Kostiantyn Polonskyi studies at the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design and participated in the FashionTEX Riga Makerspace 2026. During the two intensive weeks, he deepened his knowledge of CLO3D and Blender and experimented with programs such as Substance 3D, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Bridging the gap between digital fashion design and the creation of a physical garment was particularly important to him.

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

During the program, I acquired new knowledge and further developed existing skills. I learned more about animation and project rendering, particularly in Blender 3D. I was also able to try out programs like Substance 3D, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.
Of course, I couldn’t explore everything in minute detail in such a short time, but I discovered many new tools and possibilities that I want to delve into more deeply in the future.

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

There wasn’t one single “aha” moment for me, as I already had a solid background in this field. Nevertheless, it was interesting to view familiar technologies from a different perspective and discover new details. Collaborating with Ilona and Mara on my final garment was particularly helpful. They shared their experience with me and offered pointers on construction and finishing. This helped me understand just how much even small technical decisions can influence the final result.

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

Yes. For me, one of the best aspects of the Makerspace was meeting people from different countries. It was great to talk to one another, exchange experiences, and discover shared interests. I really enjoyed the international atmosphere, and I hope that some of these new contacts might lead to collaborative projects in the future.

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

My biggest challenge was time management and integrating the digital component of my project with the physical garment. I had to make quick decisions and constantly adjust my ideas throughout the working process.
With the support of the mentors and through my own experimentation, I was able to solve the problems that arose and complete my project.

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

I learned how important it is to bridge the digital and physical aspects of a fashion project. Working on my outfit allowed me to improve my skills in CLO3D and gain a better understanding of how a digital design translates into a real garment.

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

I was especially inspired by the possibilities of combining different technologies within a single fashion project. It was exciting to see how 3D printing, laser cutting, and digital technologies could be used together to create something more experimental and creative.

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

I worked primarily with CLO3D, as well as Blender 3D, Substance 3D, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. I was able to refine my existing skills and discover new possibilities in 3D modeling, animation, rendering, texturing, and content creation.

Which outcome of your work at the Riga Makerspace are you most proud of?

I am particularly proud of my finished physical garment and the fact that I succeeded in translating my digital concept into a real-world object. The creation process itself was also significant for me, as it allowed me to experiment with various technologies and find ways to integrate them into my own design.

How do you plan to proceed after your time at the Makerspace?

I want to continue developing my skills in 3D fashion design, CLO3D, Blender, and digital technologies. I also want to experiment even more and apply this knowledge to future fashion projects.

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

I would like to further deepen my knowledge of 3D clothing modeling and learn more about modern technologies in fashion. I am particularly interested in how artificial intelligence can be integrated into future projects—for instance, for videos and visual content to showcase my fashion concepts.

What was the greatest benefit of your time in the Makerspace for you personally?

For me, the greatest benefit was the combination of new knowledge, practical experience, and new contacts. I was able to improve my digital skills, learn from other participants and mentors, and gain the confidence to experiment with new technologies in fashion.

Photo Credits: Miks Uzans Photography