RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEXTILE AND FASHION INDUSTRIES: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE “KYIVTEX&FASHION” 2026 CONFERENCE

On October 15, 2026, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted the 10th International Scientific and Practical Conference on Textile and Fashion Technologies “KyivTex& Fashion”— an important scientific event that brings together representatives of the academic community, educational institutions, business, and industry to discuss current trends and prospects for the development of the textile and fashion industries.

This year’s conference marked its tenth anniversary, attesting to the continuity of scientific traditions, the development of international partnerships, and KNUTD’s consistent efforts to integrate education, science, and production. Representatives from Ukrainian and foreign universities, research institutions, professional associations, design brands, and light industry enterprises participated in the international scientific forum. The broad geographic scope of international cooperation included, in particular, France, Germany, Greece, Albania, Moldova, Latvia, Israel, and other countries.

Issues related to the development of international scientific cooperation, the implementation of innovative technologies, the training of highly qualified specialists, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s light industry sector took on particular significance in the context of the conference. Amid a full-scale war, the relevance of these tasks has increased significantly. The development of functional textile materials, specialized clothing, and personal protective equipment is crucial for ensuring the country’s defense capabilities, supporting Ukrainian manufacturers, and the country’s future recovery

The highlight of the event was the plenary session, moderated by Yana Redko, Ph.D. in Technical Sciences, professor, and dean of the Faculty of Fashion and Technology, who emphasized the special significance of the anniversary conference, which over the past ten years has become a prestigious platform for exchanging experiences, presenting research findings, and discussing pressing issues in the development of the textile and fashion industries. Special words of gratitude were extended to the Rector of KNUTD, Doctor of Economics, Professor Oleksandra Olshanska, for her comprehensive assistance and support of the Faculty of Fashion and Technology’s academic initiatives, as well as to the Honorary Professor, Lyudmyla Zubkova, former dean of the faculty, who, through her many years of work, professionalism, dedication, and significant personal contribution, established and developed the faculty’s traditions and initiated our international conference.

Talat Belyalov, Ph.D. in Economics, Professor, Vice Rector for Scientific, Pedagogical, and Educational Activities, and Acting Rector of KNUTD, and Victoria Margasova, Ph.D. in Economics, Professor, Vice Rector for Scientific and International Activities, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks. The speeches emphasized the importance of international scientific partnerships, the practical implementation of research findings, and the integration of the potential of education, science, and industry.

Representatives of Ukrainian and foreign institutions of higher education and professional organizations joined in the congratulations.

Janis Gailitis, Head of the Development and Communications Department at the Latvian Academy of Arts (Republic of Latvia), emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the modern fashion industry and the interconnection between design, technology, culture, and the economy. He paid particular attention to digitalization, new materials, sustainable development, and international partnerships as prerequisites for the industry’s innovative progress.

In her address, Olena Morozova, President of Fashion Academy Paris (France), emphasized the importance of creative thinking, professional expertise, and modern technologies in training future designers, as well as the need to support international educational and professional dialogue.

Natalia Dudchenko, Dr. Eng., a leading research fellow at the Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Bar-Ilan University (Israel), expressed her support for Ukrainian scientists and commended their resilience and dedication to scientific work amid the war. She emphasized the importance of maintaining international academic ties and creating new opportunities for joint research. Natalia Gudzenko, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials at the Technical University of Kaiserslautern (Germany), also delivered a welcoming address.

Lyudmila Ivanova, director of Dana-Moda LLC, recipient of the Boris Paton National Prize of Ukraine, and member of the Light Industry Education, Investment, and Technology Cluster, emphasized that even under the difficult conditions of wartime, Ukrainian manufacturers are demonstrating a high level of resilience by implementing full production cycles and expanding their export markets. Tetyana Ivanishyna, Ph.D. in Engineering, Associate Professor, and Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Design at Khmelnytskyi National University, emphasized the importance of interuniversity cooperation, academic mobility, and the implementation of joint educational and research projects. In her view, pooling the intellectual potential of higher education institutions helps in finding effective solutions to the current challenges facing the light industry. Honored guests and fellow researchers from the Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University visited KNUTD: Galina Ripka, Ph.D. in Engineering, Associate Professor, and Head of the Department of Light Industry Technologies, and Yevhen Maznev, Ph.D. in Engineering, Associate Professor. Ms. Galina wished the conference participants success, engaging presentations, and constructive discussions.

The plenary session’s agenda covered topical issues such as state quality assurance for defense textile products, the development of functional materials, the digital transformation of production, the improvement of design technologies, and the training of specialists for the fashion industry.

The topic “State Quality Assurance for Defense Textiles: Current Status and Prospects” was presented by Yuriy Melnytskyi, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate for State Quality Assurance, Colonel. The issues discussed concerned ensuring the quality of defense textiles, which is particularly relevant given the heightened requirements for the reliability, functionality, and safety of materials and products used for defense purposes..

A key part of the program was a presentation by Ivan Frolov — a candidate of art history, designer, founder of the FROLOV brand, and member of the Ukrainian Designers’ Union—on the topic “The Functional Versatility of FROLOV Corsetry: A Synthesis of Traditional Construction, Proprietary Technology, and Modern Materials.” The presentation explored the possibilities of reimagining traditional design solutions, utilizing elastic materials, and creating garments that combine functionality with aesthetic expressiveness. The approach presented demonstrated the potential of integrating proprietary design technologies into the development of a contemporary clothing collection.

