This thesis focuses on empowering feminine design through the application of historic reference to assert fashion design as a form of engineering.

Empowerment through design examines the intersection of utility, necessity and quality to better serve the modern woman. With the employment of soft tailoring techniques and thoughtful pattern engineering, oversized silhouettes, pockets and adjustable details provide comfort and freedom of movement. These garments seek to serve the body rather than sexualize it.

Inspiration is drawn from the female empowerment of the Dutch Golden Age. Seventeenth century Dutch society saw a social restructuring in which women not only controlled the domestic sphere but also became highly involved in business and trade. As women’s roles expanded beyond the home, gender distinction in garments became less apparent, with social and economic prosperity represented in both male and female costume as voluminous sleeves, wide collars and intricate pleating details executed in luxurious, natural fabrics.

The process of an engineer and a designer are one and the same: conceiving, innovating and creating to artfully bring something about. I propose to present the elements of this research so as to reconcile design as a form of engineering in a way that reflects my own analytical approach to fashion design. There will be particular emphasis on advanced patternmaking, tailoring and construction techniques that emphasize the calculation and craftsmanship involved in translating conceptual design into a wearable form.

I started with the inspiration of fairytales and the gender stereotypes that they encourage. I also wanted to look at the current “trend” of gender fluidity in fashion: is it just a trend or a social movement that can continue to the benefit of the non-binary community? After researching various online pleas and talking to members of the LGBTQIA community, I’ve noticed several concerns related to design and functionality. I also looked at gender-neutral fashion companies and noticed a disheartening trend: most of these “progressive” lines were manufacturing shapeless, muted garments that closely resembled oversized menswear. Women have been dressing like men for years, but want about the other way around? Inspired by the gender roles instilled on us as children and the growing trend of gender-neutral fashion, I wanted to create a collection that celebrates the amount of choice we have in expressing ourselves as individuals. Using historic details and a soft color palette, I wanted to create clothing designed for bodies that are feminine, masculine, and everything in between.

The latest innovations in technology are changing every day. One of the largest growing fields is that of wearable technology. Roughly 20 percent of American adults say they use some sort of wearable technology. However, many Americans, while excited for the future of wearable technology, are not thrilled with the options available to them at this present time. While a majority of people who own wearables own items such as fitness trackers or smartwatches, there is more ground to be gained. Eyewear, such as VR headsets, is slowly trickling its way into everyday living. However, after being accepted by general public, there is still another hurdle wearable technology faces.

Wearable technology must be both informative and insightful. It is one thing for a piece of wearable technology to give the user information, such as their heartrate. What consumers want to see is how they should use that information. If a company truly wants their product to benefit their consumers, it needs to answer the questions they have. The largest market for wearable technology appears to be in the health and fitness sector. A significant portion of this is due to fitness trackers, but how could companies work to move their technology beyond the wrist?

In my research, I will be looking to see how companies can work to improve their existing technologies, while also expanding the scope of the information they provide. The focus will go beyond simple fitness trackers to show the ever-expanding future of wearable technology.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is the latest installment in a series of major technological and manufacturing developments; however, it is proving itself vastly different from its predecessors, due to its speed and widespread effect. There are nine key technological trends driving the movement, each building off of the Digital Revolution, which gave rise to computers, the Internet, and smartphones. This revolution stands to impact all industries across the globe, leaving no business or person untouched, and the fashion industry is no exception.

This study, therefore, aims to deepen the understanding of the current and future impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the fashion industry and explore the plausible solutions to champion fashion’s embrace of the Revolution. The researcher employed in-depth literature review as a means of critically examining pertinent trade and academic publications. If the fashion industry is to survive, it is vital that it incorporate technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3-D printing, with developments in materials science, in order to find new and sustainable ways of satisfying consumer desires. Bringing these advancements into the industry will be especially successful in areas such as reinventing mass customization, identifying consumer behavior, and establishing firm connections between garments and wearer health. These interdisciplinary practices will alter the very core of the industry, giving rise to a future filled with mutually beneficial collaborations between scientists, engineers, designers, manufacturers, and retailers, each concerned with creating more efficient and sustainable means of production and consumption and providing individualized service to consumers.

The purpose of this study is to explore collaborative design opportunities in the footwear industry, specifically for VIAJIYU, a small made-to-measure women’s shoe company based out of Florence, Italy. First, a market research study was completed to discover and confirm interest in a new market for fashionable sneakers. Upon IRB approval, an online survey was sent out to better understand customer preferences. Design ideas for the sneakers were created based on customer preferences and further evaluated by lead customers from the survey. Final designs were created with customized options in leather, trim, sole details, etc. Findings from this collaborative design experience indicated that customer involvement was a beneficial component to the design process. This research study helped to build on an understanding of the opportunities of co-creation among custom shoe design and development, with a focus on the impact of current VIAJIYU customer.