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Solarpunk Fashion

Solarpunk Fashion explores sustainable clothing designed for the extreme climate of the Atacama Desert in Chile. Inspired by the solarpunk movement, the project combines ecological sustainability with cutting-edge technology. The clothing uses innovative materials like hemp, algae, and photovoltaic fabrics to provide UV protection and address environmental challenges.

Role

Visual Designer

User Researcher

Tools

CLO3D

Year

2024

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Research & Insights

The Atacama Desert
The Atacama is the driest desert in the world, with the highest UV radiation levels. This extreme environment poses challenges for both health and fashion. Traditional solutions to UV protection are ineffective and unsustainable.

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Fast Fashion & Environmental Impact
The desert also serves as a dumping ground for unsold fast fashion, creating massive pollution. Satellite images show huge piles of discarded clothing. This issue highlighted the need for sustainable fashion alternatives.

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Flora & Fauna
The desert is home to unique life forms. The rare desert bloom, which occurs once every 5-10 years, inspired the project’s aesthetic and patterns. The Black Witch moth, native to the region, also influenced design choices.

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Design Approach

Solarpunk Aesthetic
The design merges solarpunk aesthetics with Chilean cultural elements, such as ruffles and traditional clothing styles. It draws from art movements like Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts to create a balance between eco-friendliness, technology, and cultural identity.

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Material Selection
The garment uses:

  • Hemp: Durable, eco-friendly, and offers UV protection.

  • Algae-based Textiles: Lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective.

  • Photovoltaic Fabrics: These fabrics convert sunlight into energy to power a cooling system.

  • Recycled Polyester: Used for decorative elements like beads, reducing fast fashion waste.
     

Cultural Sensitivity
I ensured the integration of Chilean elements was respectful and avoided cultural appropriation. The design celebrates the culture while offering sustainable solutions to environmental problems like fast fashion.

Development Process

Sketches & Concepts
I began by researching the desert’s unique features. The Black Witch moth and the desert bloom were central to the patterns and color choices.

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3D Modeling & CLO3D Software
Using CLO3D, I simulated the design to experiment with materials, proportions, and patterns. This helped visualize how the fabric would move and behave in real life.

 

Final Design
The garment integrates:

  • Hemp & Algae Fabrics for UV protection.

  • Photovoltaic Fabric for a solar-powered cooling system.

  • Recycled Decorative Elements made from polyester waste.

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Conclusion

The Solarpunk Fashion project combines sustainable materials, solarpunk aesthetics, and technology to create fashion suitable for extreme climates. It addresses global challenges like climate change and fast fashion. This project deepened my understanding of sustainable design and the role of technology in fashion, offering a vision of a functional, eco-friendly future.

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