CONCEPT
This project is a consideration of the prevalence
of copying in the fashion industry, where no
copyright exists. We consider copying inherent
to human nature and communication but aim to
grow the potential for copying to produce and
promote creativity. More importantly, we want
to raise discussion, especially now, when the
subject of copyrights in fashion is coming
to the Senate floor in the US in the form of the
'Innovative Design Protection and Piracy
Prevention Act (S.3728).'
When the process becomes like digital
sampling and remixing in music, the whole
story changes. New processes are instigated;
"copifying", the act of copying and improving or
even beautifying an existing design;
"copivising," copying and revising a clothing
item seen on the street by altering it to fit one's
particular desires and proportions; and
"copivating," smartening up and revitalizing a
common outfit according to the needs of the
moment.
The decision of what to copy is not in the hands
of large corporations alone - the choice of what
to copy and how to modify it is in your hands!
Copification is about fashion evolving in
unexpected ways.
TECHNOLOGY
We believe that the capacities of textile
fabrication through 3D printing will catch up with
our vision. Rapid prototyping technology allows
us to actualize the digital designs. We emphasize
gradient changes of thickness and hardness
within the same garment, a property difficult to
achieve with traditional garment-making
techniques, but perfectly suited for development
with 3D software.
Another way machine technology is involved in
the process is by use of a handheld 3D scanner
to acquire 3D information about existing pieces
of clothing. Here the scanner "decides" what to
copy. Essentially, this can be the starting point
for the process of copifying because sometimes
a machine can make surprisingly
interesting choices.
Alternatively, to activate the copying instincts of
people on the street, we embed within our
garments a barcode containing the 3D file
from which each piece is made. The barcode
can be read by free smartphone applications
and each is linked to this website from which
the file of the model can be downloaded;
allowing one to follow up the sentence 'I love
your dress!' with 'Can I copy it?'
This moment is conceptually very exciting for us
because it is the core moment of debate. You
can basically do anything with the file, with the
design, even get it printed. The idea is to copify
it. Perhaps a different collar, or sleeve profile
will suit your design vision? Wanna make a
digital fashion remix?
