UEL leads tech revolution in fashion

Published

25 April 2024

The intersection of fashion and technology has created a revolution in industry by redefining traditional boundaries and propelling the fashion landscape into a new era.

The University of East London has long been a vibrant centre for new ideas and pioneering innovative approaches within the real-world themes of the creative industry.

Expert academics and students at UEL use virtual and 3D modelling technology in their creative fashion work, exploring innovative design, and production methods that enhance functionality and performance in clothing, putting sustainability at the heart of what they do. This contributes to both aesthetics and functionality ensuring an evolving future for fashion in both design and production.

This year, the Year of Science, hosted by UEL, celebrates science and innovation in its many forms including science in art and fashion. As part of the Year of Science 2024, the School of Arts and Creative Industries will be hosting an event exploring the cutting-edge intersections of digital innovation, applied technology, and virtual worlds.

The Fashion Tech Applied event, featuring UEL’s Fashion Department in collaboration with Parisian fashion tech venture studio, Beyond Form, will feature a diverse range of exhibits and live demonstrations showcasing the innovative fusion of fashion and technology. From augmented reality dressing rooms to games-embedded fashion, attendees can expect to witness first-hand the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of the fashion and creative industry.

Beatrice Newman, Head of Fashion, said,

UEL's commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion norms is exemplified through this event, which serves as a platform for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and exploration of the endless possibilities at the intersection of fashion and technology."

The event also celebrates the launch of the ground-breaking book “Fashion Tech Applied” where there will be the opportunity to meet the authors and fashion tech experts, Von N. Ruzive and Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, CEO and Founder of Beyond Form, a fashion tech venture studio based in Paris.

Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, co-author, Fashion Tech Applied & CEO of Beyond Form, added,

I was thrilled to have UEL hosting the Fashion Tech Applied book launch along with showcasing some Beyond Form’s startups as part of the exhibition. It is very fitting that UEL is celebrating the Year of Science this year as our aim was to make fashion, technology, and science more accessible through the book; and hopefully inspiring the next generation of fashion’s talent to also explore the possibilities of fashion tech."

Future Fusion: Fashion, Technology, and Innovation Unleashed

A Showcase by Fashion Marketing & Communication in collaboration with Studio Lupas

A presentation of the final work from select students in collaboration with the Fashion Marketing and Communications Department and Studio Lupas. FMC students embraced the role of future-thinking fashion designers, who created a 12 piece-collection for Tommy Hilfiger.

Then translated 2D streetwear apparel concepts with a circular approach into 3D creations utilising 3D technology. Working alongside Dan Welsh, course leader from the gaming department, students were also charged with crafting innovative marketing strategies, leveraging the power of 3D to showcase their collections (i.e. 3D runway shows, 3D advertising, mobile apps, and more).

Work shown is by:

Ashley Kunyeda & Tegan Ford - Future by Tommy Hilfiger
Melissa Amasse & Gabriella Menqui - Rebranding Tommy Hilfiger
Nemanja Spisljak - Tommy Jeans Meta

“New Narrative” by fashion lecturer Ka Wai Lam

Ka Wai Lam shapes a narrative of self-discovery, using digital tools to explore and define his evolving identity. Leveraging unconventional cutting techniques on traditional garments becomes a transformative medium, allowing him to accelerate the development of his persona.

Through this dynamic process, Ka Wai Lam not only refashions garments but also accelerates the development of a unique and authentic identity, a visual manifestation of his ever-evolving creative exploration.

Embarking on an innovative journey, he seamlessly intertwines movement and design through the intricate art of cutting, using conventional garments. Each virtual incision becomes a choreography of precision, a dance that breathes life into digital fabric and reshapes familiar materials.

UMBRO China x UEL: Game Design for Fashion hosted by Patrick Quinell

Embark on a journey where fashion meets innovation in the latest collaboration between Games Design, Umbro China and the fashion department at UEL.

Explore an eclectic fusion of style and technology focused on centring the UN STG of human well-being in sustainable design as our students push the boundaries of creativity in games design. Immerse yourself in captivating visuals, and groundbreaking gameplay experiences that redefine the intersection of fashion and gaming. Get ready to dive into a world where every pixel is a statement, every level a runway, and every challenge a chance to showcase your style.