At the Department of Fashion and Style, on December 10–11, 2025, meetings of the examination boards were held for the defense of qualification theses (projects) by Master’s degree students of full-time and part-time forms of study in the specialty 182 Technologies of Light Industry, within the educational and professional programs Modeling, Design, and Artistic Decoration of Light Industry Products and Garment Design and Technologies. During the defenses, the students competently presented the results of their research, applying innovative approaches to addressing current challenges of the garment industry, including the implementation of modern computer technologies, adaptation to the conditions of martial law, and issues of ensuring product quality at all stages of production.

The public defenses of qualification theses and projects under both educational and professional programs were conducted under the chairmanship of Liudmyla Ivanova, Director of DANA-MODA LLC, Laureate of the Boris Paton National Prize of Ukraine, member of the Educational Investment and Technology Cluster of the Light Industry of Kyiv, and a long-term partner of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD). The examination boards included the Head of the Department and academic staff of the Department of Fashion and Style. Honorary guests at the qualification thesis defenses included Liudmyla Hanushchak-Yefimenko, Vice-Rector for Research and International Activities, and Olha Kordzaia, a representative of the brand “the COAT by Katya Silchenko”.

Master’s degree students of the educational program “Modeling, Design, and Artistic Decoration of Light Industry Products” presented qualification works on current topics that combine creative, practical, and scientific approaches to the design of clothing and light industry products. Among the presented works were projects of creative collections of women’s clothing using digital technologies (CLO 3D, Julivi, Figma, Xara, etc.), demonstrating the integration of modern design software and advanced modeling methods; creative collections of festive women’s clothing that combine aesthetic expressiveness, current fashion trends, and national traditions.Additionally, the defenses included collections of women’s clothing inspired by architectural landmarks, where architectural motifs were incorporated into silhouettes, decorative elements, and fabrics. Furthermore, an original project of textile decorative pillows was presented, combining creative design with practical functionality.

In addition, scientific works were presented on the improvement of protective and specialized clothing, including designs for military aviation pilots, developed with consideration of ergonomics and reliability in extreme conditions; specialized clothing meeting HACCP requirements, ensuring hygiene and convenience when handling food products; and military medical organizers that enhance mobility and efficiency of tactical medics during the provision of aid in combat conditions.

The research presented in the qualification works of the educational program “Garment Design and Technologies” covered a wide range of current areas addressing contemporary challenges. The topics of the works ranged from strategically important developments in specialized and protective clothing (for defense, occupational safety, and extreme conditions) to the implementation of innovative digital technologies (including 3D CAD for virtual prototyping and the creation of creative collections) and the optimization of key design and technological processes in modern garment production.

A significant portion of the qualification works was dedicated to the improvement of personal protective equipment, which is particularly relevant in current conditions. The research encompassed the enhancement of technologies for manufacturing modular bulletproof vests to increase ballistic protection, ergonomics, and reliability, as well as the development of protective clothing for electricians using flame-resistant and antistatic materials. Special attention was also given to the creation of high-tech insulated clothing for work in extreme climatic conditions.

Another area of work focused on the digital transformation of production processes in the light industry. Creative and technological projects were presented using 3D CAD for virtual prototyping of garments, fit verification, and cost reduction. Automated garment design using open-source software was also considered, which is particularly suitable for educational institutions and small enterprises. In addition, the research was aimed at improving shape retention and refining the technologies for manufacturing jackets for industrial production, highlighting a sustained interest in engineering and technological standards as well as enhancing the efficiency of production processes.

Despite the challenging conditions of martial law, the students, under the guidance of the academic staff of the Department of Fashion and Style, successfully completed their qualification works and projects at a high level. Their works were distinguished by relevance and practical value, as well as creativity and innovative solutions, which elicited positive feedback, lively discussion, and engaging questions from the chair and members of the examination boards. The students provided clear, well-reasoned, and substantive answers, further confirming the high level of their professional training.

In conclusion, the members of the examination boards expressed their sincere gratitude to the students for their perseverance and creativity, wished them courage in implementing their most ambitious ideas, and emphasized that the university will always remain a place for their academic and professional development.

The KNUTD university community warmly congratulates the graduates on the successful defense of their qualification works and the attainment of their long-awaited second (Master’s) degree! May the knowledge you have gained serve as a strong foundation for your successful future!

We wish you boundless energy, creative inspiration, and professional success on your path toward implementing innovative developments in the domestic light industry. May your knowledge and skills make a significant contribution to its growth and to the strengthening of our nation!

26.12.2025