3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Research & Ideation
Inspiration: Artists and Projects
Objective:
Research on artists and projects working with modular designs and zero-waste systems.
Embedding electronics in fabrics
Iris van Herpen:¶
Known for her intricate modular designs, van Herpen combines fashion with technology to create modular garments that use interlocking shapes and structures. Her work often incorporates 3D printing and laser cutting to form garments that can change shape or size. - Neri Oxman: Oxman, an architect and designer, explores the intersection of design, biology, and computation. Her modular structures are built to be adaptable, much like the natural world, and emphasize zero waste by using only necessary materials.
Picture: IRIS VAN HERPEN website.
Tessa Moroder:¶
An artist and fashion designer who works extensively with zero-waste patterns, Moroder uses modular systems that allow for reconfigurable garments, minimizing fabric waste during production.
Zero-Waste Fashion Systems:
Zero Waste Daniel:¶
Daniel Silverstein creates modular, zero-waste fashion by using fabric scraps to design garments. His work is focused on sustainability, ensuring that no material is wasted.
Holly McQuillan:¶
A leading researcher in zero-waste design, McQuillan’s work explores the idea of creating garments with minimal to no fabric waste, using modular, adaptable patterns.
Relevant Projects:¶
The T-shirt Issue:¶
A Berlin-based collective that creates modular garments from 3D shapes, allowing for customization and multiple configurations, focusing on sustainability.
Notpla:¶
While not strictly fashion, Notpla creates biodegradable, modular packaging materials that can inspire fashion designers working on zero-waste and modular designs.
References:¶
- Iris van Herpen’s Modular Collections
- Zero Waste Daniel’s Sustainable Fashion
- The T-shirt Issue Modular Garments
2. Digital Design Process
Objective:
Create a digital version of the modular configurations using design software to refine and prepare the model for laser cutting.
Software Used:¶
Inkscape for design and converting the designs to a laser-cut-friendly format.
CorelDRAW:¶
Software Used: CorelDRAW for design and preparing the shapes for laser cutting.
CorelDRAW Process: Steps for Creating the Male and Female Modular Shapes:
Document Setup: Opened CorelDRAW, set up the page size and units in centimeters to keep everything to scale from the start.
Creating the Base Shape: Used the Rectangle tool to create a square shape, serving as the base for the module.
Adding the Male and Female Connectors:
Male Side (Tabs): For the male connectors, I added rounded tab shapes that extend outward from each side of the square. The tabs were likely created using the Ellipse tool, adjusted to form an oval that seamlessly connects to the main shape.
These were then aligned and welded to the base shape using the Weld function, creating a single unified piece. Female Side (Slots): To create the female connector, I used smaller slits or cuts in each corner of the second piece, positioned to fit around the male tabs.
These slots may have been created with the Rectangle tool, ensuring they aligned perfectly with the male tabs for a snug fit. Aligning and Adjusting: After creating the male and female components, I used the Align and Distribute options to ensure everything was symmetrical and properly positioned, ensuring a seamless fit when assembled.
Final Refinements and Saving: Made any final adjustments to the nodes and paths, refining the alignment and fit. Then saved the file in SVG format for laser cutting and exported an image for documentation.
