Ineke Siersema

Virtuality in Fashion

As a research group we emphasis 3D simulation technology as one of the key components for creating future fashion, including virtual design, virtual fitting, co-creation through online platforms, AR and VR and other topics related to the virtual realm. 3D virtual prototyping software supports reflection on design and triggers new digital craftsmanship. It offers interesting technical possibilities in garment creation, more quality time for the design process and a sustainable process. The simulation techniques disrupt traditional fashion design processes from conceptualization to retail and challenges innovation. With a background in researching this phenomena, since 2009 the research group has contributed to education by developing curricula that enable students to discover different possibilities of integrating technology in their projects. How virtuality of fashion evolves best from its traditional setting into dynamic, quirky and interactive products within a virtual environment is researched in divers projects. We find the interaction between customer, industry and education most important when craft and technology are connected in artistic and innovative processes.

We welcome experimental research questions extending unto the fields of virtuality in fashion, education, creative industry, e-commerce, alternative & experimental practices, performance, art, science and design. Next to the integration and application of virtual technology we investigate the conditions to create accurate and reliable virtual garments enabling true replacement of the physical one. Those conditions include fabric measurement, physical/virtual fabric data bases and tools for objective comparison of the material.

Main contact person Virtuality in Fashion:

mw.  R. Siersema MA (Ed)

teacher/researcher Virtual fashion design
[email protected]
T: 0614255942

The purpose is to contribute to the discussion of awareness and alternative future proof fashion systems that disrupt the current linear status quo in the fashion design process and to make it possible that the fashion industry moves towards a more innovative, creative and sustainable fashion chain. Possibility’s increased rapidly. Creating high quality virtual fashion designs, that can animate and showcase online, in augmented- or virtual reality and to be produced on demand, have become today’s reality. The case studies and interviews presented in this research are about designing in 3d simulation, collaboration with other disciplines in the creative industry and sharing developments and experience.? They bring fashion higher education and industry to further professional innovation and make virtual garments much more efficient than physical garments.

This research study overviews the current situation of 3D simulation technology in fashion and shows why young digital skilled fashion designers demand community awareness and process innovation in fashion. For a fashion educator this benefits but questions also the way we are delivering our education and the content, how we take into account the students learning process and how this work should be executed.

The study primarily focuses on the influence of virtual fashion design on the design- and making processes of the designer and shows challenging work of new 3D design teams that worked together in interdisciplinary teams. Except from that, there are implications of 3D simulation on the presentation of new collection and the concept of the independent fashion designer. It changes traditional design processes and discusses design thinking. This research is developmental and based on new case studies, literature and interviews with a group of young fashion designers. Finally, this research highlights not only the awareness of the changing traditional processes for the new generation of fashion students who already learned to work with 3D technology. It also describes their work, their impactful and exciting visuals and their ideas on implementation and creating their new roles in fashion as a designer and entrepreneur and makes the change of paradigm happen.