Dani Off the Raq
By: Daniela Martinez
Professional Portfolio
Research
Baylor University
I studied along side one of my professors to enhance research in the performance apparel industry for the Apparel Design and Product Development program in the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences at Baylor University.
Performance apparel manufacturers typically use an overlock and lapped-felled seam to construct apparel. In 2017, Merrow introduced a newly patented machine, known as the ActiveSeam®, to the performance apparel market. Merrow states the ActiveSeam® is 30% stronger and can stretch more than other performance apparel seams. There is limited literature on the ActiveSeam® machine, and no literature was found on seam testing of the Merrow ActiveSeam® comparing to the overlock and lapped-felled seams used in performance apparel manufacturing.Â
We took this as an opportunity to conduct a study comparing the ActiveSeam®, lapped-felled seam, and overlock seam for seam performance, appearance, and comfort in performance apparel.
We have completed our research and presented our findings at Baylor's undergraduate research day and the URSA Scholars Week in April 2021.Â
Below is photographs of each seam and the poster created to document our research and results.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Spring/Summer 2024 Trend Forecast
Artificial Sensory
Awarded the Cotton Incorporated Scholarship for Best Fashion Forecast
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
Theme and Mood
Normalization is being revitalized to form a new nature of understanding, captivating a new audience. Re-telling and re-showing the art and music of the past in a new way and light, showcasing the original beauty by blending it with new technology. Bringing it back to life and identifying a more empathetic manifesto in the younger population of today. Transforming the audience in a way that brings them back to natural understanding of the world. Allowing them to re-interpret meaning to the art and music of the past, to show what it meant back then and what it would mean now. Creating a parallel between the past and the present that only technology could provide the bridge to.
Zeitgeist
I predict that in S/S 2024 the spirit of the times will gravitate toward a new age of technological advancements in art and healthcare. Allowing for more achievements in both fields both for consumers and patients. Which will lead to a new attitude in support of environmental safety. Also, as I predict that society will become a more outwardly emotional, the ideal of empathy and understanding will be more prominent.
Color Palette
It is an ensemble of primary colors that demonstrate the technology that fuels societal norms and floral colors that break through the bounds of nature. Giving equal doses of simplicity in the subtle primary colors and complexity in the playfulness of the accent colors. Dipping its toe into femineity with light lavender and pink. Adding character with secondary colors of green and orange. While still maintaining the soothing structure with the use of the primaries, red, cyan, and yellow. Mixing warm and cool tones to keep the senses stimulated. Creating a bold melody for both men and women to sing to.
Patterns and Textiles
Blasts from the past resurface with the popularity of buying second-hand. Gingham and color blocking patterns create an optical illusion for consumers to play with as they develop their own style. Embroidered eyelet patterns come for an encore as they find themselves back on the edges of clothing. Those patterns are greeted with a blend of structure and flexibility in the textiles. Three cotton-based fabrics that provide comfort while still looking fabulous; denim, jersey knit, and drill. Using the natural fibers and natural dying methods to provide peace to both the consumer and the environment. All inspired by the fight for environmental safety and the rise of recycling and repurposing the old to create something fresh and new.
Shopping Trend
These items take inspiration for the theme and mood of artificial sensory. Having the simple and straight forward pieces which mimic the technological aspect. While also have the pops of color and whimsical nature of the patchwork that mimic the artistry. Taking influence from Japanese street style and blending it will American style from the 1970s. Whilst still having the underlying commonality of repurposed clothing and sustainability.
GAP Denim Textile Research
Awarded the Cotton Incorporated Scholarship for Best Poster Presentation and Research Notebook
