3. Circular fashion#
Concept#
I came up with several ideas on how modulars could be interlocked and combined, also looking at existing examples online, I realised I want to improve the ideas further instead of coping the same methodologies from the reading materials.
The existing modular fashion designs are indeed out of the ordinary, and there are many positive aspects of them as stated within the reading materials also online.
However I felt like the method of manually tucking the laser cutted pieces together to form a larger piece has its limitations: (let’s talk about what to improve/upgrade)
- Lacking of efficiency on dividing labours throughout assembling process
- Final products generally don’t look appealing enough to costumers (surface not smooth/fine/light enough, limited choices of textures…etc.)
- Limited options on garment shapes and details after assembling, for the public customers. (For example basic structures like “kimono” jackets or capes are possible to make however tailered pieces or trench coats will need professional garment construction knowledges as well as more than usual amount of time to make)
- …
After debating on the pros and cons of existing modular fashion methodologies within me and and with my designer friends, I decided to focus more on the rest of context on each of the modular pieces, on how it would look more appealing, at the same time with laser cutted no-sew structures on each edges.
To achieve a texture that is fitted to the body and could poterntially be elastic, I am combining auxetic structures into each of my modular pieces.
After interlocking the edes of different modular pieces or by itself, the modular pieces adapt to the body shapes and create a lace-like visual effect.
Design Processes#
The lengths and directions of each line determinate the overall/ regional elastisity of the auxetix modular pieces.
Trying out different compositions of lines to be laser cut into auxetic modular pieces but it only works within a specific pattern
Final modular designs. (Interlocking by the edges)
Conceptual image of how an auxetic modular piece would deform depending on external forces.
Final results#
Single piece worn on mannequin, one end attached to the other of itself. ( at the back)
Material choices: Whichever that would be suitable for laser cutting (non toxic); less fragile textile (need testing in advance).
Notes for laser cut machine induction:#
OPEN–IMPORT
Blue dots (On top left corner of your design)- Origin (where it begins)
Red dots - Set knif origin
*If not want certain section to be cut, untick “output”
Modes:
-Cut
-Engrave (darker cutted)
-Grdient engrave (doesn’t work well)
-Hole (good gor weaving template)
*Corner power usually keep at 20, if more than 20. it might burn the surrounding egdes.
*Speed: 100 (usually as high as you can)
*Power: doesn’t need that much power
*Use 2 hands to open/close the door for laser cut machine
*Press button bit by bit, otherwise long-hold would make it clash into the wall.
*DEL ALL- Erase all previous datas/ files
*If not saved names for file, automatic name as “laser”
*Press “File” - ENTER-
*If laser head stucks while presse button, press “ESCAPE” and do it again.
*Make fabric as flat as possible (to be cut)
*Align. Better position the fabric piece, better in the middle, not touching the walls.
*Unscrew anti- clockwise - Loosen - Woodblock disrupt airflow, still moveable - Press ANCHOR - Press ENTER
*Close door
Turn on fume suction machine (fan)
Start by START, pause by START again
*Beep sound means finished cutting
*Wait for 30 seconds or more, for fume to be gone
After choosing power/ speed setting sample, change main colour (for design) to that group colour.
Cut certain section to avoid fabric moving within sutting process
*Press TEST, laser head to show the region it’s cutting
*For emergency, turn off suction machine, press STOP, two hands open door, then spray water.
*Turn off machine when finish.
*NO VINYL, NO PVC.