Dr. Danielle Testa | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

• Ph.D. in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design
  Iowa State University, USA (2021)

  • Dissertation: The influence of employees on retailer success under conditions of strategic change

  • Focus: Merchandising, Organizational Strategy, Mixed Methods

• M.A. in Fashion and the Environment
  London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, UK (2012)

  • Dissertation: The Flourish Approach: A shared value system to incorporate cultural skills and local materials into the global supply chain

• B.Sc. in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production (Dual major: Business Marketing, Minor: Spanish)
  Iowa State University, USA (2009)

  • Magna Cum Laude, Student Marshall

• Certificate in International Design
  Design School Kolding, Denmark (2010)

Professional Experience

Academic Roles

• Assistant Professor, Fashion, Arizona State University (2021–Present)

• Instructor & Research Assistant, Iowa State University (2017–2019)

Industry & Consulting Roles

• Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) – Head of Curriculum, Case Study Author (2021–Present)

• WGSN (Los Angeles) – Senior Consultant (2020–2021)

• Forever 21 (Los Angeles) – International & Global Merchandising Manager (2014–2017)

• Topshop/Nordstrom (London) – International Merchandising Assistant (2012–2013)

• Independent Consultant – Fashion forecasting & strategic advising (2019–Present)

  • Clients include McKinsey & Company, Lululemon, and Alphasights

Research Interests

• Strategic change and innovation in fashion retail

• Human capital and employee influence in organizational transformation

• Global-local sustainability in fashion systems

• Rural entrepreneurship and cultural preservation in supply chains

• Circular economy and community-based economic models in fashion

Awards and Honors

• Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study Author (2021–Present)

• Head of Curriculum, FSF University (2024–Present)

• Student Marshall, Iowa State University (2009)

• Magna Cum Laude, Iowa State University (2009)

• 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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