Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, United States
Dr. Danielle Sponder Testa is an Assistant Professor of Fashion at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. With a strong foundation in fashion, merchandising, and sustainability, she combines academic research with global industry experience to explore innovative strategies in fashion retail, organizational change, and sustainable practices. Her interdisciplinary work bridges academia and industry, addressing both economic and cultural dimensions of fashion systems.
Publication Profile
Orcid
Educational Background 🎓
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Ph.D. in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
Iowa State University, USA (2021)
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Dissertation: The influence of employees on retailer success under conditions of strategic change
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Focus: Merchandising, Organizational Strategy, Mixed Methods
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M.A. in Fashion and the Environment
London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UK (2012)
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B.Sc. in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production (Dual major: Business Marketing, Minor: Spanish)
Iowa State University, USA (2009)
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Certificate in International Design
Design School Kolding, Denmark (2010)
Professional Experience 💼
Academic Roles
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Assistant Professor, Fashion, Arizona State University (2021–Present)
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Instructor & Research Assistant, Iowa State University (2017–2019)
Industry & Consulting Roles
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Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) – Head of Curriculum, Case Study Author (2021–Present)
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WGSN (Los Angeles) – Senior Consultant (2020–2021)
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Forever 21 (Los Angeles) – International & Global Merchandising Manager (2014–2017)
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Topshop/Nordstrom (London) – International Merchandising Assistant (2012–2013)
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Independent Consultant – Fashion forecasting & strategic advising (2019–Present)
Research Interests 🔬
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Strategic change and innovation in fashion retail
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Human capital and employee influence in organizational transformation
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Global-local sustainability in fashion systems
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Rural entrepreneurship and cultural preservation in supply chains
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Circular economy and community-based economic models in fashion
Awards and Honors🏆✨
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Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study Author (2021–Present)
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Head of Curriculum, FSF University (2024–Present)
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Student Marshall, Iowa State University (2009)
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Magna Cum Laude, Iowa State University (2009)
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Multiple invited talks, workshops, and panel participations across academic and industry platforms
Conclusion🌟
Dr. Danielle Sponder Testa exemplifies a rare blend of scholarly depth and practical insight in the field of fashion studies. Her academic contributions and industry collaborations position her at the forefront of efforts to create resilient, sustainable, and inclusive fashion systems. Her commitment to ethical practice, cultural heritage, and systemic innovation continues to shape both scholarly dialogue and business transformation in the global fashion landscape.
Publications 📚
📘 The Future is Phygital: Integrated Content Analysis of Current Retail Strategies and Future Priorities Across Digital, Physical, and Phygital Modalities
🗞 Journal of Retailing
📅 May 2025
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.jretai.2025.04.006
✍️ Danielle Sponder Testa; Kelcie Slaton
🪑 The Secondary Home Furnishing Consumer: An Investigation into Psychological Motivations and Purchase Intention
🗞 Sustainability
📅 September 19, 2024
🔗 DOI: 10.3390/su16188169
✍️ Kelcie Slaton; Danielle Sponder Testa; Sean Garrett
👗 A Fashion Trend Forecasting Course as a Gateway to Career Discovery
🗞 Journal of Global Fashion Marketing
📅 April 2, 2024
🔗 DOI: 10.1080/20932685.2023.2234940
✍️ Danielle Sponder Testa; Ann Marie Fiore
🛍️ Small Concept Luxury Department Stores: Psychographic Characteristics Affecting Patronage Intentions
🗞 International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
📅 May 23, 2023
🔗 DOI: 10.1108/IJRDM-11-2022-0475
✍️ Kelcie Slaton; Danielle Sponder Testa
🧠 Executive Decision-Making in Fashion Retail: A Phenomenological Exploration of Resources and Strategies
🗞 Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management
📅 July 13, 2022
🔗 DOI: 10.1108/JFMM-08-2020-0169
✍️ Danielle Sponder Testa; Elena E. Karpova
📱 Engaging Consumers with Sustainable Fashion on Instagram
🗞 Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management
📅 2020
🔗 DOI: 10.1108/JFMM-11-2019-0266
✍️ Testa, D.S.; Bakhshian, S.; Eike, R.
🏪 The Small, Inventory-Free Retail Format: The Impact on Consumer-Based Brand Equity and Purchase Behavior
🗞 Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services
📅 2020
🔗 DOI: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2020.102246
✍️ Slaton, K.; Testa, D.; Bakhshian, S.; Fiore, A.M.