Design Student Andrea Hurajova created a collection using only one material
Graduating this summer, Andrea Hurajova became interested in monomaterials. She developed a loop closure system for her thesis collection that replaces buttons and zippers, making the garments easily recyclable.
Andrea Hurajova from Slovakia is one of the first students to be selected for HAMK’s Smart and Sustainable Design programme, which was established four years ago. Andrea wanted to work in fashion, but sustainability is important to her. After exploring her options, she chose HAMK.
Her studies have met her expectations. Andrea appreciates the comprehensive foundation provided by her program and the willingness of the instructors to continuously improve courses based on feedback.
“We learned a lot from different areas, helping us discover our interests, whether in design, graphic design, or sewing.”
One of the highlights of her studies was the collaboration projects.
“We had projects either with companies or as group work, some slightly outside fashion design. These projects broadened my perspectives.”
Andrea particularly recalls a fashion video project filming the collections made by design students and participating in the Finnish Craft and Design Fair.
“These experiences were invaluable as they offered a taste of real work life and the diversity of design.”
Internships in Berlin and Globe Hope
Andrea’s first internship took her to Berlin, working with a small brand.
“It was a one-woman workshop where clothes were designed and made to measure for clients. I learned a lot about pattern making and proper tailoring,” she explains.
Her second internship was with Globe Hope, a Finnish sustainable fashion company. There, she helped with product descriptions, technical drawings, and materials.
“It was a different experience compared to my first internship as it involved larger-scale production. It was great to see both sides of the industry.”
In her thesis, Andrea focused on monomaterialism, which she believes is a new but potentially rising trend in design.
“My goal was to find solutions for opening and closing garments using only one material, making them easily recyclable.”
Andrea developed interlocking loops to replace buttons and zippers, all made from cotton fabric. See video!
Currently, Andrea is interested in the production phase involving product illustrations and patterns. She dreams of having her own brand someday.
“I enjoy a bit of everything. I want to try the entire design process myself, solve problems, and see what comes out. However, finding a job in this competitive industry is challenging. I would like to stay in Finland for work.”
A Spark from Grandma
Andrea’s passion for design dates back to her childhood.
“Making clothes and sewing projects were always my hobbies, likely influenced by my grandmother. I got my first sewing machine at 15 and taught myself a lot through YouTube videos. I started with simple circle skirts.”
“I was never sure if I wanted to turn my hobby into a career because I didn’t want to lose the joy it brought me. So far, that hasn’t happened.”
Besides fashion, Andrea enjoys solving puzzles, crocheting, and gardening. “I have these grandma hobbies,” she laughs.