'Object 12-1' is a series of experimental fashion designs by Matija Čop. The Croatian designer drew inspiration from the beauty and resilience of stone cathedrals.
Čop created an entire collection that plays with architectural elements like domes, windows, arches and turrets. The garment patterns themselves were taken from the shapes of cathedral floor plans. To mimic the preservative qualities of stone, the Croatian designer used water and UV-resistant foam pieces that "feel like rock" when touched.
Aside from the unusual aesthetic, what makes the collection truly amazing is that each garment is put together without glue or stitching. Laser-cutting the foam pieces took three months, but it was well worth it for designs that "can be deconstructed and reconstructed in a completely different shape whenever one wishes."
Folded Foam Fashion Looks
Matija Cop's Experimental Fashions are Made of Interlocking Foam
Trend Themes
1. Interlocking Foam Fashion - The use of interlocking foam for fashion design presents opportunities for sustainable, versatile and customizable apparel.
2. Glue/stitch-free Assembly - The development of glue/stitch-free assembly techniques in fashion can lead to more efficient, sustainable and innovative production methods.
3. Architectural-inspired Design - The blend of architecture and fashion presents opportunities for unique, unconventional and visually striking designs.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Apparel - The fashion industry can explore the use of innovative materials, assembly techniques and design inspiration to create new products and markets.
2. Architecture and Design - The architectural industry can explore collaborations and cross-disciplinary projects with fashion designers to showcase the potential of-inspired design.
3. Manufacturing and Production - The manufacturing and production industry can explore the potential of new assembly methods, such as glue/stitch-free and modular design, to improve efficiency, sustainability and flexibility.