The COUTURE final conference, hosted by the European University of Tirana (UET), brought together all project partners for a day of presentations, demonstrations and dialogue focused on curriculum innovation, sustainable fashion pedagogy and industry linkages. The programme included an overview of the project and its deliverables, partner presentations on module development and methodology, and practitioner input on internships and employment outcomes linked to COUTURE.
A highlight of the event was the student showcase: fashion students from partner institutions presented finished design projects on site, demonstrating how COUTURE methodology translates into practical work — from concept sketches and material experiments to completed garments that combine traditional motifs with contemporary design. A dedicated pop-up exhibition of Albanian traditional costumes further illustrated the project’s emphasis on heritage-informed innovation.
Sessions also explored the pathway from classroom to market: partners reported on piloted modules, work-based learning results and the measurable impact of internships on graduate employability. Practical demonstrations and a focused industry presentation underlined sustainable trends and the role of internships in creating job opportunities for students involved in the project.
The conference closed with reflections on achievements and next steps for sustaining and scaling COUTURE outputs—consolidating piloted modules, expanding internship placements, and promoting the COUTURE teaching model across the region. Overall, the event successfully showcased the project’s pedagogical innovations and tangible benefits for students, universities and industry partners.
