WoW Woman in Fashion Tech I Dr Kadian Gosler, Fashion Tech Design Researcher
Dr. Kadian A Gosler is an intimate apparel designer and researcher whose work is redefining the future of lingerie.
With expertise spanning both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, she seamlessly integrates innovation and artistry to push the boundaries of intimates design.
Her emphasis on future-focused intimates prioritises the wearer’s experience, embracing an experience-centric and woman-centred approach that challenges conventions and sets new standards for the industry. Driven by her interdisciplinary understanding of the design process, Dr. Gosler is at the forefront of creating lingerie that is as innovative as it is empowering.
KDN Research & Design Atelier is a groundbreaking lab-based studio revolutionising lingerie design through advanced research, collaboration, and experience-centred innovation. Bridging the gap between academia and industry, the atelier specialises in developing wearable designs informed by real-world insights and wearer needs. With a mission to inspire the future of intimate apparel, KDN R&D Atelier combines technical expertise and creative ingenuity to deliver designs that prioritise inclusivity, functionality, and forward-thinking craftsmanship.
Tell us a bit about your background and your projects so far.
From the moment I entered New York City’s High School of Fashion Industries, I knew my future lay at the intersection of artistry and innovation within the lingerie world—a realm where technical precision meets boundless creativity. My academic journey, anchored by fashion degrees focused exclusively on intimate apparel, was punctuated by professional experience designing foundations, shapewear, and sleepwear for diverse demographics, from tweens/teens to mature consumers. As the industry is fast-paced, I found the lack of information experiences w’ experiences with the products appalling as a designer. I wanted to design pieces that resonated with wearers. Yet, the industry’s conventional approach left me hungry to drive meaningful change. This resolve led me to pursue a PhD, where I bridged lingerie design with cutting-edge technology and wearer-centric innovation, determined to redefine what intimate apparel could achieve.
During my doctoral research, I mapped the emerging landscape of Bra Wearables (commonly referred to as Smart Bras) and identified a critical gap: the absence of trained intimate’s designers and wearer collaboration in tech-driven solutions. Additionally, I found there was limited research on mature women’s lingerie experience and none on Black women’s. In response, I centred a portion of my research on this invisibilised demographic, uncovering a wealth of knowledge on differences in bra-wearing experience between mature Black and white women. Furthermore, I developed frameworks, approaches and a new design process, enabling wearer collaboration and empathy to be central in designing Bra Wearables. These methodologies were tested through groundbreaking projects, including a stress-relief bra and a cooling bra for mature women, both targeting health and wellness. Post-PhD, I turned to additive manufacturing, mastering 3D-printed lace and lingerie to create flexible, lightweight designs that hinted at the future of sustainable fashion. In 2024, I unveiled the world’s first fully 3D-printed smart bra—a posture-correcting innovation that gently alerts wearers to misalignment—a milestone that cemented my vision. My career is a testament to relentless innovation: blending engineering with artistry, championing wearer-centric design, and proving that “novelty” is simply progress waiting to be embraced.
How did you get into this industry? Has it been an easy industry to get into or have you had many challenges?
It might sound almost romantic, but this industry truly called to me. While I’ll always carry the heart of a traditional lingerie designer, I’ve evolved into a hybrid fashion-tech design researcher—a role that feels like the perfect fusion of creativity and innovation. This unique position allows me to seamlessly blend design with research, which is both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling. As this field is still in its infancy, I find myself not just entering it but actively shaping it. By "shaping," I mean pioneering new approaches, methodologies, and design processes that push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. It’s equal parts thrilling and daunting, but that’s what makes it so incredibly rewarding. In an industry hesitant to pioneer, I’m not just imagining the future of lingerie—I’m building it.
How long did it take you to be where you are now? What was the biggest obstacle? What are the challenges of being in the industry you are in?
It has taken me 14-15 years to reach where I am today, and every step of this journey has been both intentional and transformative. After earning my BFA from the FIT, I discovered my passion for digital design and found myself drawn to an industry that was rapidly embracing computer-aided design. It felt like the perfect fit—until the initial glamour faded, and I realised I craved deeper learning and growth. Returning to school for my MFA in merchandising and marketing was a pivotal decision. It not only challenged me intellectually but also opened my eyes to the intersection of technology and intimates, reshaping my career trajectory in profound ways. I knew my future career had to mix research and design for me to be fulfilled and continuously challenged.
