NATE PERINI / PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
I study Apparel Design and Merchandising at Colorado State University, with a concentration in Product Development. My work focuses on material behavior, garment construction, and understated utility.
My practice moves between apparel and soft goods: laminated ballistic nylon wallets, a reinforced ripstop backpack, and fitted rib-knit outer layers. Digital pattern development, laser cutting, sewing, and repeated fit adjustments turn material ideas into usable objects.
During my summer 2025 work with Listex Fabrics and Distefano in Guatemala City, I developed technical specifications and contributed to fabric sourcing and manufacturing communication. My independent work also includes designer and vintage apparel resale, upcycling, styling, and photoshoot coordination.
Urban Industrialism brings this experience into a collection that asks what clothing can carry, replace, or become during a changing day.
WALLET / APRIL 2026 / COLORADO
A slim card wallet made from USA-made ProTact 500 laminated ballistic nylon. The aim was a lightweight everyday-carry piece with a clean technical surface and a thin pocket profile. The laminate supplies stiffness and structure without a bulky build.
PATTERN / LASER CUT / REFINE
After studying the proportions of a Maison Margiela wallet, I redrafted the pattern in Illustrator and laser cut the pieces for accuracy and consistent edges. Version 1 established the proportions, card-pocket layout, and edge construction.
Version 2 reduced the overall size, beveled the corners, and improved the readability of the exterior laser etching. Interior laser-etched material information completed the product detail.
Compact card pockets, reinforced construction, and a textured ballistic surface keep the focus on carrying essentials with minimal bulk.
MATERIAL / CONSTRUCTION / PURPOSE
Begin with the user’s day, then test what clothing can do within it. Explore ideas through original sketches, material samples, construction trials, and feedback.
The goal is understated utility: a feature should justify its complexity through a clear use.
BACKPACK / TECHNICAL EVERYDAY CARRY
A handmade black backpack built from DWR-coated ripstop nylon with ballistic nylon reinforcement. A simple exterior keeps attention on the silhouette, while the interior supplies structure and organized storage.
DIGITAL PATTERN / PHYSICAL ASSEMBLY
I developed the pattern in CLO3D to test body shape, front-pocket volume, strap placement, and panel relationships before cutting fabric. The body, pocket, straps, and internal panels were constructed separately before final assembly.
A built-in laptop sleeve makes the main compartment more useful. Interior reinforcement supports the soft rectangular form; padded shoulder straps balance storage with mobility. Ballistic nylon strengthens strap tension points and zipper pulls.
YKK #5 mechanical zippers, a quick-access front pocket, and visible ripstop texture complete the piece. The DWR finish provides water resistance; performance will depend on wear and maintenance.
GARMENT / JULY 2025 / GUATEMALA CITY
A fitted mid-layer developed at Distefano Shop using textured 100% polyester rib knit. The lightweight insulating layer has a clean silhouette for wearing alone or beneath outerwear. The rib structure provides stretch and recovery without added elastane.
TECHNICAL DRAFT / FIT REFINEMENT
The first flat established the raglan sleeve angles, collar height, and hem proportions. Prototype fittings guided shoulder articulation, comfort with the high stand collar fully zipped, and wrist-cuff taper. Measurements were refined to support movement and reduce tension across the chest and upper arm.
Raglan sleeves create a clean shoulder line. A full-length zipper controls ventilation; subtle side-entry pockets sit in the seam lines. Hem and cuff finishes support the silhouette through repeated wear.