3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Research

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.

Research & Ideation

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.

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

• 2D modelling Illustrator
• LaserCut

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

First, I explored various modular design ideas using Adobe Illustrator, experimenting with different shapes and connections suitable for circular open-source fashion. I played with several module types, focusing on how they could interlock, how flexible or structural they were, and how they could fit together without sewing.

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.

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

After testing and refining different possibilities, I selected one module that had the most potential for both aesthetic appeal and functional assembly. Then, I developed two interlocking versions of the module: a "male" part and a "female" part. These components are designed to slot into each other, allowing garments to be assembled in a modular, reconfigurable, and zero-waste way.

When I arranged the modules side by side, I noticed that the negative spaces between them formed interesting shapes. To stay true to the zero-waste approach, I decided to reuse those middle parts as functional components of the design rather than discard them. These in-between pieces became useful either as additional connectors, decorative elements, or even new shapes for expansion. This not only maximized material usage but also made the final pattern more complex and creative, pushing the boundaries of modular circular fashion design.

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.

I used leather with 2 mm thickness for my modular pattern. The material was strong and durable, which made it perfect for cutting precise pieces and assembling them without tearing or warping. The 2 mm thickness also allowed the modules to hold their shape well while still being flexible enough to work with. It gave the final structure a sturdy yet wearable quality, making it ideal for experimental zero-waste fashion applications.

Laser; Ruida Laser Cutter !!! example""

Parameters

• Engrave; Cut
• Speed; 15
• Min. power; 50
• Max.power; 55

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.

The link for open source circular fashion website

https://oscircularfashion.com/project/-OGfLa2j6GpgVhxtiVFV

Fabrication files

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1. File: [moduls] Download SVG File ↩