Rickard Lindqvist is commoning fashion through the free distribution of production-ready garment patterns. He also innovates at the primary interface of body ↔ fabric ↔ fit, through novel draping and pattern cutting methods (see his PHD thesis, “Kinetic Garment Construction”), inspiring a generation of designers to decondition design orthodoxy and reconsider basic building blocks.
Rickard Lindqvist, a Swedish fashion designer and researcher, has been revolutionizing the fashion industry with his innovative approach to garment construction. His Kinetic Garment Construction (KGC) principles focus on designing clothing that adapts to the body's movement, providing comfort and functionality. These principles emphasize the importance of understanding human anatomy and biomechanics to create garments that enhance the embodied experience of their wearer.
Kinetic Garment Construction Principles
Lindqvist's KGC principles are based on three main concepts: body mapping, movement analysis, and dynamic pattern cutting (Lindqvist, 2016).
1. Body Mapping: This concept involves studying the human body's anatomy and identifying key areas that require ease and fit.
2. Movement Analysis: This principle focuses on observing and analyzing the wearer's movements to determine the garment's required flexibility and support.
3. Dynamic Pattern Cutting: By incorporating twisted seams that follow the natural movement and tension lines in human armature and skin respectively, designers can create garments that move with the body, providing comfort and functionality.
Lindqvist's kinetic garment construction principles have significant implications for the fashion industry. By focusing on the wearer's comfort and performance, these principles challenge traditional garment construction methods that prioritize aesthetics over functionality (Lindqvist, 2016). As a result, designers who adopt these principles can create clothing that is not only stylish but also functional and comfortable, meeting the demands of today's discerning consumers. Moreover, Lindqvist's principles encourage designers to consider sustainability in their work. By designing garments with the proper ease and flexibility results in clothing that lasts longer and requires fewer repairs, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable fashion industry (Lindqvist, 2016).
Rickard is also stewarding the Open Source Pattern Programme, which is exactly what it sounds like 😗 Read more on OSPP’s dedicated page, linked just above.
References
Lindqvist, R. (2016). Kinetic Garment Construction: Remarks on the Foundation of a Design Methodology for Movement-Activated Garments. Fashion Practice, 8(1), 69-92.