The international FashionTEX Makerspace has launched in Riga. From August 31 to September 12, 2026, young fashion designers from 11 European fashion schools are gathering at the Art Academy of Latvia’s “Riga Makerspace” prototyping workshop. During this two-week residency, the students are collaborating on new ideas that merge fashion, design, and digital technologies. The program focuses on practical applications, creative experimentation, and international exchange among these young talents.

The Riga Makerspace provides an ideal setting for this: modern technologies—such as 3D printing, laser cutting, body scanning, and augmented and virtual reality—offer participants new ways to refine their designs and directly integrate digital tools into their creative work. A particular emphasis is placed on combining traditional fashion craftsmanship with innovative technologies. FashionTEX aims not to replace classic design and craftsmanship, but to enhance them with new digital possibilities.

This international residency also serves as a key milestone leading up to the FashionTEX Festival 2026, taking place in Riga on September 30 and October 1. At the festival, students from the European FashionTEX network will showcase their work and engage in discussions about the future of fashion with international designers and experts.