3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Research & Ideation¶
As defined by Brismar, the concept of circular fashion is grounded in the core principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. It addresses the fashion industry in a broad sense, encompassing not only fashion garments but also apparel, sportswear, outdoor wear, footwear, home textiles, and related products.Circular fashion considers the entire life cycle of a product, from design and material sourcing to production, transportation, storage, marketing, and retail, as well as the use phase and the product’s end of life.
Within this framework, circular fashion refers to an approach that seeks to establish a closed-loop system in which waste is minimized and the lifespan of clothing and textiles is maximized. It aligns with circular economy principles by rethinking how garments are designed, produced, used, and ultimately disposed of. Key aspects of circular fashion include designing for longevity and durability, with garments conceived to be high quality, timeless, and resilient in order to reduce the need for frequent replacement.
Furthermore, circular fashion emphasizes the use of sustainable and environmentally responsible materials, including recycled and upcycled fabrics, alongside production methods that minimize waste and environmental impact. Extending the use phase is another essential component, supported through practices such as clothing rental services, second-hand and resale markets, and clothing swaps that allow garments to circulate among multiple users. Repair, remaking, and recycling are also central to this model, encouraging maintenance, alteration, and transformation of garments, as well as the recovery of materials at the end of a product’s life. Ultimately, circular fashion aims to close the loop by developing systems in which garments can be fully recycled or biodegrade, thereby reducing landfill waste and enabling materials to be reintegrated into new products.
References & Inspiration¶
My inspiration for interlocking connections is strongly influenced by Malgorzata Mozolewska’s practice of weaving metal, in which a traditionally rigid and industrial material is transformed into flexible, tactile structures through repetition and precise linking. Her work reveals how strength can emerge from delicacy, and how individual elements gain resilience and movement when interwoven into a cohesive system. This approach informed my understanding of interlocking connections as both structural and conceptual, where each component maintains its own identity while contributing to a larger, adaptable whole. By translating this logic into my own work, I explore interlocking systems as a means to create flexibility, continuity, and transformation through connection rather than through a single fixed form.
- Left image: Malgorzata Mozolewska’s weaven metal lamp
- Right image: Malgorzata Mozolewska’s weaven metal fabric
Lights Made From Woven Metal Fabric
Transformable fashion is an umbrella term for any clothing item designed so that its appearance can be easily altered, either by the wearer or by a specialized service provider. Some readers may point to certain clothing items, such as zip-off trousers, coats with removable lining, or Transitions Lenses as common examples of transformable fashion.
Rahman and Gong’s modular fashion illustrates how garments can be reconfigured through detachable and interchangeable units, allowing form and function to evolve according to the wearer’s needs.
Tools & Materials¶
- Inkscape
- 9 Translucent acetate sheets
- Scissors
References¶
Process and workflow¶
Step 1¶
Using Inkscape, I started with replicating one piece of the polyhedron and prepared the file with four pieces arranged on a single sheet, following an approach to minimize material waste as much as possible.
Step 2¶
I printed the file and used it as a template to hand-cut the pieces in paper first, allowing me to test the assembly before cutting the 30 pieces from acetate sheets. Once all the pieces were cut, I began by assembling the 24-piece polyhedron and then completed the 30-piece version, which can function as a lamp when fitted with a bulb, cable, and switch. As a reference for assemblying, I watched the video LuvALamps - How To Make 30 Piece Sphere (ball)
Final Results¶
