PROJECT BRIEF

Create a graphic for the upper of the shoe that evokes the spirit of Detroit.

Use your own experiences as a Detroit native to inspire this graphic.

Create a color way that would suit both men and women. Make it authentic and desirable to Adidas consumers.

For this graphic that I created, I had the oppurtunity to work with Adidas and Footlocker to create a pattern that represented the city of  Detroit. I worked with a Sharpie and Post-It Notes to create this design and give it its graphic aesthetic.

I drew words and symbols that were important to me with the Detroit cityscape as a backdrop.

”Don’t talk about it,  just be about it.” 

I was inspired by the hustle of Detroit and how that mentality has been passed down to my through my family. They have been Detroit residents for many generations. 

PROJECT BRIEF

Address a current issue that is affecting us today and that has the potential to cause damage on the future should it remain unchanged.

Create a solution to this problem and integrate this within an accessory.

Design a textile and demonstrate its use within an accessory.

In this collection I wanted to provide solutions to tackling the problems of non-biodegradable waste into wearable accessories.

Using such industrial material reinforces that they will remain durable while also being able to be easily mended should anything wear down over time.

I wanted these shoes to follow the theme of the collection but incorporate a balance of masculine and feminine to display balance and beauty.

These photos are of the material samples that I experimented with to create this collection. I used a variety of waste material to test durability and showcase aesthetic.

united universe universality. the effort to further connectivity with one another as well as the world around us and make it one’s mission represent, protect, and respect the diverse races, genders, sexualities, and faiths.

KEYWORDS: NEUTRAL TONES, SKIN TONES, NATURAL COLORS, MATTE 

Focuses on an element of escape from the real world into another realm, a heightened state, in another world

Energy driven, with bold and unnatural highly saturated colors paired with flesh tones to ground the haze, mystical

KEYWORDS:  SATURATED BRIGHTS WITH SKIN TONES, NATURAL SURFACES, GLOSS FINISH, METALLICS, SPARKLES 

For this shoe collection I was inspired both by how I experience nighttime and how others do as well.  Detroit grants both elements of peaceful darkness and a vibrant nightlife scene. The lights downtown are beautiful at night and I wanted to play with darkness with peaks of light in the shoe. I wish that more people were able to discover the jewel that night time is and the beauty that it holds. 

PROJECT BRIEF

Bring a youthful aesthetic to the classic brand Eileen Fisher.

Engage a younger demographic but retain the quality and ethical standards of the brand. Utilize renewed materials created by the brands sustainable practices. Create pieces that complement the brands aesthetic but modernize its look.

I was inspired by Japanese Boro textiles and how they utilize scraps to create beautiful new materials. 

Upcycling and reuse have always been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It can be seen as a limitation but I find that I am pushed in a good way to continue to change my way of thinking to create what I want.

The material that was used is from the Eileen Fisher Renew Program, where they take old unsellable clothes and create a new fabric from their remains. Though the stability of the fabric is still being developed, I think that it is a great process in creating new textiles from old ones.

CONSUMER INSIGHTS

Between the ages of 18 and 32.

An increase of money spent on grooming and skincare products.

More services offered regularly and more accessibly to men.

A significant increase in male positioned beauty products in the mainstream media.

PROJECT BRIEF

Compile an allotment of photos that have the same visual or material language.

Arrange them in a way that are cohesive and speak to each other.

Then create an item or an accessory that corresponds with your research. Use the information that you have gathered to inform your design and the look of the accessory that you create.

In this material essay I wanted to take pictures of patterns and natural materials that I found in my own backyard.

I then created a bag made from organic material to experiment with the versatility and durability of natural materials.  

I have always loved a creative challenge and wanted to create an accessory from the most sustainable a material can be, right from nature. I picked it up from a pile of waste wood and went to work transforming it into a luxury piece. I really enjoyed working with organic material.

For this textile project, I drew inspiration from a piece that I found at the DIA. It is a 19th century Chinese vase. I was drawn in by the bright colors and compelling imagery. When delving deeper into the meanings of the symbols on the vase, I found that the dragon symbolized the union of both fire and water. I also learned that it represented balance and luck. These seemingly opposite forces both complement and temper each other. They are very powerful elements that can be be devastatingly destructive. I also began to think about the cleansing properties that they both have and how they suggest a rebirth of some kind. Forces more destructive than mere elements come into our lives and change us, creating new forces of nature..  

EARLY BOOMERS AND THE SILENT GENERATION

(1940-1960) this generation rejected traditional values. they have a tremendous amount of expendable income.

They have been increasingly strengthening their presence on social media apps such as Instagram, Twitter and Tik-Tok.

Are an underserved and overlooked demographic in many industries. They have a large amount of capital to expend but many times are marketed to incorrectly.

Are interested in experimenting with fashion and love bold colors and clean lines within apparel.

Have the time, desire, and income to richly contribute to any industry such as beauty, fashion, skin care, automotive etc.

THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

There has been an new emergence of boldness and embrace and celebrating maturity instead of dreading it.

Also there has been an effort to de-stigmatize older women wearing certain apparel that is seen to only be for young people

MEDIA REPRESENTATION

Older models and influencers have been influential in shifting the narrative about growing old.

There has also been a resurgence of older women and women painting a exciting picture of growing old in the media and the movies, as of late.

This has been pivotal in breaking boundaries for the boomers.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Many older men and women have begun to take their health more seriously. Marathons, swimming, and yoga are just a few of the activities that seniors have been engaging in.

Busting the myth that seniors are frail and weak and showing that they are still strong and active.

Various health clubs and studios have catered to the older generation and have even crated specific classes for them.

Seniors are surprisingly a large market for health and wellness merchandise, etc.

FASHION INTERESTS

Boomers have a large amount of disposable income.

They lived during a time of abundance, and many have carried that same lifestyle into today.

They have the money to spend on fine clothing and refined experiences.

They can afford to take care of themselves well.

TECHNO SAVVY

Many Seniors are surprisingly Adept with technology, despite the pervasive rumor that they are not.

They are steadily becoming more and more technologically savvy.

They are beginning to order online and engage with social media more.

The older generation has begun to integrate technology in their everyday lives.