In september 2022 I started studying "Mode Technologie" at HoGent. Here are some of the projects and special lectures I've been part of, and insights I've gathered throughout my studies
PROJECT "START-UP"
During my third year in Fashion Technology at HoGent, I collaborated with my team to bring the PAREL start-up to life. This school initiative seamlessly merged fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship to address a common challenge faced by cyclists: staying dry during rainy commutes. The result was the MARIA jeans—a pair of water-repellent, breathable jeans that effortlessly combines functionality with style.
As the CEO of PAREL, I took the lead in both the financial and creative dimensions of the project. I crafted a comprehensive financial plan, including detailed cost calculations, pricing strategies, and profit margin analysis, while also determining break-even points. This analysis not only demonstrated the feasibility of the project but also informed our strategic decisions. We priced the MARIA jeans at €195 per pair, ensuring an attractive profit margin for both B2C and B2B markets.
In parallel, I developed and executed PAREL’s branding and marketing strategy. I positioned the brand as a stylish, functional, and sustainable solution for cyclists facing rainy conditions. By creating a compelling visual identity and leveraging targeted social media campaigns, influencer collaborations, and B2B partnerships, we were able to effectively reach our audience. Additionally, physical promotions, such as posters in high-traffic areas, enhanced brand visibility and awareness.
This project gave me invaluable experience in translating a creative concept into a financially and strategically sound business venture. The integration of fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship ensured that PAREL was not just a conceptual exercise but a practical, forward-thinking solution. For me, leading PAREL was more than a school project—it was a transformative experience that honed my skills as a leader, strategist, and creative innovator. It has inspired me to pursue future endeavors that fuse fashion and innovation to address real-world challenges.
VISIT TO GALERIE DIOR, PARIS
During my visit to the Galerie Dior in Paris, I was captivated by the rich history of Christian Dior and the evolution of his iconic brand. The museum beautifully showcased Dior’s legacy through original designs and archival pieces, highlighting the timeless elegance of his creations. I was particularly drawn to the works of John Galliano and Raf Simons, two designers whose innovative visions I deeply admire. Their contributions to the house of Dior demonstrated a perfect balance of tradition and modernity. This visit not only deepened my appreciation for fashion history but also inspired me to explore creativity in new ways.
GUEST LECTURE ON PRODUCT SAFETY
Recently, I attended a guest lecture on product safety by Alexandra De Raeve, a topic I hadn’t given much thought to before. During the lecture, it became clear how complex and vital this subject is. From design to production and distribution, every phase requires strict standards and controls to ensure consumer safety. I was surprised by the versatility of the topic, encompassing technical requirements, legal aspects, and international regulations. This lecture opened my eyes to the immense responsibility that companies bear and inspired me to pay closer attention to safety considerations in my own future projects.
VISIT TO MOMU ANTWERP "MASQUERADE, MAKE-UP & ENSOR"
Last fall, I visited the exhibition Masquerade, Make-up & Ensor at the ModeMuseum in Antwerp. As an art enthusiast, particularly in Belgian art, this exhibition was a truly unique experience. James Ensor, one of my favorite artists, has always captivated me with his incisive observations of human nature and his evocative use of masks. The exhibition skillfully connected these themes to fashion, makeup, and contemporary questions about beauty, prompting deep reflection on my own perspectives on art, creativity, and identity.
A particularly memorable moment for me was encountering works by Martin Margiela, my favorite fashion designer and artist. Margiela’s unconventional approach to fashion, blurring the boundaries between art and functionality, has always been a major source of inspiration for me. His collaboration with makeup artist Inge Grognard added another layer to the exhibition. Together, they demonstrated how makeup is far more than mere aesthetics—it is a potent medium for storytelling and self-expression. This struck a personal chord with me, as I am passionate about exploring intersections between science, art, and fashion in my own creative endeavors.
The exhibition also encouraged me to reflect on broader themes such as identity and beauty, which feel especially relevant in today’s world. Ensor’s use of masks to conceal vulnerability and expose human insecurities made me think about how we curate our own appearances in everyday life. In an era dominated by social media, where unrealistic beauty standards are pervasive, makeup plays a paradoxical role. It can act as a shield for insecurities, but it also serves as a liberating tool for self-expression and individuality.
I was particularly intrigued by how Masquerade highlighted the tension between tradition and innovation. Ensor’s masks and costumes revealed profound truths about humanity, and the exhibition expanded on this idea by linking it to the modern beauty industry. Seeing makeup, often dismissed as superficial, framed as a transformative art form left a lasting impression. It made me reflect on my own ambitions: how can I integrate technology and creativity to create something that is both functional and artistically significant?
This exhibition not only deepened my appreciation of Ensor’s work but also offered me fresh insights into my own interests. It rekindled my love for Belgian art and fashion, while inspiring me to think about how art and fashion can illuminate universal themes such as insecurity, self-expression, and identity.
