Marianne Dickson Oral History Interview

In this interview, Marianne Dickson begins by describing her upbringing in a suburb of Chicago. She talks about how she became interested in design at a young age, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree at the International Academy of Design and Technology. She then discusses her decision to move away from her family to get a master’s degree.

Dickson next recalls completing her master’s in Apparel Design. She notes the different career decisions she had to make, and talks about how starting a family impacted that thought process. From there, she discusses starting as a professor at Oregon State University while running her own bridal gown business on the side. Dickson then recounts her move to graphic design and freelance work. Dickson also comments on the changes she’s seen in the apparel industry and what she has done to keep up with current technology.

The interview concludes with reflections on how OSU, and the apparel industry more broadly, have changed since Dickson received her master’s. In this, she mentions her perspective on fashion trends, and how people can adapt to change.