Technology has been around for a while now, it’s put a stamp
on how business is conducted and how we run our lives. My question is, how much
does fashion really benefit from technology, when compared to other industries.
Is our industry apart of this revolution or are we just getting by? On September 26th, 2014 Dezeen
Magazine sat down with New York designer and architect Francis Bitonti famously
known for his 3D printed dress for Dita Von Teese, to get his opinion on the
topic. Unwittingly enough, Bitonti had a lot to say on the subject. When asked
about the benefits technology has on fashion, without shame he spoke about how fashion
is not keeping up, limiting the amount of benefit. In contrast, Bitonti is
excited for the day when our industry grasps more tightly to technology and
what the future can hold from that partnership. He also spoke on the connection
between our thoughts and fashion saying “I
am not seeing an intrusion of technology that is influencing design methodology
and thereby having a meaningful impact on the way we think about clothing.”
Me being an avid supporter of sustainable fashion, I can agree with this statement.
I’d like to also edit his thoughts and make this a three way. Imagine the industry
and our possibilities if fashion, technology and sustainability were cohorts. That’s
something I’d vote for.
Another area Bitonti seemed passionate about was today’s interest
in wearable technology. His thoughts, “I
don't want technologies that integrate with my body, I want clothing and
accessories that make my body do things and feel things I have never thought I
was capable of.” I respect his
thoughts but I’d like to take this one step further, how can wearable
technologies help us and the environment. Could this be answered by creating a
life-less shirt, that never needs washing, can change with the seasons and will
never been seen in landfills. I’m not sure if that is even possible, but two
passionate people are here to question everything.
Francis Bitonti has a way with words. Answering
this 7 question interview has been the highlight read of my week. His thoughts
are charismatically entertaining, with true thought and no shame. As I found
myself looking for the answer to my question, Bitonti has found a way to make
me explore ideas I didn’t know were happening today in fashion. Without figures
or statistics I can relate what Bitonti spoke about to a metaphor. Technology
is the cake, the fashion industry bought at the grocery store only to eat one
single slice. Just like Bitonti, I can’t wait till fashion takes the cake!
Dita Von Teese
Francis Bitonti 3-D Printed Fashion
Francis Bitonti 3-D Printed Shoe
Check out the videos below, and get to know Francis!
Original Article:
http://www.dezeen.com/2014/09/26/francis-bitonti-interview-fashion-technology-3d-printing/
Francis Bitonti's Studio
http://www.francisbitonti.com/
