Join us for a discussion surrounding material and technology solutions that address the extremes we will continue to face: temperature, wetter conditions, and overpopulation, as well as pollution and bacterial/viral threats. Our conversations always include Q&A with the guests and participation is encouraged!
Here’s what you can expect:
- Join Dr. Andrew Dent, EVP of Materials Research, as he welcomes leading material experts and thought leaders for a discussion on how these pivotal changes will affect your brand and what you can do to stay ahead.
- Gain valuable insight into new materials and manufacturers working to solve for these current and future extreme environments.
- Q+A following the conversation with our guest(s).
Schedule + Guest Panelists
The Future Relationship of Materials & Design with Brandi Parker
Wednesday, June 17th / 11am EDT
Special Guest: Brandi Parker, Head of Realization at Pearlfisher
This conversation will center on the future of the relationship between design and materials. How will collaboration between these two disciplines positively affect our future? What might the future hold for each – and mean for the other?
Brandi Parker is the Head of Realization at Pearlfisher New York. For over 18 years, she’s solved brand problems and brought creativity to life. With a thorough understanding of production across a range of print types and presses, combined with her knowledge of materials, substrates and finishes, Brandi advises and guides the way to producible ideas.
Brandi offers innovation grounded in practicality. She challenges designers to think about the end game and encourages vendors to not solve problems based on ease, but rather aesthetic impact. A quick-witted, multi-faceted Southerner, Brandi is an invaluable part of every team she joins.
Pearlfisher is an independent brand design agency in London, New York, San Francisco and Copenhagen. They are a visionary group of Futurists, Strategists, Designers and Realisers. Register here →
Materials & Design: An Essential Collaboration with André McQueen
Wednesday, June 24th / 11am EDT
Special Guest: André McQueen, Innovation & Strategy Director at The F_T_R
During this conversation, we’ll discuss the importance of collaboration between materials and design. How can these elements work in concert to create a more sustainable product / space? What are the implications of favoring one over the other? What should we pay attention to when designing and selecting materials?
André McQueen is a multi-faceted innovation consultant combining expertise in trend forecasting, design, engineering, and storytelling.
Originally a footwear designer, Andre has worked on a variety of innovation platforms as a Trend Forecaster at WGSN, Stylus: Innovation & Advisory and The Future Laboratory. Past clients include Nike, Adidas, Burberry, Coutts, and Samsung.
André is also a visiting Lecturer of Future Theory and Experimental Design at Fashion Retail Academy, Royal College of Art, and Imperial College London.
The F_T_R is a London-based interaction design studio that works on creating engaging and delightful experiences through contextually considered storytelling. Register here →
These events are free of charge and full of insight. We hope to see you there!
