Fashion Technology

Fashion Technology at UCLA

At MADE, we are leading the way in integrating fashion and technology to push the boundaries of design and functionality. Here, we highlight our innovative work in fashion tech and how we are transforming traditional practices.

Sewing machine with needle, thread, and fabric, demonstrating advanced fashion technology.

Our Vision: Tech-Driven Fashion

MADE‘s mission is to explore and expand the intersection of fashion and tech. We utilize cutting-edge tools like 3D printers and electronics to create fashion pieces that are both visually striking and functionally advanced. Our goal is to revolutionize how fashion is designed and experienced through technological integration.

Fashion mannequins displaying modern outfits in a retail setting.
Empty workstations in UCLA Samueli Makerspace, prepared for fashion technology projects.

Campus Resources for Fashion Technology at UCLA

MADE benefits significantly from the resources available at UCLA, particularly through the UCLA Samueli Makerspace. This 9,000-square-foot facility in Boelter Hall is instrumental to our fashion tech projects and includes:

Sewing Machine

for constructing and altering garments with precision.

Embroidery Machine

for adding intricate designs and patterns to fabrics.

Laser Cutters

for creating detailed and creative fabric shapes and patterns.

These tools enable us to explore new dimensions of fashion design. For example, our sewing and embroidery machines allow for high-quality garment construction and customization, while the laser cutters provide precision in creating complex fabric patterns and shapes.

Innovative Applications of Fashion Tech

Fashion Technology has the potential to transform various aspects of daily life and industry. Here are some key applications:

Wavy smart fabric with electronic components embedded, showcasing fashion technology.

Smart Textiles

Fabrics that monitor health metrics and adapt to environmental conditions, enhancing comfort and providing health insights.

Young woman using a smart watch connected to her mobile phone, highlighting fashion technology.

Wearable Devices

Clothing with integrated tech features for improved comfort, posture feedback, and real-time activity tracking.

Wooden hanger with a vine plant and a single t-shirt, representing sustainable fashion.

Sustainable Fashion

Use of eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce waste and environmental impact, including 3D printing and textile recycling.

These advancements highlight how fashion technology can make clothing more functional, adaptive, and sustainable.

Smart Fashion for a Sustainable Future

In line with our commitment to sustainability, MADE has launched an online store offering eco-friendly merchandise. Our store supports sustainability and eco-friendly practices in several ways. Here are some key aspects:

Man wearing a premium recycled black bomber jacket from MADE, showcasing sustainable fashion technology.

Eco-Friendly Products

Offers items made from organic cotton and recycled materials.

Water-Based Inks

Uses eco-friendly, water-based inks for printing to reduce environmental impact.

On-Demand Production

Produces items only when ordered to minimize waste and overproduction.

Recyclable Packaging

Utilizes recyclable and compostable packaging materials to lessen environmental impact.

By integrating these practices, MADE aims to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly supply chain, aligning with broader efforts to reduce environmental impact in the print-on-demand industry.

Exploring Fashion Careers with FAST at UCLA

Although UCLA does not offer a fashion design major or minor, Fashion and Student Technology (FAST) at UCLA provides a vital platform for students to immerse themselves in the fashion industry. FAST offers hands-on experience in various aspects of fashion, including design, modeling, finance, event planning, public relations, and more.

Conclusion

Fashion Technology at MADE represents a transformative approach to integrating art and science. With access to cutting-edge resources, a commitment to sustainability, and diverse applications beyond performance, MADE is poised to make a significant impact in the field of fashion technology. We invite you to explore our projects, support our initiatives through our online store, and stay updated on our pioneering work.