3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Research & Ideation¶
Circular fashion became a natural extension of my artistic journey, connecting my desire to create with a deeper responsibility to the environment and the world around me. Circular fashion is a sustainable approach to the design, production, and consumption of clothing that aims to minimize waste and extend the lifecycle of garments. It operates within the broader framework of the circular economy, where resources are kept in use for as long as possible through processes like repair, recycling, and upcycling, as opposed to the traditional linear fashion model of "take, make, dispose.
References & Inspiration¶
Moduling (or "modular design") in art history refers to the concept of creating artworks or designs based on separate, repeatable units or modules. These individual units can be combined, rearranged, or replicated to form larger compositions. This approach can be found across different eras and styles in art, architecture, and design, often balancing creativity with functionality, efficiency, and flexibility.
First Inspiration
The Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza The stepped pyramid is built with modular stone blocks, each level repeating the same structural pattern. The repetition of symbolic motifs, like serpents, reinforces the culture’s religious and cosmological beliefs. * Two images side-by-side
Russian Constructivism
Lissitzky created modular abstract compositions, many of which could be rotated and rearranged. His geometric, constructivist works were intended to break down the barriers between fine art, design, and architecture
Second Inspiration
I inspired from O Fest Fashion, especially Timo Rissanen’s works, highlights a deep connection with sustainability and innovation in the fashion world. Rissanen’s focus on zero-waste design resonates with your interest in circular fashion, where every piece of fabric is used thoughtfully, leaving no room for waste. His approach to fashion design emphasizes reducing the environmental impact while encouraging creativity within strict constraints.
Tools¶
Process and workflow¶
I start the design process by creating with paper, which allows me to quickly experiment with shapes and ideas before diving into digital tools. This hands-on approach is crucial for ideation and gives me a tangible sense of how different elements might come together in a fashion piece.
I started exploring Adobe Illustrator for circular open-source fashion design to create vector-based patterns and designs that can be used for sustainable fashion projects. Here's the step-by-step process I follow:
Step 1¶
Setting Up the Workspace. I ensure that the artboard size matches the dimensions of the fabric or garment I'm designing for. I usually work in millimeters or centimeters to maintain accuracy, especially for fashion patterns.
Creating Basic Shapes Next, I begin by creating basic shapes like circles, rectangles, or more complex patterns using the Shape Tools. Since circular fashion focuses on modularity and zero waste, I prioritize designing pieces that can interlock or fit together with minimal fabric waste. For example, I might use the Ellipse Tool to create circular panels for a garment design.
Step 2¶
Drawing Patterns Using the Pen Tool and Pathfinder, I sketch out the individual elements of the fashion design, ensuring that the pattern can be easily adapted for multiple uses. I try to keep the design versatile so it can be reinterpreted or upcycled in different contexts, aligning with the circular fashion principles.
Adding Seam Allowances and Annotations
For garments, I add seam allowances to the edges of each piece, usually 1 cm or as needed. I also include any necessary annotations for construction, such as notches, fold lines, or grain directions. These annotations help guide the assembly process when the pattern is used in physical form.
Step 3¶
Optimizing for Fabrication Once the pattern is complete, I ensure that all the pieces fit together on the fabric efficiently. Using Adobe Illustrator's Layers and Guides, I optimize the layout to reduce fabric waste. I also check the pattern for symmetry and alignment to make sure it's ready for cutting.
Exporting the Pattern
Finally, I export the design in SVG or DXF format, which is compatible with laser cutters or other digital fabrication tools. This step is crucial for open-source sharing, allowing others to download and use the pattern for sustainable fashion projects. I also ensure that the file is clean and organized for easy modification. By using Adobe Illustrator, I can create precise, adaptable patterns for circular fashion, contributing to the open-source movement where fashion design is shared and reused sustainably.
Step 4¶
Playing with moduls
Testing with paper
Initially, I cut a module using paper to test and experiment with the different sizes and how they would be divided. This allowed me to explore the modular separation and get a sense of how the design would function before moving on to more advanced materials. It was a useful step in refining the structure and ensuring that everything fit together harmoniously.
Next, I tested the module using leather to better understand the parameters needed for cutting. At first, the material got slightly burned, but after adjusting the settings, I was able to find the optimal speed and power. This fine-tuning process helped me achieve the best results for precise cuts without damaging the leather.
Assembly¶
For the assembly part, I used my cut-out modules to create a belt, necklace, and bracelet. It was fascinating to work with the modules, as I could construct these items without the need for sewing, and the modular system allows for continuous transformation. The versatility of the pieces means they can be rearranged and adapted in multiple ways, making them both functional and creative. I even tried these products on a real model, and here are some photos of the results.
