Fluorescent Fridays: From Plant to Pattern: Exploring Natural Fashion Colors with Almonds and Indigo

From Plant to Pattern: Exploring Natural Fashion Colors with Almonds and Indigo

Speakers: Dr. Jiangning Che and students from the Department of Apparel Merchandising & Management, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Projects to be presented: 

Project 1: Almond Waste for Textile Coloration:  This study investigated the use of almond byproducts as an agricultural waste resource for innovative and sustainable textile coloration. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of almond byproducts as an innovative, eco-friendly natural dye source that supports agricultural waste valorization while providing functional performance for sustainable textile applications.

Project 2: From Plant to Pattern: Exploring the Indigo Dyeing and Fashion Design Process: The micro-internship project explores the complete “plant-to-pattern” lifecycle of indigo, emphasizing environmental sustainability, craftsmanship, and experiential learning. The initiative demonstrates how natural dyeing can bridge agriculture, design, and manufacturing while fostering creativity, technical skills, and environmental stewardship within contemporary apparel and textile practices.

Students from the Department of Apparel Merchandising & Management, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

FLUORESCENT FRIDAYS is a platform for university students from all disciplines to network with color professionals and fellow students, and to explore cutting-edge information about color’s role in our lives and applications in the world. 

Global Student Chapter: The long range goal is to build a global student chapter that positions color as a multidimensional STEAM model (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), sharing up-to-date color research by scientists, artists, designers, industry professionals, and university students.21st century color communication requires a commitment to building bridges for sharing resources, cultivating mentors, and creating new opportunities. With up-to-date information and useful tools, students become the next generation of leaders in ever-evolving color related disciplines.