11. Implications and applications¶
Feathers are known as one of the most impressive biological structures found in animals. These evolutionary appendages composed of tiny keratin structures aid birds in flight, protection, insulation, and communication. Beyond aviary animals, the dynamic and varied beauty of feathers is what has captivated the world, with plumage being used as a fashion adornment for millennia. Yet the history behind feathers has slowly shifted from one that tells the story of native cultures and periods of history, to one that brings into question the evolution of sustainability in fashion.
A little bit of history¶
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High-ranking ancient Egyptians wore ostrich feathers in their hair as a symbol of allegiance to the goddess of truth and balance. The act of adorning the body with elements of nature like feathers, pelts, and leafs was viewed as a way of honoring protective qualities of the land across ancient cultures around the world.
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Native Americans, where feathers served as symbols of high honor. Indigenous Americans have historically utilized feathers as a way of marking accomplishments with significance and style varying from tribe to tribe.
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Feathers became a staple of attire in 12th-century Italy during Venice's annual Carnival celebration leading up to Lent. Venetians would wear papier-mâché masks wildly decorated with feathers to conceal one's identity during the festivities. Also in the Middle Ages the accessory carried its significance as a clothing item that indicated social importance.
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By the 18th century, wearing feathers was almost completely feminized. During her reign as Queen of France, leading trendsetter and pomp extraordinaire Marie Antoinette popularized her signature pouf hairstyle triggering a wave of women to adopt the same. It was fashionable to decorate the sky high "toque" (thick cushion) up-do with pearls, hair jewelry, and feathers for some serious accessorizing.
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Feathers as fashion reached an all time peak during the plume trade of the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, as feathers became more of a commercialized style demonstrated across different trends of the time. This boom gave rise to an industry of milliners who created extravagant feather-adorned hats. While feathered headpieces were trendy during this time, the longterm effects were not considered.
Ornithologist Frank Chapman noted that the plumage of as many as 40 species of birds was used on the hats he observed around New York City, contributing to severe losses in bird populations. This led to the passing of the Lacey Act in 1900, a conservation law prohibiting wildlife trade that largely collapsed the ornamental feather market.
State of Situation¶
The first video, is protected and financed by the AFP association, that's why you have to watch it in a YouTube page
This second video have an age restriction, that's why you have to see in a YOuTube page. Please watch this video with caution, it has sensitive content, I couldn't finish watching it :(
Brainstorming¶
"One of the most classic feather outfit, but make it non animal, cruelty free and biofabricated"
For the final project prototype, my ambitious goal is to make a classic party dress, but made with my feathers.
The main idea at the moment is inspired by the natural generation of feathers, where the spine grows first and then the vexil appears.
There’s two ideas for experimentation, the first is to make a 3D printing spine with holes that allow "something" to grow that gives me the aesthetic of a feather.
and secondly is to make a 3D impression with a type of material that allows me to preserve the flexibility and lightness of the animal feather.
Feather's Classification¶
Stakeholders¶
Product Service System¶
- B2C: Direct purchase from the customer at the FEATHER's factory / store.
- B2B: Purchase by a company that uses FEATHERS as a material to make their garments.
Presentation¶
Thanks for reading!! See you next week!