Shape Shifters by A.Fenuta from uk

Research:

The rapid pace of the fashion industry has led to mindless mass consumption and the obliteration of seasonality in fashion. Currently, fashion houses showcase four to six collections per year, with various offerings throughout each collection displaying redundancy in fabrication and silhouette. This led me to question how to innovate within this realm; anticipating the development of more intelligent and adaptable construction that embeds shape change.

Throughout the duration of my MA in Material Futures from Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, my final project aimed to answer the question:

Can the development of modular-based garments create a dynamic silhouette?

Shape Shifters aims to explore how modular principles can be applied to textile design to create dynamic garments with embedded silhouette versatility. Specifically, focus is placed on the linking of modular components via hinge-based systems. This provides the wearer freedom to configure the garment’s silhouette based on style preference. Ultimately, it is about developing a more intelligent way of manufacturing garments, whilst also interrogating current mass consumption and how to innovate within the idea of seasonality in fashion.

Artistic + Technological Qualities

I applied to the Masters in Material Futures at Central Saint Martins [UK] with a technical background in Fashion Design [B. Des (Hons) from Ryerson University [Canada]]. Throughout the research and development of the project, traditional construction via industrial machinery was utilized, alongside traditional pattern drafting techniques. Adobe platforms-including Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop were explored to develop files to be laser cut for initial prototypes. Sampling also included the use of Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing technology, where multi-materials of various rigidities were utilized to test if the textile could be printed in one process and remove the assembly component of the procedure. The project’s main discovery was that 3d printing technology is not a suitable replace for the ‘textile,’ as hinge points did not work based on the friction of the most flexible 3d print materials available on the market today. This discovery led me back to more traditional methods for the full-scale initial prototypes, where the intersection of natural and man-made materials, followed by a passive hinge system allowed for silhouette variability and comfort on the body. A variety of fabrications, reversible prints etc. can be utilized to create an even more unique product.

The use of Rhinoceros 3D software and Grasshopper plug-in platforms alongside Digits2Widgets contributed to the research and development of modular garments based on silhouette changeability.

An animation has been enclosed to display the various silhouette configurations. This animation could become a tool for digital engagement in retail to provide the wearer with a custom visualization. [ password to vimeo link: angelene]

Enriching Peoples Lives

Through the development of Shape Shifters, I believe this will enrich people’s lives by providing an adaptable garment that will serve a variety of purposes; minimizing consumption whilst maximizing individuality.

Specifically, the garment system evokes a sense of play, while offering active participation in design and encouraging positive self-image.