The textile and fashion industry, with its complex supply chain from fiber production to retail, employs harmful chemicals, posing risks to the environment and workers. Fast fashion has intensified clothing production, leading to extensive textile waste. Consequently, it has fostered a more ephemeral and less emotionally durable connection with garments, emphasizing the need for sustainability through textile changes.
Designers who work with textiles have a tendency to view woven fabrics as unchanging, or static, materials. However, to truly utilize the benefits of textiles, a deeper understanding of how these fabrics can be designed to exhibit responsive behaviors in their use is required. This involves exploring and utilizing their inherent properties to create interactive systems that are dynamic and adaptive.
Textile motifs have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, reflecting various artistic, cultural, and social influences. With the advent of technology and the growing interest in interactive and transformative fashion, the concept of dynamic textile motifs has emerged as an exciting and innovative field of exploration. This project delves into this topic, investigating their potential to revolutionize the way we perceive and interact with garments.
The study begins with a comprehensive analysis of traditional textile motifs and the tools utilized in the creation of these. It further focuses on exploring their color-changing capabilities by aging, unveiling the potential of incorporating interactive elements and responsive features into fabrics, such as experimental compositions and new jacquard woven constructions.
The research seeks to enhance understanding and foster new methodologies, enabling unique and engaging experiences for users. Tools like Material-Driven Design, material tinkering, experiential characterization, and experience trajectories in longitudinal study revealed to be essential for the findings of the research.
Throughout the study, the topic shifts towards the conceptualization and creation of dynamic textile motifs that respond over time to various stimuli. Weaving, dyeing, and aging tests for discoloration/coloration through different environmental factors are some of the techniques that helped the study to showcase examples of responsive textiles or garments, where motifs adapt to the wearer’s actions over time. Moreover, the project emphasizes the importance of sustainability and eco-conscious practices in the development of dynamic textiles. It highlights the potential of utilizing natural dyes, organic materials, and circular fashion principles to ensure the responsible production and longevity of interactive garments.
This thesis also explores the user experience aspect, analyzing how wearers perceive and engage with dynamic textile motifs. By studying user interactions, preferences, and feedback, the abstract addresses the challenges and opportunities in making dynamic textile motifs an enjoyable experience for diverse audiences.
When combining all of the elements of this research creating a new fabric is still not a desirable outcome. If people could reuse existing textiles and a dyeing guide the longevity and satisfaction from a garment could be highly extended. I believe a product-service system can be created to facilitate such a product.
Finally, this project demonstrates dynamic textiles as an exciting and transformational option in the world of fashion. It emphasizes their ability to break down traditional barriers, improving wearers’ self-expression and emotional connection with clothing.