3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Research & Ideation¶
This week, we explored Open Source Circular Fashion, a movement promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry through transparency and collaboration. A core principle is circularity, minimizing waste and maximizing material use. This connects to zero-waste systems, where pattern cutting optimizes fabric use, leaving minimal scraps. We also discussed modular interlocking configurations, a design approach where geometrically shaped garment pieces are cut and interlocked to create dynamic, versatile designs. These interlocking pieces can be combined in various ways, extending garment lifecycles. Importantly, even small fabric scraps remaining after cutting can be incorporated into these modular designs, further reinforcing the circular fashion concept. Open Source Circular Fashion integrates these principles to foster a more responsible and environmentally conscious fashion system.
Artists projects that work with modules and zero waste systems¶
- Maryam Hosseini (Modules)
Maryam Hosseini is an Iranian designer and architect.Her work explores the intersection of fashion, architecture, and geometry. Her designs often feature modular elements that interlock and connect, creating dynamic and transformable garments.
- Daniel Silverstein (zero waste systems)
Daniel Silverstein, the force behind Zero Waste Daniel, is a New York City-based fashion designer and a pioneer in the zero-waste fashion movement. creates his designs using zero-waste pattern cutting techniques. He treats fabric like a puzzle, strategically arranging pattern pieces to minimize or eliminate waste. He often uses pre-consumer textile waste, scraps from other garment production, giving them a second life. A key technique he uses is "ReRoll," where he stitches together small fabric scraps to create a new textile, which he then uses for his designs. This allows him to utilize even the smallest pieces of fabric. His designs are often gender-neutral and focus on maximizing the use of every bit of material.
PATCHWORK JEANS: These jeans are a great example of his "ReRoll" technique. You can see how different denim scraps are stitched together to create a unique, patchwork-like fabric, which is then used to make the jeans. This not only minimizes waste but also creates a visually interesting design.
prototype with paper and scissors modular configurations and interlocking connections¶
Developing a workable configuration for the interlocking connections proved challenging. I experimented with several patterns, but they failed to connect easily after cutting. However, I eventually devised a pattern that connects successfully and creates a unique, dynamic design. I now understand that designing these interlocks is difficult because you must visualize the final appearance before application.
# interlocking connection prototype on papers.
## Digital design process.
To create these interlocking modular motifs in CorelDRAW, I began with a 7cm diameter circle, drawn using the Ellipse tool while holding Ctrl for a perfect circle. A 2cm wide rectangle, positioned centrally and overlapping the top half, was then Trimmed from the circle to form the first part of the interlock. The two small 2cm lines inside the circle indicate where the laser will cut, creating the negative space for the male motif to connect. The inner lines were added using the Pen tool. For the arrow, an 8cm long rectangle was created, and a triangular arrowhead, formed with the Polygon tool set to 3 sides, was Welded to it. Two small rectangles, each 2mm high (matching my material's width), were then Trimmed from the bottom of the arrow to create the interlocking notches. The Dimension tool was used to accurately reflect these measurements, ensuring the design's precision. Finally, after grouping each motif, I exported the design in a format suitable for laser cutting, remembering to keep all lines hairline thin.
Testing and laser cutting designs¶
My modular design was finalized and prepped for laser cutting to create the individual components. I used settings of approximately 2.5-3mm for thickness, 60% power, 30% speed, and a single pass. This resulted in clean, stable pieces ready for assembly. Each module was carefully planned to interlock seamlessly, focusing on both function and visual harmony. The laser cutting process on the leather required precise alignment to preserve the design's integrity.
Interlocking connection full prototype¶
Modular seamless garment¶
To create the seamless crop top, I started by arranging the interlocking modules in a grid pattern, similar to what you see in the image. This initial grid served as the foundation for the garment. To define the neckline, I strategically removed a section of modules from the center of the grid. This created an opening for the neck while maintaining the structural integrity of the design. The remaining modules along the sides were then connected to form the side panels of the crop top, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition from the neckline to the sides. This approach allowed me to construct a garment that utilizes the interlocking modules as its primary structure while achieving the desired neckline and overall shape.
