Learning Lab 3
Guest Lecture: PLM (Product Lifecycle Management)
October 2, 2025Mariëlle van den Hurk's guest lecture on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) on October 2, 2025 was an absolute eye-opener for anyone who wants to understand the future of the fashion industry. Mariëlle, a true expert in Fashion Tech, enthusiastically took us into the world of digital transformation. She explained that PLM is much more than just software; it is the backbone of a modern fashion company. By integrating the entire lifecycle of a garment from the very first sketch and careful material selection to final production and logistics into one system, unprecedented efficiency is created.
Guest Lecture: Centexbel (Innovative Textiles)
October 13, 2025Centexbel's guest lecture on innovative textiles was a fascinating dive into the future of our sector! It immediately became clear that textiles today are much more than aesthetics; the focus is shifting to impressive technical performance and protection. We discovered how groundbreaking research leads to smart fabrics (smart textiles) and the transition to a bio-based economy. It was inspiring to see how stricter European legislation transforms circularity and ecodesign into the new industry standard. This session proved that innovation is the key to a sustainable future. I found it incredibly fascinating to learn how technology radically improves our clothing world!
Guest Lecture: YKK
October 23, 2025The YKK guest lecture was a surprisingly engaging journey of discovery into the world of zippers and fasteners! Arne Claeys and Amber Vercammen told us with great passion about the enormous technical complexity behind these seemingly simple trims. We learned everything about the different types of zippers and their specific applications. What really inspired me was YKK's strong focus on sustainability through their 'Cycle of Goodness' philosophy. The development of zippers from recycled PET bottles showed that even the smallest components have an enormous impact on a circular fashion world. An extremely educational session that definitely sharpened my eye for detail!
Guest Lecture: U!nnovate
November 20, 2025This session focused on innovation management and entrepreneurship within the sector. The speakers showed how creative ideas can be transformed into viable and scalable business models. Attention was paid to various methodologies to stimulate innovation, such as design thinking and co-creation. I found the explanation about Design Thinking particularly fascinating. This approach challenges you to think outside the box and seek real solutions to complex societal issues. The lecture encouraged us to look beyond current production methods and think about disruptive solutions for societal challenges within the fashion industry. A clear bridge was built between theoretical research and practical application in the industry.
Guest Lecture: History of Leatherworking
November 27, 2025Dr. Jan Moens took us through the historical evolution of leatherworking from an archaeological perspective. The presentation covered the origin of tanning techniques and the development of tools through the centuries. It was incredibly fascinating to hear how ancient techniques laid the foundation for the artisanal industry we know today. We learned how leather was once a crucial material for both clothing and utensils, and how the artisanal knowledge of the past forms the basis for today's industry. This session gave me deeper insight into the craftsmanship of our ancestors and showed how important historical awareness is for modern designers.
Workshop: Introduction to 3D Printing
December 11, 2025During this workshop, we became acquainted with the possibilities of additive manufacturing (3D printing) within the fashion and textile sector. We learned more about the different printing techniques and which filaments and materials are suitable for flexible applications. It was particularly fascinating to see how a digital design on the computer screen was converted layer by layer into a tangible, physical object. The emphasis was on translating a digital design into a realistic end result. It was demonstrated how 3D printing can be used for prototyping, but also for creating complex geometric structures and personalized accessories that are difficult or impossible to realize with traditional production methods. Finally, we had the opportunity to print a 3D object of our choice ourselves.