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Centre for Fashion Science


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www.centreforfashionscience.com

About the centre

Creative Collisions in Fashion & Science

Directors: Prof Sandy Black and Prof Helen Storey

Associate Director: Dr Penelope Watkins

The Centre for Fashion Science aims to break new ground in fashion -related research, to create new concepts, products and processes which harness innovations in science and technology to reconcile the paradoxical - sustainability and wellbeing with desirability and fashion - for clothing, accessories and better lives. Our design -led approach to research catalyses connections between new and old technologies, craft and industry, science, design, art and technology. The clash of disciplines and approaches sparks ideas and short-circuits developments to reconcile the needs of people, the environment, and industry. We welcome approaches from scientists in academia and industry, start-up or established companies  and related organisations. Collaborations can take many forms - please get in touch to arrange a preliminary discussion.

Our key research themes and projects, such as 3D Design and Digital Fashion, Catalytic Clothing, Considerate Design and Living Colour apply emerging materials and technologies and create new products and processes for Fashion, Clothing, Accessories, Footwear, and Cosmetics, in the context of sustainability. The convergence of digital technologies with areas such as nanotechnology, materials and cognitive sciences, has opened up unprecedented possibilities to create textiles and fashion which can respond to the user or the environment, to enhance wellbeing across Fashion, Health, Beauty, Sports and Medical arenas. The impact of new and emerging technologies on the fashion industry develops clothing as the interface between the wearer and their environment, a multidisciplinary approach to design and production for this new convergent culture.

The Centre for Fashion Science is making its contribution to these new domains through practical research in the real world:  Centre members aim to develop collaborative cross-disciplinary research projects, which have positive impact on society and the fashion industry, whilst still delighting people through technological innovation and design development.

It has been said that scientists study what is; designers study what can be. Whatever the opinion, the combination of diverse approaches can develop ideas beyond what each can achieve separately.  

In this way we hope to make a difference. 

Core Themes:

  • Considerate Design
  • Direct 3D design and manufacture
  • Digital Studio: Direct 3D design and manufacture / blending the real and the virtual
  • Seamfree production in knitting, welding and rapid prototyping technologies.
  • Mass customisation for fashion and footwear
  • Multifunctional textiles and fashion
  • Living Colour
  • Cosmetic Science  

Publications

Published in 2008, Eco Chic; The Fashion Paradox by Prof. Sandy Black examines the complex issues in fashion, from fibre to fabric and fabric to fashion. The book profiles many design practices.

Fashion Practice, The Journal of Design, Creative Process and the Fashion Industries, developed by Prof. Sandy Black to be published by Berg from 2009. Fashion Practice is the first peer-reviewed academic journal to cover the full range of contemporary design and manufacture within the context of the fashion industry.

Members

 

 

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