Industrial Designer Dylan Mulder Speaks at UC Davis
Dylan Mulder is an award-winning industrial designer, lecturer, consultant and digital fabrication expert whose work encompasses product design, feature films and wearable technology. Mulder will give a talk titled “Weaving Heritage and High Tech: From Wearables to Movie Magic” for the UC Davis Department of Design’s Alberini Family Speaker Series in Design.
The event is May 15 at 4:30 - 6 p.m. with a reception to follow at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art. The talk is free and open to the public. Register here to attend in-person. The presentation will also be livestreamed.
This lecture explores the intersection of cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable design through the lens of Mulder’s award-winning work. Drawing from his Ngāti Maniapoto roots and global experiences, Mulder shares how he integrates indigenous wisdom with modern innovations like generative AI and reactive diffusion. Highlighting key projects, including wearable art and digital fabrication, the talk inspires people to embrace inclusivity, push creative boundaries and envision a future where design bridges culture, science, and technology.
“Award-winning New Zealand designer Dylan Mulder transcends boundaries and labels as he is equally comfortable working within the physical or digital realm. This talk will be a rare opportunity to learn more about his process and inspiration.” — Professor of Design Susan T. Avila
Mulder’s experience includes projects with companies such as Weta Workshop, Cirque Du Soleil, Netflix, Air New Zealand and Soul Machines Ltd. He has created iconic costume pieces for high-profile clients including Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and Jacinda Ardern. By drawing from his Dutch and Māori heritage, Mulder creates artwork that resonates on both personal and universal levels connecting people from all walks of life regardless of cultural background, indigenous roots or socioeconomic status.
Supported through an endowment provided by the Carlos and Andrea Alberini Family, the speaker series brings renowned innovators and thinkers in design to campus to inspire students and encourage community engagement and learning. The talk is organized by the UC Davis Department of Design and co-sponsored by the Manetti Shrem Museum.
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