TechStyleLAB
TechStyleLAB – Where fashion meets technology
Our creative tech hub is open to everyone. Located in Rockwell Hall, 114, the TechStyleLAB is a place where you can explore and learn using digital fabrication tools. From digital textile printing, laser cutting, and embroidering to 3D printing, AR/VR, volumetric fashion experiments, and biodesign the TechStyleLAB has something for anyone interested in the future of fashion.
Whether you’re a student, faculty member, industry professional, or someone in the community with an idea to pursue, you’re welcome to use our TechStyleLAB. You’ll find the facility at Kent State University School of Fashion.
TechStyleLAB is open during Fall and Spring semesters on Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Why Tech-Led Fashion?
Technology is central to the future of fashion. Digital tools are becoming increasingly vital to design and production, and they can also enable supply chains to become more localized and sustainable. So, it’s important to understand how these tools fit into the commercial context of fashion.
Through the TechStyleLAB, you can explore technologies and techniques that are integral to the commercial industry, helping to set you apart in your career. Our faculty will work closely with you, helping you to realize your digital visions for your collections.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us to support our students, grow your own research or explore a project, please get in touch. We’re always interested in research and grants to collaborate on projects with individuals, research labs, and companies.
Book Your Space
You can drop into the TechStyleLAB but it’s best to make an appointment to secure your space.
TechStyleLAB Collaborative Events and Initiatives
Through the TechStyleLAB, we host several events and initiatives throughout the year. Please check back in the fall for more events!
Fashion Tech Hackathon
This collaborative event connects students, mentors and industry professionals from different schools and companies around the world. Over the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to network, learn, and create as you explore fashion and technology. It’s one of the most memorable experiences during our degree programs. And in 2021, it grew to become an international virtual event. Starting with the 10th Anniversary Fashion Tech Hackathon in 2023, our hackathon is now held biannually, every two years.
Design Innovation
We are a Design Innovation DI Node. Design Innovation (DI) is a collaboration initiative across Kent State University. It’s a bright meeting of minds, where people from different disciplines come together to use spaces, attend events, and set up discussions to solve real-world problems. You can use a broad range of technologies and resource laboratories to explore innovative ideas.
The DI hub brings everyone and their ideas together in one building near the center of the Kent Campus. You can also access the hub across all Kent State University locations via the DI Ecosystem.
Biodesign
Biodesign is one of the most interesting areas of fashion and technology. Through the TechStyleLAB, you can grow your own materials. We also teach a Biodesign Challenge course collaboratively with CAED/DI/Biology.
If you’d like to get involved and help us plan future offerings in this progressive area of fashion, please get in touch with us at TechStyleLAB@kent.edu