When technology meets creativity, a space emerges where ideas take shape and boundaries blur. For Giulio Zahnd, a third-year fashion student at the Amsterdam Fashion Academy, the makerspace was far more than just a place for experimentation—it became a laboratory of the future where fashion, craftsmanship, and digital innovation merge. Between 3D printers, knitting machines, and virtual design environments, Giulio not only discovered new tools but also a new attitude: to think boldly, work precisely, and grow as a team. His time in the makerspace was characterized by curiosity, openness, and a fascination with the interplay between humans, machines, and vision.

What new skills or insights did you gain in the makerspace—perhaps beyond the purely technical aspects?

Giulio Zahnd: I learned an incredible amount. Beyond the technical aspects—and also beyond the increased confidence in my digital skills—I understood what it means to collaborate with different makers. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by people who have tremendous expertise but no idea of ​​your vision or your designs. You realize how important clear communication is—but even more important is the ability to adapt and quickly understand how others work. These people come from very different backgrounds, with different working styles, sensibilities, and language skills. That was a very enriching experience for me.

Was there a particular moment when you thought, “This is an aha moment” or “This is a truly innovative approach”?

Giulio Zahnd: I had many “aha” moments—especially during the CLO3D consultations with Isabel Palumbo. But I was particularly impressed by what Uwe Boedenschatz made possible in the 3D printing studio. Together, we were able to print a pair of shoes in a single pass—combining a flexible and a rigid material. That was a real milestone for me.

Have you made new contacts with other students or universities through the makerspace?

Giulio Zahnd: Yes, definitely! I’m still in touch with some of the students. We’re looking forward to seeing each other again at the upcoming events in Chemnitz and Amsterdam.

What was the biggest personal challenge for you while working in the makerspace – and how did you overcome it?

Giulio Zahnd: Since my designs combine different materials and techniques, one of the biggest challenges was planning the development of prototypes and production. Like everyone else, I was under time pressure, but at the same time, I wanted to produce high-quality garments. For example, the FUD Heels – the shoes I designed – take 70 hours to 3D print alone. You can’t do anything at the last minute. I had to learn to organize myself well and always plan for more time than you think you need.

What concrete result or insight have you taken away from working on your avatar or outfit?

Giulio Zahnd: With CLO3D, I really understood that you can take the specialization of your files to a great extent. For the same silhouette, you often need multiple duplicate files, each specialized for a specific task—such as an animation or texturing work. This is a key part of the workflow for working faster and more efficiently.

Was there a moment that particularly surprised or inspired you?

Giulio Zahnd: Overall, the makerspace experience was incredibly inspiring. I was particularly impressed by the variety of possibilities in industrial knitting—especially on Stoll machines. I had long discussions with Franziska Heinze and Ibrahim Halwani, who showed me how versatile knitting really is.

Which technical tools did you work with most—and what did you learn from them?

Giulio Zahnd: I worked with CLO3D for most of my designs. The FUD heels, on the other hand, I designed entirely in Blender. This was my first project in the program—a tremendous challenge where I had to learn everything myself, supported by AI as my assistant.

Which result of your work in the makerspace are you most proud of?

Giulio Zahnd: I’m particularly proud of the so-called SNAFU silhouette that I designed and produced. It’s the result not just of two weeks in the makerspace, but of months of work—from research and design to developing the prototypes. But the FUD heels are also a central part of my work in Schneeberg, and it made me incredibly happy to see people walking in them.

How do you want to continue after the makerspace?

Giulio Zahnd: I want to build on what I was able to create in these two weeks. The shoes, the dress, and even the embroidered TRUTH strap—I want to further refine all of these products, especially in terms of quality, workmanship, and sustainability.

Are there any ideas or projects you’d like to develop further—be it for the Holo Show or other areas?

Giulio Zahnd: I think there’s always room to go further. Bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds is something I’m keen to explore further. The Holo Show will certainly be a great source of inspiration for that.

What was your greatest personal gain from your time in the makerspace?

Giulio Zahnd: I could name many things… But the most important thing is probably that the makerspace gave me a solid foundation: experience in collaborating with makers, working with people from different cities and countries, and immersing myself in digital innovation. I’m very grateful for that.