Why the title “Science Fashion”? Because it evokes Science Fiction, as the work of the involved creatives blurs the line between science and visionary thinking. Their aesthetic may seem innovative, futuristic, or fantastical, but their commitment is genuine and driven by a need to tackle pressing issues such as the environment, climate, energy, and species coexistence. Divided into four thematic sections — RENEWAL, DEMATERIALISATION, INTERACTION, and RECOVERY — the conference seeks to present innovative ideas that do not aim to create new trends or fashions, but rather to contribute to a profound transformation in how fashion and the designer's role are understood. The goal is to reflect on and question alternative ways of conceiving, creating, or producing something that fits within a broader definition of fashion—one that is no longer solely about wearability and functionality. It is no coincidence that some of this research explores pure virtuality, beyond the physical body and matter. Others recreate matter by combining natural principles with human knowledge, giving rise to a form of ‘nature of second level’—intelligent and adaptable. Some focus on the synthesis of technology and clothing, while others highlight the importance of solidarity and the inextricable power of human co-creativity.

Intentionally conceived as a series of contributions from different and even opposing perspectives, the “Science Fashion” series of talks aims to explore future prospects not only within the fashion industry but, above all, in education across creative disciplines such as fashion, design, and art, and their intersections.

It is no coincidence that the conference is co-organised with the Fashion Design BA, NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti and the Master’s programme in Fashion Theory and Practices at Sapienza University of Rome and UnitelmaSapienza.

On 12 May, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., NABA host two workshops open to students:

1. On RENEWAL & RECOVERY with Christina Dörfler
2. On INTERACTION with Giulia Tomasello

On May 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Romana Andò will curate a collective brainstorming session at MACRO titled “The Digital Turn in Fashion Education: Experimentation, Heritage, and New Perspectives.”

IN COLLABORATION WITH

Sapienza University of Rome and UnitelmaSapienza; NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Rome; University of Art and Design, Linz; University of Technology, Bydgoszcz; Arizona State University; the Academy of Fine Arts, Catanzaro and Gerrit Rietveld Academy, Amsterdam.