Call for Designer Proposals

Proposals are now closed. Stay tuned for info on our selected designers!
The MakeFashion initiative is a collaboration of great minds who want to demonstrate that the convergence of Technology and Art can result in a form, fashion and community brand new to Calgary. Creativity and innovation are the guiding principles to unit fashion, jewelry and accessories designers with software and hardware engineers. Along with technology enthusiasts, creatives and those that just simply like to engage in cultural experiments – all are invited to participate in the MakeFashion event series.
Beginning with a Launch Party in early April, followed by a series of Workshops on jewelry making, hats, shoes and handbags retrofitting and leather crafting. A Symposium of thought leadership of where Art and Technology can take us culturally and economically and the Grand Finale Fashion Show showcasing “best-in-breed” designers in mid-September. All materials “fashioned” will be using two main products, LED lights and wire filament.
The fashion show will feature 10-15 designers each showcasing a wearable art piece (the idea is one piece per designer, but your proposal can include multiple works if desired). The pieces will be curated by the MakeFashion committee based on quality of proposals. There will be a gallery show at Endeavour Arts after the runway show displaying the pieces and other opportunities with partnering festivals.
We have various resources available to designers, including technical assistance for the electronics, working space, and various tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers. More information about specific tools and resources will be shared at the next designers info meeting (date TBD) or by contacting us.
Each artist will receive a $500 artists fee and up to $1000 to cover materials (there are no rules against spending over this limit, but this is the maximum amount that will be sponsored). Proposals should include a detailed description of the piece (a drawing/sketch is ideal), a list of materials and costs, required resources (i.e.: tech assistance, laser cutter, etc.) and information about the concept of your work. Proposals can be sent in .pdf form to chelsea.klukas@gmail.com (Note: Proposals are now closed)

About the Materials

The designers for the MakeFashion fashion show and the public workshops will utilize a number of materials.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Sensors

Micro-Controllers

Electro Luminescent wire and Tape

Fibre Optics

 

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are small, efficient light sources that can be wired or sewn into clothing. Adding micro-controllers and sensors to the mix you can have them change intensity, flash or react to external forces like sound or motion.
There are a huge variety of sensors that allow electronics to react to their environment – temperature, motion, humidity, sound, range, touch and flex to name a few.

The effect of LEDs can be modified with diffusers and channels.  Acrylic rods are often used for this purpose, but there are hundreds of materials (including tape, feathers and fabric) that can provide an interesting effect.
Micro-controllers are small, cheap computers that are often used to control wearable electronics.  These range greatly from very cheap and basic to highly complex micro-computers.

The most basic micro-controllers allow for sensor input and trigger effects like fade, blink or twinkle.  Programming them can be as simple as selecting menu items from a drop down list on your iphone, then pointing it at your micro-controller.

EL Wire (electroluminescant wire) is commonly used in costume design and as accent lighting.  It provides a cool Tron-like effect and is very easy to use.
While it isn’t a hard and fast limitation, EL Wire controllers typically have 2 (or so) states – on and blink.  Since they require alternating current to activate, it is harder to integrate EL wire into other electronics like sensors and micro-controllers.  EL Wire can be spliced and split up, but it isn’t trivial, and the controllers aren’t tiny  – both issues that need to be considered in the design stage when using this product.
Fibre Optics provide a very pleasing, subtle light source, and can be woven into fabrics – however this is a time consuming process which results in a higher cost of these fabrics.
Fibre Optics work by bundling the fibres and connecting a light source (generally an LED) – this means that:
  • the light source can be small
  • if you want multiple colours you have to have multiple light sources
  • the design has to account for each fibre running the entire length back to the light source

Examples of pieces using LED lights, Fibre optics, and EL Wire

 

MakeFashion: Coming Soon

The MakeFashion initiative is a collaboration of great minds who want to demonstrate that the convergence of Technology and Art can result in a form, fashion and community brand new to Calgary. Creativity and innovation are the guiding principles to unit fashion, jewelry and accessories designers with software and hardware engineers. Along with technology enthusiasts, creatives and those that just simply like to engage in cultural experiments – all are invited to participate in the MakeFashion event series.

Beginning with a Launch Party in early April, followed by a series of Workshops on jewelry making, hats,shoes and handbags retrofitting and leather crafting. A Symposium of thought leadership of where Art and Technology can take us culturally and economically and the Grand Finale Fashion Show showcasing “best-in-breed” designers in mid-September. All materials “fashioned” will be using two main products, LED lights and EL wire.

The following organizations are on board: Digital Alberta, Endeavor Art Gallery, Beakerhead, Protospace, the Costume Shop, Victoria Park BRZ… and we are just getting started…

 

Victoria Park

Designers Info Session

Join us on Thursday, February 23rd at 6PM at Endeavour Arts Gallery for an information session on becoming a designer for MakeFashion’s wearable art show.

 

Location:

Endeavor Arts Gallery Address:
Suite 200, 1209 First Street SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0V3
(Located above Forbidden Clothing
entrance between Forbidden & Giuseppe’s Market.)