Tetiana Spahiu, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Textiles and Fashion at the Polytechnic University of Tirana (Albania), presented a paper titled “Digital Transformation of Footwear Design and Manufacturing: Tools, Technologies, and Applications.” The speaker explored the potential of using digital foot scanning, 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and automation in the footwear industry. Using examples of experimental models, she demonstrated the application of 3D printing for creating footwear prototypes, as well as the prospects for using smart materials and sensor technologies. Particular attention was paid to product personalization, improving ergonomics, and optimizing manufacturing processes.

The program for the international academic discussion also featured a presentation by Eurydice Papachristou, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Creative Design at the International Hellenic University (Greece), – “A Review of 3D Design Knowledge and Its Impact on Creativity in Fashion Design Education.” The topic highlighted the importance of digital competencies and 3D design for developing the creative potential of future designers.

Yevgeniya Kholod, head of the B2B sales department at Fashion Production House “JL” (Ukraine), highlighted the practical aspects of the interaction between design creativity and industrial production in her presentation titled “From Design Concept to Industrial Launch: How to Adapt Creativity to Real-World Production.” Using the example of bringing a complex designer dress made of eco-leather to market, she demonstrated the step-by-step process of transitioning from a creative concept to mass production. The speaker discussed the specifics of patternmaking, material selection, the technical processing of complex components, the production of prototypes, and quality control. It was emphasized that effective communication between the designer, patternmaker, and production engineer, as well as thorough preparation of technical documentation, are key factors in the successful implementation of complex design solutions into production.

Maksym Korochkov, Chief Operating Officer of Ukrtekstil LLC, OZON (Ukraine), presented a report titled “Workwear: From Concept to Final Solution.” In his presentation, the company representative focused primarily on a comprehensive approach to the development of workwear, taking into account operating conditions, functional purpose, and the individual needs of users. He emphasized the importance of selecting textile materials based on a combination of physical, mechanical, hygienic, and performance characteristics, including breathability, hygroscopicity, colorfastness, and dimensional stability after washing. Special attention was given to laboratory testing, certification, and direct cooperation between the manufacturer and customers.

The topic of innovative textile materials in the plenary session program was presented by Igor Ivanov, Ph.D., co-founder of System Research and Technologies LLC (Ukraine), in a presentation titled “The Direction of Development for Innovative Textiles: Safety, Protection, and Recovery.” This focus outlined the prospects for the development of functional textiles centered on protective properties, user safety, and the application of materials in fields related to recovery.

Following the plenary session, the conference continued its work across four thematic platforms: “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of the Fashion Industry,” “Current Aspects of Materials Science and Technologies in the Textile and Fashion Industries,” “Information Technologies and Innovations in the Textile and Fashion Industries,” and “Current Issues in Training Specialists for the Fashion Industry.”.

Representatives of KNUTD served as moderators for the platforms: Oksana Vodzinska, Ph.D. in Engineering, Associate Professor in the Department of Fashion Technology; Lilia Navolska, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Fashion and Style; Alla Kolodyazhna, Ph.D. in Psychology, Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology and Continuing Professional Education; Lilia Chertenko, Ph.D. in Engineering, Associate Professor of the Department of Fashion Technology.

As part of the joint work of the conference’s thematic platforms, graduate students and undergraduates from the Faculty of Fashion and Technology presented research papers on current issues in the development of the textile and fashion industries, including the creation of functional materials, the improvement of clothing and footwear design technologies, the digitization of production processes, the development of personal protective equipment, and the training of specialists for the fashion industry.

The scientific presentations highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary research in the textile and fashion industries, the importance of integrating scientific developments with the practical needs of production, and the significant potential of digital technologies, innovative materials science, and human-centered design. Participants paid particular attention to research aimed at ensuring inclusivity, enhancing the functionality and safety of products, and improving the professional training of future specialists. We sincerely thank all participants, authors, and academic advisors for their active participation, insightful presentations, interest, and contribution to the development of the scientific community!

A separate segment of the conference program was a roundtable discussion with representatives from education, business, and leading organizations in the fashion industry, dedicated to the prospects for developing and improving educational and vocational training programs for higher education students in the specializations G15 (182) “Light Industry Technologies” and A5 (015) “Vocational Education (Light Industry Technologies).” The roundtable’s stated agenda focused on strengthening the practical component of vocational training, addressing the current needs of light industry enterprises, developing partnerships with employers, and ensuring that educational programs align with current technological trends.

The conference reaffirmed the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach to the development of the textile and fashion industries, within which engineering technologies, materials science, design, digital tools, pedagogy, and the psychology of professional development interact in the process of training competitive specialists.

The Xth International Scientific and Practical Conference “KyivTex&Fashion” served as an important platform for international scientific dialogue, the presentation of innovative developments, the exchange of practical experience, and the strengthening of partnerships between universities and businesses. This anniversary scientific forum demonstrated the consistent efforts of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design to develop scientific and educational potential, integrate modern technologies into professional training, and support the light industry in the face of contemporary challenges.

We wish all participants inspiration, the successful realization of their aspirations, and a peaceful future in which science, education, and creativity will open up new opportunities for future generations. May scientific achievements, professional collaboration, and a shared commitment to development bring us closer to our most cherished dream—peace in Ukraine!

23.10.2026