On the 23rd and 24th of October 2024, the FaiR Fashion Project officially launched with our first Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) in the vibrant city of Mönchengladbach, Germany. Hosted by our partners at Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (NUAS), the meeting set the stage for collaboration, creativity, and ambitious goals for transforming fashion education.
Mönchengladbach, nestled in North Rhine-Westphalia, provided the perfect setting for our gathering. Known for its rich history and innovation, this city lies west of the Rhine, halfway between Düsseldorf and the Dutch border. The meeting took place at NUAS’s impressive HNX Start-up Lab, a hub for entrepreneurial innovation—a fitting venue for the start of an exciting journey!
Day 1: Building Connections and Laying Foundations
We kicked off Day 1 with opening and welcoming remarks, followed by a chance to get to know each other better over lunch. Each partner presented their organisation, showcasing the diversity and expertise we bring to the project.
NUAS led the way by presenting the project objectives, timeline, and work packages (WPs), giving everyone a clear vision of where we’re headed. EUEI then introduced the Digital Tools for Collaboration and Communication, ensuring we have the systems in place to stay connected and productive.
The focus then shifted to WP1: Project Management, where we dove into essential topics:
- A hands-on workshop covering project management, quality, and sustainability.
- Development of an evaluation strategy, including regular reporting every three months.
- A sustainability roadmap to integrate the project's outcomes into the daily operations of partner organisations.
The day ended on a high note with a team dinner at Sonderbar restaurant, where conversations flowed and connections deepened.
Day 2: Diving into WP2 and Beyond
Day 2 began with a workshop session on WP2, focusing on the methodology for the Toolkit and Case Studies—a cornerstone of the project. NUAS gave an inspiring presentation about their Textile and Clothing Technology Faculty, highlighting the expertise they bring to FaiR Fashion.
We also held a productive workshop to align partner timelines and commitments for WP2 development. The team’s enthusiasm and dedication were evident as we mapped out a clear path forward.
Finally, we turned our attention to WP5, covering strategy, branding, marketing, and the creation of the project website. With so many creative ideas and contributions, this session set the tone for how we’ll share our journey with the wider world.
Looking Ahead
The first TPM was an incredible success, filled with energy, collaboration, and a shared commitment to transforming fashion education. Each partner brought their unique strengths to the table, creating a strong foundation for the work ahead.
We left Mönchengladbach inspired and ready to tackle the next steps of FaiR Fashion. Stay tuned as we continue to build momentum and share updates from this groundbreaking project!