Fashion is evolving, changing, constantly converging with other aspects in one moment. then it diverges from it in the next. This unpredictability in fashion is what drives its development into a thriving scene that we are familiar with today. This dynamism of fashion implies that what may be trendy now, can be archaic after two seasons; likewise what might have been a ground-breaking fashion phenomenon in the past is what we may overlook as it has become the norm.
Over the centuries, countless of innovations develop the fashion industry into what it is today. You may have noticed that pertinent inventions in the 1920s to 1960s gained mainstream appeal, and the end result after the changes over the years have led to essential apparels like bras and bikinis. Other inventions improved the efficiency of producing the apparel. It is now cheaper, easier and faster to mass produce parkas. Think that this is the end point? Nope. The effects of the science of fashion can still be observed and felt in the envelope-pushing designs marketed all over the world!
So here are some inventions that have revolutionised fashion:
1. Synthetic Fibres
Can you name some man-made fibres? If you thought of rayon, nylon, polyester, spandex and acrylic, you are on the right track! These are not natural textiles. This means that they are created through polymerisation method by joining monomers to form polymers. The invention of Rayon was as an artificial form of silk. Nylon was the first ever synthetic fibre made in 1930s, which led to the push in creating similar materials just like it!
So what is all this hype about man-made fibres? They have higher durability and strength, it incurs a lower cost of production (between silk and nylon stockings, the former will cost a bomb and yet, it does not last as long as you would have wanted it to). These led to synthetic fibres changing the textile industry. Don’t believe it? Well look at the sporty designs (above) made of synthetic materials that Alexander Wang sent down the Spring/Summer 2015 runway!
2. Artificial Dyes
From biblical period to the mid-nineteenth century, dyes were derived only from natural sources like the sumac plant and shellfish. In 1856, 18-year-old British Chemist, William Henry Perkin had accidentally discovered the first an-made dye. By mixing aniline with a solution of potassium dichromate and alcohol, a purple dye known as mauveine was the result! This dye gained in popularity among the British that the postage stamps were dyed with Mauveine and not to mention, Queen Victoria, who wore mauve to her daughter’s wedding.
This sparked the creation of other man-made variety of dyes. August Wilhelm von Hofmann was inspired by his student, Perkin, that he continued his work with dyes. In the next few years, the world saw rosaniline, a reddish-brown dye made from crbon tertrachloride and aniline. Fellow chemist, Carl Graebe, then went on tocreate alizarin, a synthetic vegetable dye.
As seen above, dyes are still popular. Designer, Aigners’ printed shift dresses is one such testament to that.
3. Air Dyeing
Heard about air dyeing? It is a method created and perfected by Colorep. In just one step, dyes are transferred from paper to fabric through using heat. This is rather eco-friendly as it saves about seven to 75 gallons of water needed to dye just one pound of fabric. Energy is saved too and there are no by-products as well. What is the verdict? This innovative technology saves 95 percent of water, uses 86 percent less energy and discharges 84 percent less greenhouse gases when compared to traditional printing and dyeing methods!
4. Digital Prints
Digital printing is another technique that in environmentally friendly. It is used by designed the likes of Alexander McQueen, Basso & Brooke and Mary Katrantzou (her 2013 Fall/Winter collection pictured above). Katrantzou’s designs are watercolour-like and has wowed fashion experts. How is it made? Printers are used to directly apply prints to fabrics. This reduces water usage by as much as 95 percent, energy reduction by 75 percent, and minimising textile waste.
5. Smart Tailoring
Direct Panel on Loom Technology is the more convoluted term for Smart Tailoring. This method was invented by Siddartha Upadhyaya, an Indian designer. How did he come up with Smart Tailoring? Three factors to led to it is the need to improve the fabric efficiency, reduce lead-time to manufacture the products and it had to be eco-friendly, to stay true to his eco-fashion label, August Fashion.
How does Smart tailoring work? It is via computerisation. The loom is attached to a computer. Details like the colour, patterns and size of the garment is keyed into it. This created made-to-fit clothes that are woven, cut and patterned in a single process. The verdict: less fabric is needed and up to 80 percent of energy and water is saved! Talk about being the definition of eco-friendly production.
6. The Internet
We finally end of our list of scientific inventions that revolutionise fashion with the Internet. The most crucial invention.
Since 1991, the Internet had altered the retail landscape. Business-to-consumer websites like Amazon and eBay emerged around 1995 with a seamless shopping experience. Customers were able to enjoy greater convenience, ease of transaction and a wider catalogue to shop from. With online shopping gaining momentum, physical stores used the online platform as a complement to their existing stores. Businesses enjoyed lower overhead costs, consumer receive variety, it is simply a win-win for both parties! This in turn is also shaping our perception of popular fashion and couture.
Fashion and science may be complete opposites on the surface but they are great complements to one another. They interact to form creations that push the boundaries of the fashion arena.What are some other scientific inventions that you think changed the fashion scene?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
