NSCAD MFA student Janelle Ledua has received the prestigious Scotia Scholars Master’s Award from Research Nova Scotia. Over the course of the two-year term, Ledua will receive approximately $24,000 for her health-based research project, Threads of Wellness: Exploring the Mental Health Benefits of Clothing.
“I am sincerely grateful for this incredible opportunity from Research Nova Scotia as I focus on exploring the interactions between mental health and fashion,” she said. “I look forward to contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future through this ongoing research.”
As a graduate student in NSCAD’s Fashion/Textiles department, Ledua’s research focuses on the intersection of health and fashion, particularly how limited clothing sizes and options often pressure consumers to conform to a mold.
“This leads to a sense of shame and creates the illusion of not being the ‘right shape’ or ‘right size,’ when the goal should be focused on living healthier lives,” she wrote in her proposal summary. “Giving people the tools to take control of their wardrobes will foster a healthier sense of body awareness and encourage healthier life choices.”
Ledua also emphasized the importance of “mindful fashion,” noting that mass clothing production can exacerbate environmental issues. Drawing on scientific studies of clothing and its psychological effects, Ledua will identify accessible learning outcomes, ultimately creating a how-to guide to educate the public on maximizing the benefits of their clothing choices and retention.
Ledua is also the recipient of the 2024 Canada Graduate Scholarship Master’s Program.
