Transient Curves: A Fusion of Fashion and Technology

Olga Tsetniva's Wearable Art Collection Marries High-Tech with High Fashion

The concept of the collection is to conceive an outfit as an imaginary combination of mechanical and electronic engineering with a sort of database and control tools that can transfer an individual to different areas. Attention to detail is a major attribute of the collection. A mix of details relays a sort of geometric information that involves an individual in a game by extending frontiers of thoughts and movements. The collection embodies poetic assertion through the notion of geometrical infinity.

Each outfit in the collection is made from silk, wool, and cotton, using techniques such as machine sewing, hand sewing, embroidery, pattern making, and laser cutting. The collection consists of 10 outfits, all in size 38. The ability of some pieces to transform and take on various shapes lets the owner of the piece move freely and obtain creative power. Three-dimensional details slightly deform the strict geometry of the figure, deliberately avoiding the reading of a common female image.

The collection was launched in September 2016 in Moscow. The designer conducted a diverse range of theoretical research, including online articles, books, and documentaries. This research stimulated the generation of ideas for future work, thinking about the direction of the fashion industry and how to challenge oneself with time and process. The main topics explored were constructivist art practice, robotics, Intel clothes, wearable technology, and cyborgs.

From the outset, the designer was enthusiastic about producing clothes that challenged her craft skills. The technical challenge was to find ways to establish a certain rigidity in the material with fixed elements which have to bend without hindering the movements of a woman’s body. Moreover, additional details deform part of the material they are attached to. From various fabrics such as wool, cotton 3D details were generated separately and partly inside the garment with inserted foam rubber.

The collection has been recognized with a Silver A' Fashion, Apparel and Garment Design Award in 2017. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. These designs, admired for their strong technical characteristics and splendid artistic skill, showcase a remarkable level of excellence and introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.