what ‘technology in fashion’ means to me
Whenever I mention my interest in technology within the fashion industry, people often envision a futuristic landscape filled with high tech gadgets and innovation, much like what pop culture depicts “fashion technology” as. This type of fashion technology is characterized by intriguing, yet sometimes “impractical” inventions like LED lit dresses. While items like this are impressive, they are rather seen as works of art and often overshadow the deeper, more meaningful ways in which technology intersects with fashion.
As fashion is known for its extreme effect on the environment, it’s important for both consumers and brands to recognize the need to make fashion more sustainable. To address these challenges, the industry is exploring various sustainable production practices. These include using eco-friendly materials, implementing recycling and upcycling methods, reducing water and energy consumption during production, and adopting a circular economy model. Brands are also increasingly transparent about their supply chains, ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Bioengineered materials are a sustainable technological innovation in fashion, and it is something that greatly interests me. Bioengineered materials refer to textiles and fabrics developed through biological processes and biotechnology. These materials are created using living organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, algae, or fungi, along with biotechnological techniques.
Benefits of using bioengineered materials include:
Sustainable production. The production of bioengineered materials typically consumes fewer resources, such as water and energy, and generates less pollution.
Biodegradability. Many bioengineered fabrics are designed to be biodegradable, decomposing naturally at the end of their life cycle, which significantly reduces their environmental impact compared to non-degradable synthetic materials.
Functionalization. Some bioengineered materials are enhanced with unique properties like increased strength, water resistance, or antibacterial qualities, making them suitable for various innovative applications in fashion.
3D sampling in fashion design refers to the use of digital technology to create three-dimensional virtual models of clothing. This approach allows designers to visualize how garments will look and fit without the need to produce physical prototypes.
Some of the benefits of 3D sampling include:
Design Visualization. Designers are able to visualize how the garment will look on a virtual mannequin, making it easier to see the fit, drape, and overall appearance without having to create a physical sample first.
Material Simulation. 3D software can simulate how different fabrics will behave. This means designers can see how a particular material will fall or move on a digital model, allowing for more informed decisions about fabric choices.
Reducing Waste and Costs. By using 3D sampling, brands can significantly reduce the waste associated with the production of physical samples. It also cuts down on the costs and time involved in sample production, as changes can be made quickly and easily in the digital realm.
3D sampling significantly reduces the need for physical samples, which traditionally involve resource-intensive processes and materials. By minimizing physical sample production, less fabric is used, less energy is consumed, and the overall environmental impact associated with sample creation and disposal is improved.
Designers using these technologies:
Stella McCartney: A pioneer in sustainable fashion, Stella McCartney has collaborated with companies like Bolt Threads to create luxury garments using bioengineered materials. One such example is a handbag from Mylo™, a leather alternative grown from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms.
Adidas: In collaboration with Biosteel®, Adidas developed a performance shoe made from a biodegradable silk-like fiber. This biofabricated material is completely natural and fully biodegradable, representing a significant innovation in sustainable athletic wear.
Nike: Nike is one brand of many that has contributed to the use of 3D sampling. This technology helps them in fast prototyping which, in turn, reduces development time and material waste.
These sustainable technologies have the opportunity to shape the future of fashion into one where fashion, sustainability, and technology come together as one. If more measures like these are taken and more brands adopt these practices, the future of fashion is looking good.
In the fashion industry, technology goes beyond flashy gadgets. Innovations like bioengineered materials and 3D sampling are pivotal in this shift. This trend highlights how technology in fashion is evolving from high-tech novelties to practical tools for sustainability, signaling a promising future where fashion, innovation, and eco-consciousness are interwoven.
This is what technology in fashion means to me. Technology in fashion signifies the harmonious integration of innovation and eco-friendliness. It's about how these two components can collaboratively yield remarkable creations, combining the cutting-edge aspects of technology with the eco-aware principles of sustainability.