3. Circular Open Source Fashion¶
Reflection and Inspiration¶
I often heard the term 'circularity'in economy and waste management. This time, use of circular open source fashion was introduced to me by Zoe Romano. Her presentation used real life experiences and from the projects she does was inspiring. From her lecture,these term helped me understand circular fashion better;
-Modularity- Designing of garments as changeable systems in the sense that they can be replaceable parts, adjustable fits and upgradable.
-Sustainability- Sourcing and making products in ways that are long term and protects people and environment.
-Zero waste- Eliminating waste at design and cutting stages using either tessellated patterns, knit to shape, digital sampling.
-Preservation- Care and maintenance practices that keep fibers ike wool, cotton, leather strong and useful for longer.
My week's inspiration is drawn from Zoe Romano herself. She introduced her topic clearly and sparked my interest is the project of transforming coarse cotton from sheep, finding ways to use it as a resource material than as waste to make products of higher value.
The work of Hussein Chalayan on 'transformable' fashion. His work focuses on adaptability and transformation which all together is linked to modular thinking.
Rahman and Gong have modular fashion prototype garments can be assembled, customized by adding, removing, or interchanging components, while transformable clothing enables multiple styles or function from a single piece.
This weeks activity I want to focus on modular design by coming up with patterns that can be easily connected together. My designs intends to use zero waste. Through pinterest, I intend to make patterns that can be close to these and I hope to achieve the goal.
Inspirational images
Research & Ideation¶
Modularity in DNA
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)-the blueprint of life is a double helix in shape. It can also coil and fold into more complex shape. Its modularity refers to how it’s built from repeating, interchangeable units (nucleotides) that can be rearranged or recombined to produce diversity and complexity.
The nucleotides act as modular units, linking together in different sequences to form a long chain. The order of these modules determines the genetic information — just like the arrangement of letters forms words and sentences.
DNA’s structure is hierarchically modular- smaller modules combine to form larger, functional systems.
Why Modularity Matters¶
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Efficiency: Genes can be reused across species (e.g., similar genes in humans and mice).
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Flexibility: Modular DNA allows for adaptation and evolution.
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Innovation: Enables synthetic biology and genetic engineering.
This modularity is the foundation for genetic diversity, biological evolution, and modern biotechnology.
Assignment
References¶
- Fabricademy tutorials.
- Gunjan Kaul
Tools¶
- Inkscape
- laser cutter
- Scissors
- Paper
Process and workflow¶
I started out with some sketches from the tutorial to better understand how interlocks can be made firm. I used normal paper/stickers, razor blade to cut in the section.
I joined them together one by one and I was impressed with the outcome.
I wanted to try out and design my own DNA structure and I did that In inkscape. I tried first with a sketch drawing the shapes. Step 1
I created a pattern made of two major shapes.
I realized the shapes could not be joined together. I had to pick one. My creativity at this point was "null and void". I had to think of some other shapes to use.
Step 2
Based on my paper design, I tried the square shaped pattern. I rotated at 45 degree with 80 by 80 mm.
The video will be uploaded soon.
My biggest challenge for the week was finding the right material to laser cut with. I however tried on scuba material and it provided the results needed.
Step 3
This was my oh my! moment after I had just realized that I had not done any tessellation in my vetor and I had waste material. I had to fix things and with the help of my colleague the waste pieces were back in use.
I made 50 pcs which was easy to assemble and with the help of Joy, I came up with neck-cloth accessory and handwrist which I didn't like so much since the patter were not coming up so well.
