Interconnections between fashion, digital fabrication, and DIY materials: an analysis of Fabricademy projects

This study aims to contribute to the dissemination of fashion design practices within Fab Labs through the use of DIY materials, created by means of personal fabrication techniques. Such practices foster a more sustainable approach to fashion by illustrating the possibilities offered by these materials, which are generally classified as biomaterials. To achieve this, the study employed the Documentary Research method to analyze final projects from the Fabricademy Textile and Technology Academy, an initiative of the Fab Foundation. Four projects developed over the past two years were mapped, each integrating personal fabrication materials and digital technologies in the creation of fashion products, in order to understand how these interconnections occur. The results present the materials used, the processes of production and post-processing, the products generated, and the main digital fabrication technologies applied. It is concluded that this interconnection enables the creation of sustainable, high-value, and original products, while academic documentation supports their dissemination and improvement. However, future studies may expand the scope of the analysis.