24-year-old fashion design student Gloria Cerrito from the Koefia Academy in Rome talks about her experiences in the Makerspace, an intensive learning environment where she experimented with new digital tools, learned creative methods, and made international contacts. In this interview, she discusses the challenges she overcame, what inspired her most, and how she envisions her future in digital fashion design.

Gloria Cerrito, what new skills or insights did you gain in the Makerspace?

Gloria Cerrito: Working in the Makerspace taught me a lot, especially how to manage my time and work under pressure. I had already experienced this during homeschooling, but this project had to be completed in just two weeks, and there was a lot of unexpected work. I’m proud of how I handled the situation. I also learned how to use digital tools like an embroidery machine and a 3D printer, which I never had the opportunity to try at home.

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

Gloria Cerrito: Yes, every time I worked with 3D printers or 3D animation software. It was fascinating to see how ideas suddenly became tangible.

Did you make any new contacts or connections with other students or universities through the Makerspace?

Gloria Cerrito: Yes, absolutely. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from other countries, understand their working methods, and have fun together.

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

Gloria Cerrito: The biggest challenge was working on my 3D garments. 3D files can easily become corrupted or distorted, and I had to figure out how to create a virtual outfit that closely resembled the physical one without the file becoming too large. That required a lot of patience and a willingness to experiment.

What specific results or insights did you gain from working on your avatar or outfit?

Gloria Cerrito: I learned how to solve or even avoid many problems in CLO3D, and how to make virtual garments look more realistic – for example, by adding textures or small details.

Was there a moment that positively surprised or particularly inspired you?

Gloria Cerrito: Every CLO3D lesson with Professor Isabel was incredibly motivating. Thanks to her, I discovered how powerful and exciting the program is for bringing design ideas to life. Working with other students also inspired me; their dedication encouraged me to do my best.

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

Gloria Cerrito: Primarily with 3D programs and 3D printers. I learned which program to use for creating print files, how many different printing devices there are, and which one is best suited for different projects.

What result of your work in the Makerspace are you particularly proud of?

Gloria Cerrito: I am very proud of my CLO3D file and the scale details printed in the Makerspace. It was great to see how they looked when I applied them to the sleeves of my outfit.

How would you like to continue personally after the Makerspace?

Gloria Cerrito: I want to further develop my digital skills and create more projects with CLO3D. I also want to learn how to use other 3D programs like Substance; I feel there is still so much to discover.

Are there any ideas or projects that you would like to develop further, whether for the Holo-Show or other areas?

Gloria Cerrito: Yes, I would like to start a new project that combines digital fashion and 3D printing, and perhaps also experiment with 3D-printed jewelry.

What was the biggest personal gain for you from your time in the Makerspace?

Gloria Cerrito: Definitely the improvement of my digital design skills. This has made me more confident when it comes to exploring and creatively using new technologies in fashion design.