21-year-old Monika Maciąg from the Łódź University of Technology dedicates her project, Inner Child, to the question of what fashion might look like if we had retained our childlike imagination. Her design is a colorful, experimental reflection on lightness, creativity, and the freedom to rethink form and material – a return to wonder and the joy of invention.
“I wanted to explore what fashion would be like if adults had retained the playfulness and courage of childhood,” says Monika Maciąg.
The central element of her outfit is a voluminous, wavy sleeve shape that floats around the body like a transparent construction. It offers glimpses of the skin underneath and symbolizes openness and curiosity.
Self-developed 3D-printed elements on mesh resemble corset stays and also fulfill their function, bending flexibly under pressure. This technique minimizes fabric consumption and shortens production time – the printing process itself is remarkably fast.
The skirt consists of several rigid segments. Through different colors and additional textures such as dotted tulle, Monika reflects the diversity of childlike imagination.
Part of the outfit transforms into a sculptural corset that provides structure and form. Monika Maciąg uses materials such as denim, organza, tulle, and taffeta. Through spatial structures created by the use of 3D-printed stays, she opens up new possibilities for shaping the garment. With delicate colors, she creates a piece of clothing that takes us back to our fondest childhood memories.
Inner Child is more than fashion – it is a poetic reminder that creativity arises from openness.
