Alžbeta Valentová is a student at the Academy of Arts, Architecture & Design Prague (UMPRUM) and participated in the FashionTEX Riga Makerspace 2026. During these two intensive weeks, she worked with CLO3D, AI, and editing tools, further developing both the digital and physical elements of her project. Being open to change, trusting her own creative vision, and engaging in international exchange with other students were particularly important to her.

Alžbeta, what new skills or insights did you gain at the Makerspace?

Above all, I learned to be adaptable, to trust my own vision, and to work with AI. So, for me, it wasn’t just about discovering new technical possibilities, but also about becoming more confident—and at the same time more open—within the creative process.

Was there a specific moment when you thought, “This is a real ‘aha’ moment”?

Yes, when I saw the work the other students were creating in CLO3D. It made me realize just how many different creative approaches are possible using the same software. That opened up new perspectives for me regarding the possibilities of digital fashion.

Did you make new connections with other students or universities at the Makerspace?

Yes. The new contacts and encounters with the other participants were a particularly important part of the Makerspace experience for me.

What was the biggest personal challenge you faced while working at the Makerspace—and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge was letting go of certain decisions I had already made beforehand. I had to learn to embrace change in both the digital and physical stages of the work process. It showed me that sometimes it is better to evolve or alter an initial idea rather than stubbornly sticking to a pre-determined plan.

What key insights did you gain while working on your avatar or outfit?

I realized just how important the overall impact of an outfit is. Materials, details, silhouette, and digital presentation shouldn’t be viewed in isolation. A cohesive overall impression only emerges when all these elements work together.

Gab es einen Moment, der Sie besonders überrascht oder inspiriert hat?

I was especially inspired by Dana’s metalwork on her leather top. It was fascinating to see how such materials and craftsmanship techniques can be integrated into a contemporary fashion project.

Which technical tools did you use the most, and what did you learn from using them?

I primarily worked with editing and AI tools. Working with artificial intelligence taught me to embrace the unexpected. AI sometimes takes its own direction—and that can actually become part of the creative process, rather than something that absolutely must be controlled.

Which result of your work at the Riga Makerspace are you particularly proud of?

I am especially proud of my creative videos and the accessories for my physical outfit, including leather pieces and hand-painted tights. These details were a crucial part of the overall project for me.

How do you plan to proceed after the Makerspace?

In the future, I want to make greater use of my university’s various workshops and focus more on accessories rather than just clothing. The Makerspace experience made me realize just how many opportunities are actually available to me at my own university.

Are there any ideas or projects you would like to develop further?

I would like to experiment more with leather and found metal objects. I’m interested in how these kinds of materials and objects can be incorporated into new accessories and design concepts.

What was the greatest personal benefit you gained from your time at the Makerspace?

My greatest personal gain was the new connections and contacts I made. At the same time, I realized how much my own university has to offer and that I should make much greater use of the workshops, tools, and opportunities available there.

It is precisely this combination of international exchange and a fresh perspective on my own opportunities that I am taking away from Riga.

Photo Credits: Miks Uzans Photography