Folded Technologies

Folded Technologies is an undergraduate thesis project that explores the intersection of fashion, technology, and kinetics. Currently, kinetic fashion is largely seen in the couture, costume, and performance wear industries, however, this thesis project focuses on how the concept can be applied to everyday modular fashion. The objective of the project is to demonstrate how specialized technologies and materials can be folded into textiles using kinetic pleating techniques, allowing for practical applications, such as functionality, accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.

The project concept was developed through an iterative research ideation and exploration process involving practice-based research that analyzed various technologies, materials, and folding / pleating techniques. Subsequently, the research was creatively demonstrated through a series of textile samples and garments that incorporate transformation or motion pleating using one of the three methods examined during the research phase: transforming pleats using rare earth magnets; moving pleats using a thread and motor system; and moving pleats using a shape memory alloy wire (or muscle wire) system.