The teachers at KEA Design set out to investigate 3D virtual prototyping and how the technology can be integrated into fashion programmes and the Danish fashion industry.
3D virtual prototyping in the apparel industry
Several national and international fashion companies, educational institutions and DM&T, Danish Fashion & Textile, were involved in the project, and the results were shared with other representatives from the industry. The project also led KEA to create a new specialisation - Sustainable Fashion Tech.
3D VP can simulate clothing
3D virtual prototyping (3D VP) is a technology that can simulate clothing in relation to how the material hangs, how the material feels (the tactile properties), and the fit of a product. Instead of developing a physical prototype that needs to be tested and modified several times, you can now make a virtual prototype with the same functional capabilities.
More sustainability and better economy
An estimate shows that, by using 3D VP, up to 60% of the physical production, sales and proto samples can be cut out. This will increase sustainability in the fashion industry while allowing companies to reap the economic benefits of reducing the number of physical samples.
When the entire process from idea to finished clothing is sped up, the chance of creating a product that is relevant to consumers increases. It will make the clothes easier to sell, and the stores can reduce deadstock, that is, the amount of unworn, unsold clothes
WORLDWIDE COOPERATION WITH THE FASHION INDUSTRY
The teachers at KEA Design used the Copenhagen Fashion Summit as a starting point to find inspiration and, at the same time, uncover what competences a potentially new programme should give the students. The Copenhagen Fashion Summit is an annual fashion event with participants from all over the world and a strong focus on sustainability in the fashion industry.
The next step in the project was a pilot workshop where the teachers introduced the fashion industry to 3D VP to discuss whether they could see a value in the product. Next, the teachers conducted a series of qualitative interviews with selected companies and educational institutions. The industry and employers’ association for Danish textile and clothing companies, Dansk Fashion & Textile, helped to facilitate contact with the companies. Students from KEA also participated in pilot workshops.
Partners
The fashion industry |
Educational institutions |
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The new specialisation subject: sustainable fashion tech
At KEA, we focus on three strategic benchmarks for our programmes – sustainability, technology and business. As part of the project, it was therefore important to investigate what competences KEA's graduates must possess to continue to be attractive employees for the fashion industry's clothing companies.
The results from the project led to the creation of the specialisation subject, Sustainable Fashion Tech. It is now a line of specialisation on the top-up programme Design & Business and on the Design Technology programme.
Read about the specialisation module on the bachelor programme design & business