Romanesque-Gothic Inspired 3D-Printed Day-to-Night Jacket

Introduction

Envision a world where the fashion and tech industries have successfully eradicated their contribution to overflowing landfills with unsustainable products. Society has shifted away from mindless consumption, embracing long-lasting, repairable, and adaptable creations. In pursuit of this transformative future, my goal is to craft a product that seamlessly blends fashion, durability, and the innovative concepts of repair-ability and disassembly.

In this extraordinary contest, I set my sights on that envisioned future by creating an enchanting masterpiece known as Romanesque Radiance—a resplendent jacket that harmoniously merges the realms of 3D-printing, solar power, and remote-controlled LED technology. With Romanesque Radiance, I aspire to leave an indelible mark in this field—a timeless creation that transcends mere functionality and transforms into a captivating work of art. As the fabric of artistry intertwines with cutting-edge technology, I envision Romanesque Radiance becoming a cherished heirloom, passed down from friend to friend, from generation to generation. Let us embark on this magnificent odyssey, where innovation dances with elegance and our creations transcend the limits of imagination.

Inspiration

Immersed in the ethereal world of Gou Pei's mesmerising Fall 2018 couture collection, my creative spirit soared to new heights. Inspired by the designer's enchanting vision, I embarked on a quest to unearth architectural marvels, delving deep into the captivating realms of Romanesque and Gothic buildings.There is an overwhelming level of extraordinary details encapsulating rhythm, an orchestra of bold lines, and mosaic colours from stained glass imagery. In a moment of profound inspiration, I wanted to weave these wondrous elements into a tangible masterpiece, a design that would transcend the boundaries of fashion and technology and elevate everyday existence into an artful odyssey. I was inspired to create a garment unlike any other—a testament to the divine marriage of fashion tech and artistry, an ensemble that whispers secrets of antiquity, yet dances boldly in the modern world. Adorned with meticulous craftsmanship and opulent intricacy, the design should invite those who wear it to step into a realm of resplendent beauty, where dreams and reality entwine in a seamless embrace.

The design should be a reminder—a symbol of courage and audacity, encouraging us all to embrace the extraordinary in our daily lives, to adorn ourselves with the allure of art, and to revel in the resounding symphony of creativity and technology.

Design Philosophy

As a fashion designer transitioning from the commercial field to a focus on technology, craftsmanship, and sustainability, I advocate for a new approach to design. Rather than mass-producing numerous items, I emphasise the importance of creating small batches of thoughtfully designed, durable, and easily disassembled pieces—particularly when merging technology with fashion. My design philosophy embraces a blend of manual techniques like hand-sewn seams and cutting-edge elements such as tech hardware and 3D-printing, embodying an artisanal approach aligned with the principles of slow fashion.

By embracing this deliberate and meticulous methodology, I infuse each creation with a distinct human touch and pay homage to the time-honoured traditions of skilled artisans. This shift challenges the fast-paced mass production paradigm, inviting a reevaluation of our relationship with material possessions and fostering a profound connection between individuals and their garments. By marrying artistry and innovation, I envision a transformative revolution—a world where creativity thrives, sustainability prevails, and the convergence of manual craftsmanship and technological advancements gives rise to enduring beauty and significance.

Jacket Design

Introducing the revolutionary raglan-sleeved 3D-printed solar-powered LED Romanesque Radiance jacket—a testament to timeless design, size inclusivity, and sustainability. Crafted with meticulous care, this classic cropped boxy shape is thoughtfully tailored to embrace a range of sizes, promoting inclusivity and empowering every individual to engage with fashion tech and express their unique style.

As depicted in the captivating image above, our jacket effortlessly flatters a curvy size 14 avatar as well as a missy size 8, showcasing its versatility across diverse body types. Whether wearers desire an elevated look with jeans and heels or a chic ensemble for a balmy summer night with a bra and mini skirt, this jacket adapts to their personal style, ensuring they radiate confidence. Its transcendent allure evokes timelessness, establishing it as an indispensable wardrobe staple, making it the perfect summer companion for years to come.

