For a week, students presented their fashion proposals in a pioneering space in Chile that involved business and academia.
On Monday, November 25th, the Design School at Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD) marked a significant milestone in design training in Chile with the launch of Modactiva. This is the first temporary showroom created entirely by university students on Boulevard 2 of Parque Arauco. For one week, the showroom showcased exclusive pieces designed and crafted by students from the Fashion Design and Management programme, who also took on the responsibility of creating the showroom.
The inaugural event was attended by various UDD authorities, including the prorector, Ernesto Silva; the dean of the Design School, Alejandra Amenábar; the members of the UDD Board of Trustees, Claudia Fehlandt and Christian Shturms; the director of the Fashion Design and Management major, Natalia Yáñez; and the Center Manager of Parque Arauco, Cinthia Hurtado.
In his inaugural speech, the prorector emphasized the importance of this initiative for UDD. «As a university, particularly within the Design degree, we strive to maintain connections with institutions and companies that enhance our pursuit of excellence and innovation. We thank Parque Arauco for their trust in us and for allowing us to showcase the talent and dedication of our students. This collaboration embodies our mission to train enterprising and innovative professionals.»
In his inaugural speech, the prorector highlighted the significance of this initiative for UDD. «As a university, particularly within the Design degree program, we strive to maintain strong connections with institutions and companies that support our pursuit of excellence and innovation. We express our gratitude to Parque Arauco for their trust in us and for providing the opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of our students. This collaboration embodies our mission to train entrepreneurs and innovative professionals.»
Additionally, the authority emphasized that this initiative aligns with the university’s educational pillars. “It is no coincidence that a few months ago, UDD received recognition as the university with the greatest impact on Entrepreneurship for 2024 at the international ‘Triple E Awards,’ organized by the Accreditation Council of Entrepreneurial and Connected Universities (ACEEU) in Sao Paulo, Brazil,” he added.
Dean Alejandra Amenábar emphasized that Modactiva represents a significant milestone in the professionalisation of fashion in Chile. She stated, «This showroom is more than just a display; it reflects who we are and our future direction as a school. It also marks a special occasion, coinciding with the graduation of the first cohort of the Fashion Design and Management degree. This project showcases our students’ ability to tackle market and industry challenges with creativity, sustainability awareness, and strategic vision.»
Natalia Yáñez, director of the Fashion Design and Management programme, emphasised the transformative approach of the project: “Modactiva is an example of the potential of design to contribute to a circular and responsible local economy. This initiative allows our students to apply their knowledge in a real environment, integrating sustainability, technology, and business.»
Over 250 students participated in this initiative, working passionately to create more than 300 garments sold in a pop-up event at the end of November. This event occurred just before Christmas, the most significant sales period for national retail.
Supported by the Teaching and Research Innovation Funds of UDD, awarded to the Director of Fashion Design and Management, this project demonstrates UDD Design’s commitment to addressing the challenges of productive activity. It showcases the ability to develop value proposals aligned with the industry’s fundamental dynamics.
The collaboration with Parque Arauco was a key factor in the event’s success. It is Chile’s most recognized shopping centre and receives around 130,000 customers daily.
Cinthia Hurtado, the Centre Manager of Parque Arauco, stated, «The opening of Modactiva at Parque Arauco reaffirms our commitment to provide our visitors with unique and distinctive experiences continually. This newly created space, the first university area in a shopping centre, enables us to support and showcase young talent while promoting innovation in design and fashion.»
