FABRIQUE began as a student project at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), within the Industrial Design department. The project tackled one of fashion’s biggest issues: textile waste. Recognizing that 87% of discarded clothing is incinerated or sent to landfills, the team designed a system to repurpose leftover fabric scraps from clothing production into new garments with the help of AI.

The core innovation is an AI-assisted design and fabrication system. Users scan fabric scraps using the FABRIQUE BOX, which processes the material dimensions and textures. Based on body measurements, skill level, and personal preferences, the AI generates unique, aesthetic clothing designs that maximize scrap usage. The system then provides blueprints and sewing instructions, empowering users to transform waste into wearables. Beyond individual use, the concept extends into fabric exchange platforms, locker networks for material sharing, and community-driven upcycling initiatives.

From its early iterations, the project gained traction for blending sustainability, technology, and design aesthetics. It went through multiple prototyping phases—first as a speculative machine for large-scale fashion brands, and later refined into a consumer-friendly device for urban, sustainability-minded users. Alongside hardware and UI development, the project explored business models, competitor analysis, and strategies for scaling into a viable startup.

FABRIQUE’s vision resonated beyond academia. It was:

• Featured at Milan Design Week 2023, drawing attention from designers, investors, and sustainability advocates.

• Awarded “Among Best Project” by TU/e’s Industrial Design department, recognizing its innovation and societal relevance.

• Commemorated forever in the TU/e portfolio book, ensuring its legacy as a landmark project.

  
  

Today, FABRIQUE has evolved from a student project to a startup venture, backed by interested investors. It is currently in the process of securing patents before entering the next stage of development and commercialization.

At its core, FABRIQUE stands as a bridge between fashion and sustainability, demonstrating how AI and design innovation can reshape the fashion industry from waste-heavy to waste-conscious, empowering both individuals and brands to create beauty out of scraps.

Learn more on fabriquedesign.nl