By Chase Anderson | November 5, 2019
Makell Richins at the Function Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon
Makell Richins presents her work at the Function Fabric Fair in Portland, OR

Students and faculty from Outdoor Product Design and Development (OPDD) were recently invited to Portland, Oregon to participate in the Functional Fabric Fair. At the fair, students had the opportunity to network and engage with material developers and leading designers in the industry.

During the fair, OPDD Senior Makell Richins was provided with a space to display her designs and portfolio and interact with material suppliers and product designers.

“I spent the week in Portland touring and learning more about the companies I dream of working for and presenting a few of my projects and portfolio at the Functional Fabric Fair, ” Richins said.

While visiting Portland, students and faculty were able to tour companies including Adidas, Nike, Columbia Sportswear Company, Under Armour, and KEEN.

“I learned a ton about myself as a designer,” said Makell. “I also learned how to better prepare to enter the industry and what I really want to do with my career!”

Faculty member Andrea Olsen also spoke at the Functional Fabric Fair about the importance of bringing innovation and rapid prototyping tools back into the hands of designers.

Industry collaborations made possible through the Manufacturing and Outdoor Products Support Hub, a partnership between Utah Manufacturing Extension Service and Outdoor Product Design & Development.

Makell in front of Adidas

Andrea

Makell at the IIFFF