The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway

Feiyi Bie is an innovative exhibition designer whose work redefines how museums engage diverse audiences through spatial design, narrative layering, and community-centered interpretation. With over eight years of professional experience at cultural institutions, Bie has established herself as a versatile designer capable of tackling projects ranging from intimate gallery rotations to comprehensive historic reinterpretations. Currently serving as Exhibition Designer at The Newark Museum of Art since December 2021, Bie has led the design and realization of numerous acclaimed exhibitions, most notably "The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway," the museum's first large-scale exhibition dedicated to contemporary American fashion.

Bie's design for "The Story of Newark Fashion" demonstrates exceptional creativity in exhibition design, transforming a complex 75-year narrative spanning 11 designers into an immersive, emotionally resonant experience. The exhibition's centerpiece is a simulated Paris runway, showcasing nine Stephen Burrows garments that appear to be "walking" on it. The installation brilliantly references his triumphant 1973 Battle of Versailles presentation, complete with historical footage projected as a dynamic backdrop. This theatrical intervention elevates static costume display into living fashion history. Bie's spatial design expertly balances multiple narrative threads: dedicated areas honoring pioneering mentors Wesley Tann and Emily Miles, contemporary designers' stunning works, including Narciso Rodriguez's iconic pieces, and an interactive "Strike a Pose" photo area that transforms visitors into participants. Her meticulous attention to detail demonstrates how exhibition design can both educate and inspire future generations. The seamless integration of Mickalene Thomas's commissioned portrait of model Tracey "Africa" Norman alongside historical photography and contemporary designs creates powerful dialogues between eras, identities, and creative practices.

Beyond her technical proficiency in spatial planning, fabrication coordination, and cross-functional collaboration, Bie excels at transforming challenging content into accessible experiences that connect local histories to global narratives. Educated at the Rhode Island School of Design (Master of Architecture) and Huazhong University of Science & Technology (Bachelor of Architecture), she brings architectural rigor to exhibition design, understanding how circulation, material choices, and experiential moments shape visitor engagement and emotional response.