Article
KEEPING IT LOCAL: 3D-knitted fisherman’s jumpers for contemporary communities
Article on the project Keeping it Local, published in Jaarboek Kostuum 2023, a publication of the Dutch Costume Society.
Jaarboek Kostuum
Keeping it Local
Keeping it Local is a research project by the Fashion Research & Technology professorship at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. This living lab explores how co-creation, local production and sustainable consumer behaviour can strengthen one another within the fashion and textile industry.
Stories Woven into Design and Community
At the heart of the project are 3D-knitted jumpers inspired by traditional fishermen’s sweaters. Like their historical predecessors, these garments tell the stories of local communities. The designs were developed in collaboration with Amsterdam fisherman Hendrik Kramer and his crew, students from the Reinwardt Academy, ICT students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and fashion students from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute (AMFI). Traditional motifs are combined with digitally generated patterns that reflect life in Amsterdam and the future of fishing, fashion, ICT and cultural heritage.
Research into Sustainable Consumer Behaviour
The project investigates how involvement in the design and production process influences the relationship between consumers and their clothing. Does participating in the creation of a garment lead to a stronger emotional connection with it? And can this connection encourage more sustainable clothing behaviour, such as longer use and better care of garments?
Local Production through 3D Knitting Technology
Using advanced 3D knitting technology, the jumpers can be produced locally and on demand. This approach helps prevent overproduction and reduces waste caused by unsold stock. Only fitting samples are displayed in the store: visitors can see, feel and try on the garments before placing an order. Each jumper is then knitted especially for its wearer.
An Ultra-Local and Circular Production Chain
The entire production chain is located on the Amstel Campus of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Design, production in the 3D Knitlab and sales through the University Store all take place within a radius of just 300 metres. This ultra-local chain creates a unique opportunity to experiment with sustainable production, consumption and collaboration in a real-life environment within the textile and fashion industry.
NewTexEco
Keeping it Local is part of the broad NewTexEco research community of ArtEZ University of the Arts. In it, Saxion works together with ArtEZ, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and some 30 partners on the transition to a circular textile chain, with design as the driving force.
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