Miaozhu Huang – Blending tradition with 3D technology

I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of digital tools to revolutionise traditional design processes. So, when I came across this course, I knew it would be the perfect fit for my passion for innovation and sustainability.

The decision to study at AUB came naturally. The University is renowned for its forward-thinking approach to creative arts and design. The energy and diversity of students and tutors from all over the world really appealed to me. I wanted to be in a space where people were pushing the boundaries of creativity and thinking about the future of fashion – AUB felt like the right place to make that happen.

During my studies, I’ve worked on blending New Chinese Style fashion with 3D technology, but my inspiration started long before this course began. Back in China, I had the opportunity to be involved in my family’s Xiangyunsha clothing store, which specialises in this unique traditional fabric. Xiangyunsha, with its eco-friendly dyeing process and deep cultural roots, has always fascinated me.

At AUB, I’ve taken this heritage and sought to modernise it. My vision is to combine garments with cutting-edge 3D tools, creating digital prototypes of these garments to explore how we can maintain traditional craftsmanship while embracing sustainability through technology. This allows me to reduce waste by creating virtual samples, making it possible to experiment with designs and patterns digitally before committing to the physical production process.

This connection between the physical and the digital worlds is something I’m deeply passionate about. For instance, I’ve used Twinmotion to create virtual showrooms that immerse viewers in my designs. Last semester, I showcased my spring and winter collections in two distinct showrooms. Spring was filled with delicate, flowing Xiangyunsha pieces in soft pastels, reflecting the lightness of the season. Winter was a contrast of deeper colours and thicker fabrics, portraying the resilience of traditional materials and garments in harsher climates.

This semester, I’m working on expanding the seasonal collections with summer and autumn. The summer designs are focused on vibrant colours and light fabrics that reflect the heat and energy of the season, while the autumn collection will showcase richer tones, layered textures, and a more mysterious, introspective vibe.

Working on these collections has not been without challenges. Translating the tactile, physical experience of traditional fashion into a digital format requires a lot of creative problem-solving. I wanted my New Chinese designs to retain their sense of tradition while feeling fresh and relevant in a virtual world. Capturing the intricate details of fabric, the weight of cultural history, and the fluidity of garments through 3D modelling has been a tough but rewarding process.

One of the highlights has been seeing how my digital designs come to life in a virtual space. With VR technology, viewers can now step into a digital showroom and fully immerse themselves in the designs. They can experience the garments in motion, feel the atmosphere of the seasons, and engage with fashion on a level that traditional catwalks or lookbooks simply can’t offer. It’s the fusion of art, technology, and culture that excites me more than anything.

A key aspect of my experience at AUB has been the opportunity to attend hands-on workshops and collaborate with professionals from the fashion and tech industries. These workshops have been crucial in helping me develop my skills in 3D modelling, VR development, and digital fashion design. What I love most is how practical the programme is – everything we learn can immediately be applied to our projects.

Beyond the technical skills, the connections I’ve made have been invaluable. AUB attracts a diverse, talented group of creatives, and being able to work alongside them has really broadened my perspective. From classmates to industry experts, every conversation and collaboration has been an opportunity to grow, both as a designer and a thinker.

To anyone considering the MA Digital Fashion Innovation course, my biggest piece of advice is to embrace the challenges. This programme will push you out of your comfort zone, but that’s where the magic happens. Don’t be afraid to experiment, to fail, and to rethink your approach to fashion. The future of fashion is digital, and this programme gives you the tools and the freedom to explore what that future looks like.

I’d also recommend blending tradition with innovation. For me, merging New Chinese Style with 3D technology has been a way to honour my cultural heritage while pushing it into new, exciting spaces. Whatever your background or inspiration, use it to create something fresh and groundbreaking.

In the end, my journey at AUB has been about more than just fashion – it’s been about finding new ways to express creativity, to engage with technology, and to think sustainably. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of fashion, AUB is where you need to be.