Embracing sustainability and innovation, this exceptional design boasts a 2mm thick 3D-printed outer shell and a removable organic cotton voile lining. Our commitment to longevity and environmental consciousness shines through in every detail. The 3D-printed shell not only showcases avant-garde craftsmanship but also offers effortless maintenance—simply wipe it down with a cloth for a pristine appearance that withstands the test of time. The organic cotton voile lining, discreetly fastened by hidden 3D-printed buttons and loops, ensures utmost comfort with its lightweight, breathable, and luxuriously soft fabric. Furthermore, its modular nature allows for endless possibilities—exchange the lining for different colours, enabling the wearer to personalise the jacket to suit any occasion.

Designed for effortless disassembly, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of this garment, all while embodying a stylish and contemporary aesthetic.

At the heart of our design lies the 3D-printed outer layer, crafted using biodegradable filament and meticulously sewn with polyamide thread. As a testament to our commitment to a circular economy, this innovative material can be ground down at the end-of-life stage, allowing the creation of new filaments and new life for future creations. Embrace the joy of knowing that the Romanesque Radiance jacket is not just fashionable, but also environmentally responsible, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

The organic cotton voile lining of this remarkable jacket presents yet another opportunity for sustainability and repurposing. When the time comes for the wearer to discard the Romanesque Radiance jacket, the lining can find new life in a variety of creative applications, ensuring that its beauty and functionality endure.

To further enhance repairability and adaptability, we have ingeniously placed the hardware elements, such as LEDs and solar power film, on an inner layer of lining. The doubled voile lining is closed at the hem using a whip stitch for easy access. (*This may change with the closure moved to 3D-printedsnaps, allowing the inner most layer to be removed for laundering.*) The strategic placement of hardware allows for effortless repairs when needed and enables these components to be easily removed from the lining once their purpose is fulfilled.

The cutting-edge ASCA solar-powered film (sized 203mm by 101mm), perfectly adheres to the intricate details of the jacket. Positioned strategically at the upper neck back, it effortlessly captures sunlight, harnessing its power to illuminate the design. Complementing this innovative feature are our thoughtfully placed nLite LEDs, strategically adorning the jacket to resemble stained glass. Expertly attached to the inner lining through blanket-stitched holes, these LEDs exude vibrancy. With the added convenience of a remote control, the wearer holds the power to change colours and create captivating combinations that harmonise with their overall ensemble.

Added details like hidden pockets and potentially a charging port can allow the wearer to charge their phone on the go.

By embracing this forward-thinking approach, we empower the wearer to enjoy the jacket for years to come, confident in the knowledge that repairs and upgrades are simple and sustainable.

Prototypes

Behold the 3D-printed jacket exemplars. These captivating samples have been meticulously crafted on a smaller scale, offering a tantalising preview of the extraordinary designs that can soon become a reality.

Construction

• 3D-printed outer shell pieces are connected using invisible thread in black.
• 3D-printed buttons are sewn to specific areas on the inside of the 3D-printed outer shell (see image 'Callout for Outer and Lining Details').
• Lining pieces (2 sleeves, pockets, back, and front pattern pieces) are cut twice, enabling a middle lining and bottom lining layer that touch the wearer's body.
• Lining layers are sewn separately (middle and bottom lining). Both lining pieces are finished around the neckline, hems, and centre front with a 1/4" binding stitch.
• Pocket is sewn on the middle layer with a slit in the bottom lining for easy access.
• 3D-printed snaps are attached at the hem, neckline, and centre front of the bottom lining and middle layer to easily remove and launder.
• Solar panel, LEDs, and other hardware are attached to the middle layer using a cross-stitch for easy removal at end-of-life.
• Loops are sewn at matching places on the middle lining to attach to 3D-printed buttons on the 3D-printed shell.
• Once all pieces are sewn, they can be placed together and connected using the modular closures mentioned prior (i.e., buttons and snaps).

Closing

By choosing our raglan-sleeved jacket, the wearer can embrace a world where sustainability intertwines seamlessly with impeccable design. Revel in the confidence that comes from owning a truly versatile, size-inclusive garment, meticulously crafted to accompany the wearer on countless adventures.

Addendum

In order to achieve optimal functionality, it is important to note that additional hardware may be necessary. As an individual who is a novice in this field, I am committed to ensuring the seamless integration of all components. At present, with my lack of knowledge, I require assistance in selecting additional hardware components to bring this vision to life.