About
Originally from the Northeast, my journey into the world of materials began in Boston, where I studied Fashion Design at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. As my interest in textiles, innovation, and trend forecasting grew, I transferred to Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I earned a B.S. in Textile Development and Marketing in 2017.
After graduating, I built experience in material design, consulting, and trend forecasting, partnering with brands to bring forward-thinking concepts to market. Wanting to deepen both the science and strategy behind textiles, I later earned a Master of Science in Textile Science from North Carolina State University in 2021.
Today, I work at Alo as a Senior Raw Materials Developer, where I focus on sourcing, fabric innovation, commercialization, and building strong supplier partnerships. I’m driven by curiosity, creativity, and the endless possibilities that materials can bring to product and brand storytelling.
"As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think”
- Toni Morrison
Resume
Denia Silva is a trend & materials expert driven by cultural insights, consumer research & future shifts. With a masters in materials and nearly a decade of experience cultivating and developing with luxury brands, mass market retailers and tech start-ups her methodology is multifaceted and always aimed at providing innovative yet actionable solutions to creating more meaningful products and experiences
Experience
Senior Raw Materials Developer
Alo
2026 - Present
Raw Materials Developer
Alo
2024 - 2026
Materials Design Consultant
Skylrk
2023 - 2024
Materials Director
Fashion Snoops
2021 - 2024
Senior Materials Strategist
Fashion Snoops
2020 - 2021
Materials Editor
Fashion Snoops
2017 - 2020
Education
M.T Masters of Textile Science
North Carolina State University
Spring 2020 to Spring 2021
B.S. Textile Development & Marketing
Fashion Institute of Technology
Fall 2017 to Spring 2021
Skills & Languages
Raw Material Development
Forecasting & Trend Research
CAD Design
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Research & Development
Color
Connects the dots between cultural shifts to track, concept and strategize color forecasts. blends data with expert insight leveraging A.I tracking tools to back sentiment driven color content with relevant analytical data.
Color Methodology | Cultural Connection Points | A.I Tools & Tracking
Materials & Surfaces
Develops and researches materials and surface innovations by analyzing industry shifts, new technologies, and emerging textile developments. Translates material insights into actionable development direction for brands and projects, supporting the creation, refinement, and commercialization of new fabrics and material solutions.
Emerging Innovations | Technical Prowess | Supplier Collaboration
Market
Understands market and consumer shifts across apparel, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle categories to inform product and material direction. Translates industry insights and emerging signals into actionable guidance that supports product development, material decisions, and category innovation for brands and creative teams.
Consumer Research | Industry Insights | Futures Thinking
Press
“Everything You Need to Know About Sustainable Denim”
“Travel Style Is Changing As We Know It”
“Protective, Restorative Materials Show Promise Post-Pandemic”
“Moved by the Pandemic, Designers Put Sustainability Front and Center in Spring Collections”
“Experts Call on Fashion to ‘Champion the Rights of Nature’ After COVID-19”
“Loungewear Trends Go Mainstream as the Category Becomes Consumers’ New Norm”
“Denim’s New Look”
Material Development
DUBIED KNITTING MACHINE | STOLL SOFTWARE
POWERLOOM | MULTI SHAFT DOBBY LOOM | NED GRAPHICS DOBBY PRO
SOFTWARE
DYEING | COLOR MATCHING | SPECTROPHOTOMETER TESTING
WATER REPELLENCY FINISHING | AATCC 22 TESTING
Contact
