3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Research & Ideation

Inspiration: Artists and Projects

Objective:

Explore artists and projects that focus on modular designs, zero-waste systems, and embedding electronics in fabrics. Analyze their approaches to innovation and sustainability to inform future work.

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 printIris van Herpen Iris van Herpen is a pioneer at the intersection of fashion and technology. She creates intricate modular garments by incorporating interlocking shapes and structures, often made with advanced techniques like 3D printing and laser cutting. Her designs can transform in shape and size, challenging conventional notions of clothing construction. Van Herpen’s work exemplifies how modularity can lead to innovative, adaptable designs while reducing material waste.

Example Project: Van Herpen’s “Magnetic Motion” collection, where she explored magnetically grown fabric forms, demonstrates her commitment to pushing boundaries in both art and engineering.

Visual Reference: Visit the Iris van Herpen website for detailed visuals of her modular designs.ing and laser cutting to form garments that can change shape or size.

Picture: IRIS VAN HERPEN website.

Neri Oxman

is an architect and designer known for combining biology, computation, and design. Her work focuses on creating modular structures inspired by natural systems. By designing for adaptability, Oxman ensures minimal material usage, emphasizing zero waste and environmental harmony.

Example Project: Oxman’s "Silk Pavilion" utilized silkworms in a controlled environment to create a modular, naturally woven structure, illustrating sustainable design through biological processes.

Zero-Waste Fashion Systems

Tessa Moroder

Tessa Moroder is a prominent designer specializing in zero-waste patterns. She employs modular systems that allow garments to be reconfigured, ensuring versatility and minimal fabric waste during production.

Example Project: Moroder’s work with open-source zero-waste patterns highlights how innovative design systems can democratize sustainable fashion.

Zero Waste Daniel (Daniel Silverstein)

Daniel Silverstein transforms fabric scraps into modular, zero-waste garments. His designs prioritize sustainability without compromising on style. By upcycling discarded materials, Silverstein demonstrates how the fashion industry can shift towards a circular economy.

Example Project: Silverstein’s patchwork-style garments showcase how offcuts can become the centerpiece of creative and functional fashion.

Visual Reference: Zero Waste Daniel's website features examples of his sustainable creations.

Holly McQuillan

A leading researcher in zero-waste fashion, Holly McQuillan explores how adaptable patterns can create garments with little to no fabric waste. Her work focuses on designing systems that maximize efficiency in material usage while fostering creativity in construction.

Example Project: McQuillan’s "Make/Use" project provides a toolkit for zero-waste garment design, empowering designers to adopt sustainable practices.

Conclusion This research highlights the work of influential artists and designers who are transforming the fashion industry through modular systems, zero-waste practices, and embedded technologies. Their innovative approaches serve as a foundation for exploring sustainable and technologically advanced designs in future projects.

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.

Design & Paper Prototyping

I began by creating designs of varying scales in CorelDRAW, experimenting with diverse shapes and layouts. Once I finalized a few concepts, I printed them to create paper prototypes. This process helped me visualize how the designs would come together in a tangible form.

Laser Cutting Setup and Process:¶

After finalizing my modular design, I prepared it for laser cutting to produce the individual pieces. with the settings,

Thickness: ~2.5–3mm Power: 100% Speed: 40% Passes: 2 Result: Produces clean cuts, yielding durable and stable pieces ready for assembly. Each module was carefully designed to create an interlocking structure, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Using the laser cutter, I accurately cut the leather material, which required precise alignment to maintain the integrity of the design during the process.

The laser cutting process produced clean and sharp edges, resulting in consistent shapes that seamlessly connect when assembled. After cutting, I organized the modules and started assembling the structure, experimenting with the arrangement to bring the design to life. The final outcome was a detailed and intricate interlocking pattern that highlights the precision of the laser-cutting technique and the material's versatility.

Fabrication files

[FILE 1.Pdf]: File: FILE 1.Pdf

[FILE 2.Pdf]: File: FILE 2.Pdf