The Digital Fashion Futures project

Contribution: The work consists of 3d 1/16 scaled bodies and digitally printed fabric swatches. Both are generated through the exploration of the 3D and parametric modelling tools, and challenges the fashion and textile design industry to move away from 2D static models to adopt a systems orientated approach. Kennedy works with 3D body scanning data to examine the future of garment design by first understanding more about the body itself. Using actual body data, captured from hundreds of body scans, a series of 1/16 scale model bodies are 3D printed. Seeing the range of body sizes and shapes helps to re-think cultural, age and gender stereotypes and to question the ongoing use of the 'average'. Underwood works with 3d and parametric modelling tools to explore integrated and scalable approaches to the design and production of fabric. The Hexagonal Colour Play fabric series of fabric swatches are developed from a parametric pattern generation system and demonstrates the potential for working creatively and efficiently with greater complexity and diversity. Significance: The Future Is Here is a touring exhibition created by the Design Museum, London. When on show at RMIT Design Hub (28 Aug-11 Oct 2014), the exhibition included additional local design research projects that demonstrate the importance of speculation and prototyping to innovation and design. Curated by Kate Rhodes and Fleur Watson, the works were shown, accompanied by short film on the selected projects. The contributing participants included Roland Snooks, Mark Burry, Floyd Muller, Richard Blythe, Tom Kovac, Lucy McRae.