During my MFA, I developed a modular bra concept, sparking a desire to explore innovative technologies in this space. However, I quickly encountered a significant hurdle: the company I was with lacked the R&D resources and vision to bring such ideas to life. This experience highlighted a broader industry challenge—many companies, especially outside the "big three," simply don’t have the facilities, funding, or personnel to invest in meaningful research and development. Even today, this remains one of the most persistent obstacles in this niche field. Despite these challenges, I remain driven to push boundaries and find creative solutions, knowing that innovation often thrives where others see limitations.
What are your biggest achievements to date?
Two of my most significant accomplishments to date have been earning my PhD and being the first to focus on Black women in intimates, and founding KDN Research & Design Atelier. Both achievements required unwavering self-belief and determination, qualities that have been essential in driving my vision forward. These milestones not only reflect my dedication to innovation in the intimate's industry but also underscore my commitment to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful impact through research and design.
What are the projects you are currently working on?
At KDN R&D Atelier, we’re driving the future of intimate apparel through cutting-edge innovation. Currently, I’m leading collaborative projects with global clients to pioneer 3D-printed lingerie and smart wearables that blend advanced technology with artistry—think customisable, sensor-integrated designs that prioritise both aesthetics, health and wellness.
Internally, our team is advancing two transformative bra wearables focused on holistic health, such as posture correction and stress monitoring. We’re also revolutionising material science by refining 3D-printed lace and fabrics for unparalleled comfort and sustainability. Beyond product development, we’re contributing thought leadership to the field through soon-to-be published peer-reviewed research articles, ensuring our breakthroughs shape industry standards. Every initiative at KDN R&D Atelier is rooted in a singular mission: to redefine intimacy as a seamless fusion of innovation, empowerment, and experience-centered design.
Is the #WomenInTech movement important to you and if yes, why?
Yes, the #womenintech movement is important to me. The space needs those with lived experience to lead, provide vital inputs, and approach services, designs, and tech from a woman-centred approach. Too often marginalised women have no voice in tech development and my hope is the #womenintech movement will change that.
What will be the key trends in your industry in the next five years and where do you see them heading?
The 3D-printed lingerie industry is poised to redefine fashion through groundbreaking sustainability and innovation. By leveraging additive manufacturing, brands will be able to eliminate wasteful production practices and embr3D33Dace eco-friendly materials like biodegradable polymers, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious fashion. Simultaneously, 3D printing unlocks unparalleled design freedom, enabling intricate, lightweight structures and functional elements—think breathable mesh panels or anatomically precise support systems—that traditional methods cannot replicate. If not whole 3D-printed concepts, we will see 3D-printed fabrications, embellishments, and notions added into intimates.
Meanwhile, the technology’s potential to merge health and wellness care, inclusivity, and smart functionality will drive transformative applications. Custom 3D-printed solutions, such as post-surgical bras for breast cancer recovery or therapeutic designs for chronic conditions, will blur the lines between medical devices and everyday wear. This is why it is crucial to understand how intimates are experienced by wearers first before adding technology. By seamlessly integrating sensors for health monitoring or posture correction, 3D printing will also fuel the rise of smart lingerie that empowers wearers with real-time data. The same precision ensures inclusive sizing, catering to diverse ages and body types often overlooked by conventional lingerie. Together, these trends herald a future where lingerie is not just worn but engineered—personalised, purposeful, and poised to revolutionise how we think about intimacy, health, and self-expression.
Thus, while the market may not see physical products within the next 5 years — as these things take time — there will certainly be more research into how these innovative concepts are experienced by the potential wearers. I see a lot more research on the physical, social, psychological and emotional facets of bra wearables and smart technology in intimates.
What is the most important piece of advice you could give to anyone who wants to start a career in this industry?
In the future-focused intimates' industry, my advice is clear: experiment boldly, learn relentlessly, and engage deeply. Collaborate with wearers and professionals from diverse disciplines to develop sample concepts, using these opportunities to build both your portfolio and your expertise. Not every product needs to be polished or finished—what truly matters is the hands-on experience and knowledge you gain along the way. This practical, iterative approach is essential for staying ahead in a field that thrives on innovation and creativity. Embrace the messy process, and let each project expand your understanding and skill set, positioning you as a leader in this dynamic industry.
Who are three inspirational women in your respective industry that you admire?
Madison Maxey
Francesca Rosella
Linette Manuel
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