Poetic Bits – Free design project based on analogue & virtual design techniques

The design project Peotic Bits  for fashion design students in the main and master‘s degree programmes offers the opportunity to use analogue and digital processes to develop a collection based on a freely chosen inspirational theme. The interplay of body, form, colour, materiality and surface design plays an essential role.

In the course of the project, students are introduced to the virtual design software Clo3D. At the beginning of the semester, a one-week workshop covers analogue form development, drapage and three-dimensional pattern design on the dressmaker‘s dummy and acts as a basis for experimental, virtual application in the 3D software. The programme is used to visualise the analogue design on the avatar in the first step and to develop design variants in the next step. Here, the focus is on the use of different materials, colours and print designs. In addition, different body shapes and gestures of the avatar will be worked with and the possibilities of cut variation in Clo3D will be experimentally explored.

The aim is to develop a holistic collection concept. This includes extensive research, drawing, form design, choice of materials and colours. The collection of drawings will include seven outfits. At least one of the outfits will be realised in analogue form and - in addition to four design variations - visualised in 3D.

The work in Clo3D will be guided and examined by the lecturer Madeleine Madej. The complexity of 3D programmes requires fashion designers to work precisely when designing and visualising. This raises questions about the relationship between time and creative processes: How does working with 3D programmes affect the design process? To what extent is the possibility that all sides of an outfit can always be viewed, thought about and designed on the avatar used? How does this relate to classic design methods such as two-dimensional drawings? How does the visual language of the designs change through the use of 3D technologies?

Students are asked by Madej to reflect on their process and designs based on a survey and through interviews after completing the project. In addition, Madej will make an analysis of the design project results for her research work.