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6. Computational Couture

Research & Ideation

Inspiration: Artists and Projects

To explore pioneering artists, designers, and projects within Computational Couture, focusing on digital techniques, parametric design, and fashion technology.

Inspiration:

The integration of computational tools in fashion design allows for personalized, interactive, and modular garments. This approach merges technical precision with creative flexibility, enabling the development of complex and adjustable garment structures. Here are key artists and projects influencing computational design in fashion:

Artists and Projects in Computational Couture

1. Iris van Herpen

Known for: Avant-garde 3D-printed garments. Insight: Iris van Herpen merges technology with high fashion, using 3D printing and parametric design to create structures resembling natural forms. Her work is a hallmark of computational couture, as it redefines the possibilities of textile structure, shape, and movement. Picture reference: Van Herpen’s 3D-printed couture pieces.

2. Danit Peleg

Known for: 3D-printed fashion collections. Insight: Danit Peleg is recognized for her pioneering work in 3D-printed fashion, creating entire collections from home 3D printers. Her designs highlight the potential for sustainable and customizable fashion, made locally and on-demand. Peleg’s work exemplifies the shift towards fully digital fashion production that is accessible to consumers. Picture reference: Peleg’s 3D-printed fashion pieces.

3. Anouk Wipprecht

Known for: Interactive, tech-embedded couture. Insight: Wipprecht’s designs, like her “Spider Dress,” use proximity sensors and actuators to respond to the wearer’s environment. This computational approach brings a new level of interactivity, creating fashion that communicates and interacts with the world around it. Picture reference: Wipprecht’s proximity-responsive Spider Dress.

Key Technologies in Computational Couture

1.3D Modeling Software

  • Software: Rhino and Grasshopper are essential for parametric designs, allowing designers to manipulate shapes based on algorithms.
  • Impact: These tools provide accuracy and versatility, enabling the creation of modular, scalable garment structures.
  • Picture reference: Parametric patterns generated in Rhino.

2.Laser Cutting and 3D Printing

  • Application: Laser cutting produces precise patterns, while 3D printing enables intricate textures and shapes that would be difficult to achieve with traditional sewing. Impact: These techniques transform flat fabrics into three-dimensional, wearable art.
  • Picture reference: Laser-cut garment components.

3.Wearable Microcontrollers

  • Example: Arduino, Lilypad, and other microcontrollers allow garments to incorporate lighting, sound, or responsive movement based on user interaction.
  • Impact: Microcontrollers bring computational couture to life, bridging the gap between fashion and interactive design.
  • Picture reference: Microcontroller embedded in garment.

Notable Projects in Computational Couture

1.Project Re-FREAM

Concept: A collaborative project exploring computational and digital techniques in fashion. Designers experiment with 3D printing, sustainable materials, and computational patterns to create customizable garments. Picture reference: Modular garment patterns from Project Re-FREAM.

2.MODA by Nervous System

Concept: A collection of customizable dresses generated using a design algorithm that adapts to individual body measurements. Picture reference: Nervous System’s parametric designs.

Picture credit: Somerville-based Nervous System

3.OpenKnit

Concept: An open-source digital knitting machine that allows users to create custom-designed garments from home. Picture reference: Digitally knitted fabric sample.

Picture credit:Phillip Plein

Videos

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From Vimeo

Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.

From Youtube

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Fabrication files


  1. File: 3d modelling of mannequin 

  2. File: Laser cut sheets 

  3. File: additional models