Established in Fall 2002, Plaid is Smith College’s first fashion and design organization.  It provides Smith and five-college students with the opportunity to explore design and create art in the form of clothing and accessories.  Housed in the Women’s Resource Center, Plaid offers a workspace, sewing equipment and various workshops for members.  It strives to create awareness in the local community of the artistic endeavors of Smith students. It is in the process of establishing a network of professors, artists, designers and Smith alumnae in the fashion industry for students interested in pursuing fashion and design. 

Members generate design ideas and create clothing and accessories based upon those designs throughout the year. The designs are showcased at an annual Extravaganza event. Plaid is an all-inclusive group that accommodates students with interests in various mediums and diverse styles.  Students with previous design and/or sewing experience are strongly encouraged to join. While inventiveness is emphasized in the design process, all designs are valued and appreciated regardless of their style.