COHORT - PARTICIPANTS’ PROFILES
Name Aliona Raru
Bio In 2023 I graduated the multidisciplinary intensive course Fabricademy. Recently, I presented my phD thesis in the field of Industrial Engineering. I work as a university lecturer at the Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Design. At the master studies I am the holder of the course „Innovations Through BioDesign” where, together with my students, we approach and applicate technics of obtaining biomaterials and colouring, with natural ingredients, garments and fibres.
Hub Zip House Fashion Hub Moldova
Description ZIPhouse stimulates the creative potential and entrepreneurial spirit in the field of design, contributing to the development of a professional community integrated in the vibrant world of fashion. ZIPhouse offers young designers, startups, professionals and academic stuff a unique opportunity to sharpen their technological skills and design abilities. The center's infrastructure allows for a multi functional and flexible use of space, for co-working, education, design and fashion acceleration, alongside hosting fashion shows, workshops, photo shoots and other events.
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Name Ana Vepkhvadze
Bio Over the last five years, I have immersed myself in the fashion industry with a strong passion for sustainability, which has shaped both my career and personal values. Beyond fashion, I am an internal auditor for ISO9001 in quality management, where I assist companies in refining their business models, improving their organizational and operational practices, and conducting training. In addition to my professional work, I have a deep passion for youth engagement and volunteerism, often participating in projects that involve guiding and supporting young people, which I find incrediblyrewarding and fulfilling.
Hub MATERIEL Tbilisi & GAFA—the Georgian Textile and Fashion Association Georgia
Description MATERIEL Tbilisi, a renowned ready-to-wear fashion brand, and GAFA—the Georgian Textile and Fashion Association.Recently, I have embarked on an exciting venture, leading the development of MTRL, a new brand under the Materiel umbrella. This brand is dedicated to upcycling and sustainability, focusing on creating contemporary, high-quality designs from deadstock fabrics. At GAFA, I work closely with around 40 Georgian companies, fostering collaboration in areas such as logistics, marketing, design, and sustainable development.
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Name Bárbara Correia
Bio I’m a junior fashion designer at Montebelo, where I focus on sourcing, design, and product development. I work closely with clients and factories to ensure a smooth product development process. I studied fashion design in Lisbon, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. My passion lies in creating sustainable fashion, with a particular interest in using natural materials and developing mono material designs that reflect my commitment to environmental responsibility. Recently, I’ve also started learning Clo3D.I’m currently living in Porto, but I’m from a small town in the south of Portugal, very close to the beach and surrounded by nature.
Hub Montebelo Portugal
Description Montebelo is an innovative consultancy and agency for textile supply chains. We act in the field of consultancy and guidance for circular innovation, strategies for material, sourcing, supply chain, and recycling. In the product & development area we focus on research of materials and innovations, development of new materials, sourcing strategies, product design and production management. In the fiel of branding and communication we do brand analysis, visual identity, art direction.We are a multidisciplinary and international team that works with fashion and sportswear brands, textile factories and producers, NGOs in the fashion and textile sector and consultancy firms.
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Name Carlos Alcobia
Bio Carlos is the "Founder and general manager of Buinho, and he holds a PhD in Design and a large experience in the fields of digital fabrication, programming and maker education. Carlos is also the main responsible for all the activities within Buinho Fablab and Creative Hub, which includes the curatorial support of Buinho's Artist in Residency Program, the design of the educational activities of Buinho Educativo program, and the coordination of special sustainability projects like Buinho's Precious Plastic or the Repair Cafés in schools. He also holds a MA in Curatorial Studies, a BA in Economics, and a postgraduate in Robotics and technology for Education.
Hub Buinho Portugal
Description Buinho is a place where artists, makers, researchers, and other creatives can work on their projects in the unique rural environment. Its vision is to build a network of creative spaces in the historic town of Messejana, always available to the members and residents. Those spaces will complement each other and offer diverse possibilities for collaboration and experimentation.
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Name Dovile Cibulskaite
Hub Anykščiai Art Incubator- Art Studio Lithuania
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Name Elena Florea-Burduja
Bio I am a lecturer at the Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Design. I am also a representative of the ZIPHOUSE Fashion Hub in Chisinau and a trainer of designer courses in the use of cad systems in the field of fashion. I did my bachelor's and master's degrees at the Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Design. In 2023, I graduated from the Fabricademy multidisciplinary intensive course. In 2024, I defended my PhD thesis in the field of Industrial Engineering in Iași, Romania. I work as a lecturer at the Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Design where I teach students to use automated 2D and 3D design systems to minimize the negative impact of this field on the environment.
Hub Zip House Fashion Hub Moldova
Description ZIPhouse stimulates the creative potential and entrepreneurial spirit in the field of design, contributing to the development of a professional community integrated in the vibrant world of fashion. ZIPhouse offers young designers, startups, professionals and academic stuff a unique opportunity to sharpen their technological skills and design abilities. The center's infrastructure allows for a multi functional and flexible use of space, for co-working, education, design and fashion acceleration, alongside hosting fashion shows, workshops, photo shoots and other events.
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