Applying Math and Science to Fashion

October 20, 2009

Fashion and mathematics go hand-in-hand, Sandy Black of the Center for Fashion Science at the London College of Fashion has noted.

Black first realized the connection between her two passions―knitting and mathematics―at university. Mathematics and science, she explained in an article in The Independent, became tools for her to create new designs. "I . . . felt I could translate any idea into knitting by working out a logical way of doing it," Black wrote. "I often put many ideas and techniques together to create complex designs, many of which are non-repetitive, and combine colour, texture and form so that the result appears totally natural."

In another example of science-fashion fusion, researchers are using digital technology and body scanning to personalize clothing fit. They hope to create bags that mold to the curves of the wearer, seamless knit garments for increased comfort, and―perhaps the Holy Grail of clothes shopping―the ever elusive "perfect fit."

In a research effort known as Wonderland, designers draw inspiration from sustainability sciences as well, seeking to make fashion more eco-friendly. One project at Wonderland is the disappearing dress, which dissolves in water after use. The flowers that decorate the garment slowly give off a dye when they dissolve, making them move around like sea anemones in the huge goldfish bowl.

"Each dress will behave differently," Helen Storey, a Wonderland researcher, said. "These flowers will chase each other around the bowl in a biological way." Once an article of clothing, the dress becomes a temporary room decoration that is ultimately biodegradable.

 Source: The Independent, Sept. 25, 2009.