Collectively Reclaimed: Are we there yet?

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 26^th, 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!

Francis Bitonti