CONCEPT OVERVIEW
3DF4NT45Y is a representation of the digital escapism that provides sanctuary from the often hollowing and anxiety inducing realities of personal life, geopolitical tensions and the effects of late-stage capitalism. Holistically blending aesthetics from a vast spectrum of digital medias, including From Software, Blender, AI, brain rot, salviabongrip, Minecraft, Dariacore, Fortnite, skate3, Silent hill, decon-club, deadspace, hyperpop, skramz and so on.
The construction process is a dialogue between digital and analogue mediums, sketching, 3d modelling, sampling and toiling. The form begins in infancy with illustration, then progresses into clo3d where it evolves through multiple iterations as a 3d model, this model is actualised through toiling and sampling prior to its final fabrication.
Reclaimed textiles are predominantly used as a commentary on consumerism and the unsustainability of the fashion industry. Digitally printed synthetics texturally reflect virtual worlds, integrated with wadding, screen printing, silicone appliqué, heat treatment, beading and dying to generate dimensional fabrics.
Aiming to create garments that are independent from the commodification that creates a limit on creativity and longevity in the fashion industry, where clothes are made for the sake of being sold, no longer for the sake of being worn.
This collection is an interpretation of the digital fantasies and alternate realities we immerse ourselves in, becoming capable of rebuilding identity, temporarily distancing from societal constructions and expectations, global affairs and economic challenges via our exploration and creation of virtual landscapes. However, ultimately questions arise in the sustainability of such escapism and its impact on our engagement with and resilience to the real world.
Design Process
Form is created through a back and forth between clo3d and illustration and can initially begin in either.
A model is thoroughly measured then transformed into a 3d avatar, allowing garments to be precisely fitted and eliminating the need for alterations postproduction. The garment begins in its rudimentary shapes through the seamless combination of draping and flat pattern making in the digital workspace. Details are gradually added as seams and panelling is considerately placed and shaped, ending with pockets, final finishings, notching and annotating.
A body will go through many iterations, numerous save files with different versions of a garment, this process eliminates the design aspect of real life toiling, significantly reducing the waste of toil fabric and allowing previous versions to be easily revisited.
The garments are then toiled to confirm fit and design, then taken back into clo to make any final adjustments prior to final print.
RUBICON
A mechanical protagonist, convinced of righteousness, violence justified by patriotism.
A thick, impenetrable outer shell with a soft, vascular, and organic interior represents the often-false comfort experienced indulging in digital escapism, we return to reality and remember we are still flesh.
Structurally inspired by mechs and machines of war, form is created through the combination of rigid triangular shapes in clo3d to reimagine the traditional reversable puffer jacket.
Textures are designed through the overlay of a variety of digital and mechanical creations pulled from videogames, the internet and blender, which are then digitally printed onto second hand ripstop yacht sails and wadded.
DESPAWN
A reflection of the sexualisation and objectification of feminine characters prevalent in fantasy and its position in the internet, in contrast to the heroism associated with masculinity.
The effects of the internet, the porn industry and social media on sexual identity, severely propogating dysmorphia through its portral of body, relationships and self, whilst also opening new windows to exploration.
This body aims to reclaim sexual identity, empowering the wearer and maintain agency within the sexualisation of self.
Textile Development
A substantial proportion of this collection is made from digitally printed second hand ripstop yacht sails, which had to be meticulously cut to avoid stains and wear, Through the exciting capacity of clo3d, digital prints were able to be planned per pattern piece, allowing for many different designs in one garment, and the allignment of designs over seams.
Designs are made in photoshop through the heavy overlay of different digital media including images pulled from the internet, from videogames and objects created in blender Motifs are reflective of this digitual world, including mechs, armour, flesh, veins, memes, alien esque sea organisms and subtle sexual symbolism Images go through transformative editing, blocking out portions, highlighting, recolouring, stretching and filtering prior to overlay.
Some synthetics are reactive to heat, and have been melted at a specific temperature to create a vasculare manipluation. Silicone has been coloured and piped to create an organic growth, in Juxtaposition to an underlying reflective, sparkly mesh. integration of beading and press on studs adds a minute scuplural layer increasing depth and vibrance.
3RUPTION
A fleshy, all consuming, parasitic organism. A street wear interpretation of a gigeresque alien, representatitve of masculinity, colonialism, emotional suppression and reproduction.
Fluid and oversized pattern cutting with many deep pockets and mesh panelling symbolic of exposed tissue, creating a sense of vulnerability.
Old curtains, blankets and garments are transforemed into sticky and leathery textiles with organic layering of screen printing inks, unevenly dispersed dying and a sharp digital screen print.
