Alumni
IMPD Grad Rachel Martinez Designs for Palladium in Industry Partnership
Each year, FIDM partners with a top brand in our International Manufacturing & Product Development (IMPD) program where students master all facets of the product development cycle. This year, a select group of students were accepted into the exclusive program and partnered with French footwear brand Palladium. In addition to footwear, the students created Palladium's first apparel collection. We caught up with 2022 IMPD Grad Rachel Martinez, who designed womenswear for Palladium FW2022, to learn about her experience in the 9-month program and her career goals.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Rachel Martinez attended Trimble Technical High School. She earned her A.A. from FIDM in Merchandise Product Development and just graduated with her IMPD degree.
Tell us about the designs you created for Palladium: I designed 9 head-to-toe looks for Palladium’s Autumn/Winter 2022-23 Capsule Collection. I was assigned womenswear and created for the age group 17–27 years old. Conducted trend and color forecasting daily utilizing WGSN and WWD. I designed a category of diverse style looks from your basic silhouette to staple pieces but most importantly evergreen pieces as the brand wanted to stay true to their values. Sampled one whole head-to-toe look, utilizing manufacturers, sewers and the curation of accurate technical packs.
What did you like best about the IMPD program? One of the many best things I liked about the program was working with my peers to build our cohesive collection as a whole and meet with the brand and receive constructive feedback directly from the industry. We worked endlessly in the classroom with our instructors, as well as, each other to finalize our collection and consistently redirect our personal liking into catering to their specific customer target market. Overall the IMPD program was very encouraging in directing you into new innovations as well as giving you an endless outlet for creativity and knowledge.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you prepare? FIDM helped me see the behind the scenes of the industry itself. I however, want to give a big appreciation to my instructors who come from the industry themselves as well as advised us with insight and tips from personal experience in their years in the industry.
By 2023 I plan to launch my brand Raquel Martinez, Raquel Martinez is whole heartily ME, It's where I express myself in my clothes in design and cater to no specific aesthetic. This brand is not only for clothes but a support system where we create a community and become one. It is n just a regular e-commerce clothing brand, it's a brand of self expression for those who feel in between.
Anything else you’d like to share? A quote that has motivated me throughout my path by my fashion icon: “Nothing is impossible, the world itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn
Categories: International Manufacturing & Product Development Merchandise Product Development Alumni Industry Partnerships Student
