The ‘TechStyleLAB’ has been created in the Fashion School to support learning/teaching, research and commercial investigation of digital design and production technologies in the fashion context. The goal of the TechStyleLAB is to create a model for exploring more localized, sustainable and creative digital supply chains for the fashion industry. A key impact of the TechStyleLAB concept lies in demonstrating how digital design and manufacturing software/hardware can be used in conjunction with rich media interfaces to create dynamic workflows for the on‐demand production of textile/fashion products.
The TechStyleLAB houses a range of digital output devices, such as our wide format digital textile printer and digital embroidery machines in one collective space to allow for a completely vertical on‐demand design/production environment. In addition to our existing equipment and our partnership with the School of Art’s Craft/Textiles area to make use of digitally-driven looms, we also seek to add in laser cutting/etching equipment, whole garment knitting machines and more.
The TechStyleLAB will ultimately be able to support small companies as an ‘incubator’ space to take advantage of combined access to the tools. This process has already started at the grassroots level through initial partnerships with small entrepreneurial Ohio businesses to provide on‐demand production digital prints for textile products. The commercial service is used as a means to generate income to support the TechStyleLAB’s activities, as well as to provide a more meaningful understanding of the commercial and production oriented issues of the technology.
The TechStyleLAB places design and business-led inquiry at the heart of its research directive. We welcome explorations into historical/archival research and potential reinterpretations with the digital technologies, wearable technologies, hardware and software development, web‐based presentation and marketing channels, the cultural/social/psychological aspects of textiles, and the creation of artifacts for exhibition purposes.
By housing and creating this research/commercial environment in the context of The Fashion School, we will be able to integrate students into the model for both research projects and commercial service solutions, allowing for rich learning experiences that extend well beyond the standard classroom environment.