Fashion Students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Redefine Runway Shows with AI-Enhanced 3D Design
In the spring of 2025, fashion students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa took a significant leap into the future of fashion design. Under the guidance of Associate Professor Ju-Young Kang, students in the FDM 338: 2D/3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) course integrated artificial intelligence (AI) with traditional 3D design software to create lifelike virtual fashion collections. This innovative approach marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program.
🌟 Pioneering the Fusion of AI and Fashion Design
The FDM 338 course has long been at the forefront of digital fashion education, utilizing tools like OptiTex for 3D garment visualization and Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for fashion illustration. In 2025, the curriculum expanded to include AI platforms, enabling students to generate realistic images and videos of their designs. This integration allowed for more dynamic and efficient design processes, enhancing students’ creative capabilities.(University of Hawaii at Manoa)
Professor Kang expressed immense pride in her students’ achievements, noting their dedication to mastering both 2D/3D CAD tools and AI technologies. She emphasized the rewarding experience of guiding students through the exploration of new creative avenues in digital design.
🎬 Showcasing Innovation at the 59th Lasting Legacies Fashion Exhibition
On May 2, 2025, fifty-four students presented their AI-enhanced virtual fashion collections at the 59th Lasting Legacies fashion exhibition held at the UH Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom. The event attracted over 190 guests who witnessed the seamless blend of AI and 3D design in the students’ work. The exhibition featured two group lines and twelve mini-collections, presented through a combination of museum-style displays, live runway shows, and AI-generated videos.(cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu)
Student Samantha Maeda highlighted the empowering experience of using AI platforms in the FDM 338 project. She noted that the ability to quickly generate professional-quality visuals not only accelerated the design process but also made it more accessible and inspiring.
🧠 A Glimpse into the Future of Fashion Education
The incorporation of AI into the FDM 338 curriculum reflects a broader trend in fashion education, where technology plays an increasingly central role. By equipping students with skills in both traditional design software and emerging AI tools, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate and innovate within the evolving fashion industry.
The success of this initiative underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in fostering creativity and innovation. As AI continues to shape various sectors, its integration into fashion design education at UH Mānoa sets a precedent for other institutions aiming to prepare students for the future of the industry.
For more information on the FDM program and its innovative courses, visit the UH Mānoa FDM Department website.
