of themselves.”
Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06 lives by these words. For him, the sentiment is more than a motto — it’s a philosophy that has shaped his career in fashion and now informs how he teaches the next generation of designers.
As a two-time alumnus of Appalachian State University, Wilson has come full circle as an associate professor in the Department of Applied Design, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. He also serves as director of App State’s apparel design and merchandising degree program.
“My role as a faculty member is to prepare my students for the real world, and the fashion industry can sometimes feel like a small world,” said Wilson. “Everybody knows everybody, so I take a lot of pride in how my students present themselves and encourage them to network and maintain professional relationships.”
Wilson brings decades of professional experience to his classroom, teaching creative design as well as visual displays and merchandising. Early in his career in New York City, he designed for celebrities such as Britney Spears and Pink, created work featured in advertisements with Elton John and Mary J. Blige, and even sold a custom vintage motorcycle jacket to Billy Joel.
Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06, right, with App State Chancellor Heather Norris during Founders Day 2025, during which Norris wore an outfit designed by Wilson. Photo by Chase Reynolds
While working with celebrities is an exciting perk of the industry, Wilson said that, for him, it’s ultimately about serving a higher purpose — making people feel positive about themselves.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the transformational aspect of fashion and the confidence that emerges from an individual when they are dressed well,” said Wilson, who shared that his earliest memories of fashion come from his family. “I’ve given people makeovers that have brought them to tears. It’s so gratifying to know that this work is making an impact.”
App State alumna Ali Aita ’19, a former student of Wilson’s, said Wilson strives for his students to make that same type of positive impact through their own work.
“I think students connect so strongly with Dr. Wilson because he possesses an impressive breadth of knowledge, yet he shares it with intention rather than performance,” said Aita, who is now Wilson’s colleague in the Department of Applied Design, where she serves as an instructor of apparel design and merchandising. “When students seek his insight, he offers it with clarity, honesty and a level of support that feels both genuine and empowering.”
Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06 works on a series of sketches for the apparel he designed for App State Chancellor Heather Norris to wear during her installation ceremony, held Oct. 3, 2025. He developed the designs over a six-month period — a process that included sketches, measurements, selecting fabrics, sewing and fit corrections. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Apparel designed for App State Chancellor Heather Norris by two-time App State alumnus and associate professor Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06. Pictured, from left to right: The pearlescent white pantsuit Norris modeled on the runaway during the College of Fine and Applied Arts’ 2025 Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase; the marbled gray, black and gold dress and matching jacket Norris donned at the VIP reception for her installation as App State’s eighth chancellor; the black and gold dress Norris wore during her installation luncheon; and the gray and white pantsuit with black trim Norris wore during Founders Day 2025. Photos by Chase Reynolds
Crafting apparel for a historic installation
Wilson’s commitment to meaningful design goes beyond the classroom, shaping work that makes a difference across the entire App State Community.
One of his recent standout projects was designing the apparel for App State Chancellor Heather Norris to wear during her installation on Oct. 3, 2025. Norris had participated in the university’s annual Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase in April of the same year, which eventually led to their collaboration for the installation.
“The end results were stunning,” said Norris. “Not only did Anthony’s designs capture my personal style, they also conveyed the significance of the role I was assuming and the formal occasion for the university.”
App State Chancellor Heather Norris addresses guests during her installation luncheon, wearing a dress designed by Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06. Photo by Kyla Willoughby
The designs for the installation were the result of a six-month creative process.
“The process started with developing a series of sketches,” said Wilson. “We picked fabric swatches together, then I took measurements, made prototypes and went through a series of fit corrections to create the final pieces.”
For Wilson, the project was as meaningful as it was challenging. He said designing for the chancellor allowed him to bring his industry expertise to a university he cares for deeply.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see the process from sketches to final pieces, especially knowing it was for someone who’s such an integral part of App State,” he said. “Being able to contribute to the university in this way reminded me why I love teaching and designing here.”
Pictured from left to right in the foreground: Dr. Anthony Wilson ’97 ’06, App State Chancellor Heather Norris and App State alumna Julia Adams ’56, aka “Ms. Yosef,” at the VIP reception for Norris’ installation as App State’s eighth chancellor, held Oct. 3, 2025. Norris is wearing a dress designed by Wilson. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Bridging creativity and impact
The Department of Applied Design includes programs in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design.
“Each program teaches students how to create products that people use daily, from furniture to clothing,” Wilson said. “Sure, there are extravagant and luxury items, but we also focus on problem-solving and introducing our students to products that serve people with disabilities or promote sustainability — things that help humanity.”
Aita, who described Wilson as “poised, respected and profoundly knowledgeable,” said he is patient with every student’s personality, offering detailed guidance while challenging them to think creatively.
“Dr. Wilson was my favorite professor during my time as a student, and I still look up to him as a model of the kind of educator and leader I aspire to be,” said Aita. “His guidance has been steady and transformative from the very beginning. His unwavering belief has pushed me to grow, take ownership and step into roles I once doubted I could fill.”
Wilson noted that the current generation of students is particularly tuned into environmental and social concerns, and that the department has the ability to adapt to relevant issues.
He further explained that App State sets itself apart from other programs by requiring students to learn both sides of the industry — merchandising and design. Graduates of the program have gone on to start their own businesses and work with companies such as Kontoor Brands, Kohl’s and Belk, reflecting an emphasis on real-world preparation.
“Most other programs are strictly one or the other, so we have found that employers really like our students because they understand the entire industry,” said Wilson. “We are really proud of our program and the positive feedback and results we’re seeing.”
Annual Showcase returns this spring
App State’s 2026 Apparel Design and Merchandising Showcase is set to take place Saturday, April 25, from 3 to 6 p.m. in Holmes Convocation Center.
Organized by Wilson, the showcase is an annual exhibition of apparel designs created by App State students and includes a brief presentation of faculty work.
The event is open to the public, and tickets are on sale now. More information can be found at this link.
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About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design. Learn more at https://design.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.