record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00751
Thesis Title
Fashioning Accessibility: Bespoke Solutions for Eliminating Ablest Bias in the Apparel Industry
Author
Nicholas Paganelli
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
MFA
Year
2019
Number of Pages
26
University
The New School
Thesis Supervisor
Katharine Moriwaki
Supervisor e-mail
Other Supervisor(s)
Jessica Marshall
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Design & Technology
Languages Familiar to Author
English, French
URL where full thesis can be found
medium.com/@njpaganelli
Keywords
accessibility; 3D design; virtual fashion; industrial systems; inclusive design
Abstract: 200-500 words
This paper seeks new solutions for greater inclusion of non-standard body types in the fashion industry. Four research participants from the disabled community have worked with the author — a fashion designer by training and former production manager — to co-design custom suit jackets as a test of a new methodology for industrial clothes making that incorporates 3D body scanning, virtual design tools, and digital knitting. After establishing how the disabled community is excluded from the ready-to-wear fashion system, the case is made for changes in how the fashion industry approaches and implements new digital tools. While capabilities are promising, the industry’s focus on traditional modes of volume centric clothing design and production hinder inclusivity efforts around digital tools. An approach that centers on seeking solutions at the individual level is determined to be the best first step in making the case for larger scale change.