Rosalie wearing Maison Margiela Artisanal Collection 2024 at MoMu Antwerp
LECTURE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY
In November, I attended a lecture on the implementation of AI in the fashion industry. The session highlighted how AI can optimize processes like logistics and quality control, particularly in the later stages of clothing production. I found this especially interesting, as these areas often involve repetitive tasks that AI can efficiently streamline. However, when it comes to the creative process of design, I am less enthusiastic about the role of AI. I believe that the artistic and human aspect of fashion design should remain untouched. It's crucial to critically think about how we can balance innovation and creativity in the future of our industry.
WORKSHOP ON SMART TEXTILES
In October, I participated in a workshop on smart textiles, where we explored how electrical circuits can be seamlessly integrated into fabrics. This innovative field combines technology and textiles, opening up endless possibilities for wearable technology and responsive clothing. I found the workshop particularly engaging due to my background in science from secondary school, which provided me with a solid foundation to understand the technical aspects. Learning about the practical applications of smart textiles, from sportswear to fashion, made me think about how science and creativity can work together to shape the future of the industry.
LECTURE ON PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
In September, I attended a guestlecture on Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) by Mariëlle van den Hurk, specifically focused on the fashion industry. This topic immediately captured my interest, as it addresses key challenges posed by globalization within this sector. Fashion companies often work with international teams, from designers to manufacturers, spread across different continents. PLM enables the streamlining of processes and improves communication between these parties, despite complex bureaucratic structures. Especially in a dynamic industry like fashion, where speed and innovation are crucial, PLM offers significant value. This lecture inspired me to further explore how PLM can enhance efficiency and drive success in the fashion industry.
PROJECT "PROCESINNOVATIE" FEBRUARY - MAY 2024
Let's start at the beginning. We created a jeans jacket from old pants that had been discarded by Oxfam and labeled as waste. We took that waste and completely redesigned it into a modern version of the classic "Wrangler" jean jacket. Turning discarded pants into a stylish jacket while minimizing leftover waste was a significant challenge, but I believe we pulled it off quite well. We researched what characterizes a Wrangler jacket, its origins, and the story behind it. What emotions does it evoke? How does it make people feel?
Another important aspect of this project was the focus on business and production. We "founded" our own company, Quarter, by developing a business and financial plan. We analyzed the costs involved and played with the numbers to get a realistic picture of the financial aspects of starting a fashion business. We also looked into the marketing of our product: where do we fit in the market? Who is our target audience? What are they looking for, and most importantly, what are they willing to pay? We delved into our production process, timing every action from disassembling the pants to assembling the jacket. We tried different methods and tempos, identifying and addressing weak links.
For this project, I focused on patternmaking, the website, the business plan, and the overall branding. My tasks were varied, helping in several different stages of the process. It was challenging at times, but I enjoyed it because it helped me keep track of our progress. Our group faced difficulties finding our rhythm and alignment on various issues. I took on more of a managerial role, guiding the group and assisting wherever needed.
This assignment taught me a lot about the practical aspects of fashion and sustainable production, as well as the business side of running a company. It was a challenging but highly educational experience. The production analysis was new to me, and I found it very interesting to explore it in depth.
PROJECT "SMART DESIGN" SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2023
For this project, we were given the task to create a sustainable product and its surrounding brand. We had carte blanche, meaning we were free to choose every detail, from material to marketing. The challenge: make the product sustainable and ecologically responsible while also offering a fair price. With the idea "waste is food" in mind, we created Athletic Scene, our take at a modern, sustainable and community driven sportswear brand. We started by creating textile files and technical packs and eventually, we designed a full collection ready for production. I myself took care of the full branding and had looooots of fun doing so; from a logos to a website and a lookbook (which is available below).
SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT "FASHION FORWARD" MAY 2023
For the class 'Mode & Design' I made a micro campaign to raise awareness about the problems with the fashion industry and how the current situation is NOT sustainable at all.
After having some conversations with a few of my friends I realized that almost none of them knew about the water consumption, toxic chemicals or the insane amount of clothes ending up on garbage piles. All of them are into fashion, buying expensive designer clothes and filling up closet after closet.
To raise awareness I made a little poster that I send out to friends, posted it on my socials and put it in the toilet of my favorite coffee bar (cause that's when people actually have time to read it). Realizing that I can't put all the problems and all the solutions on the poster, I later added a tiny note with some sources of information on there for the curious people.
Soooo, results. Did I fix the problem? No. Did I raise awareness? Most definitely. I even had a random stranger coming up to me asking about more information! It's not up to me to chance someones buying behavior but I can at least try to tell them about the situation make them understand how we can, little by little, have an impact on the whole industry. I'm happy with the results of this little campaign and it actually made me eager to do more research about it and inspire even more people! :)
PROJECT "DESIGNERS INSPIREREND" FEBRUARY-MAY 2023
To end my first year in this 3-year course, we had a group project to summarize everything we learned in a ready-to-wear, 5 piece collection. Together with 4 other students, we created a series of tops for a summer collection of a non-existing brand. We looked at our position in the market and what we're bringing to it. We analyzed our competitors and laid out our plans.
My top, inspired by the gowns worn by priests and other religious leaders in medieval times, can be seen in the picture below. Starting from zero, I drafted the pattern, and sew a final sample. This was a really interesting project with many challenging roadblocks ranging from working in group to trying to figure out InDesign.
