Introduction


Technology has propelled the growth of human society ininnumerable ways. From the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter toadvanced robotics and health care, technology has rapidly assumed the status ofan arguably indispensable and highly effective tool in the modern era. Clothinghas always been both a necessity with regard to human civilization and a meansof showcasing ones culture and interests. Social status, religious leanings,cultural diversity and professional status can all be amply reflected by onesclothes. A wide array of different styles of clothing is now possible, aided bypowerful technological tools that supplement and shape the creative ideas offabric designers.


Evolution of Fabric Design

In accordance with Darwinian principles, man is a remarkableexample of adaptability. And a look at the way clothes have evolved only goesto illustrate this. In addition, the progress of mans concept of fashion hasalso transformed over the ages. Starting from merely covering ones body withnatural fur to protect it from the vagaries of the natural elements in ancientperiods of human existence to designing special suits and fabrics woven out ofexotic materials to meet adverse environment requirements like space and desertsurroundings, man has always shown ingenious capability to engineer requisitechanges in the fabrics. The concept of fashion too has seen a marked shift withthe variety of choices available in the present times. Of course, technology isa major driving force behind fashion trends.


The Role of Technology in Fabric Design and Fashion


One of the most significant outcomes of the famed IndustrialRevolution was the mechanization of textile manufacture. The power loom and themechanized cotton mill resulted in a huge increase in the quantum of productionby shortening the time required for production manifold. In the more recenttimes, there has been a proliferation of novel materials designed, and this hasenhanced both the quality and adaptability of fabrics. The so-called smartmaterials enable the production of clever fabrics, with high-end technologylike atomic force microscopy and polymeric nanofibres going into the design,manufacturing and testing of these fabrics. Ranging from special applicationslike the design of suits for space travel, swimsuits and suits for militarypurposes to the usage of more durable and adaptable garments for daily use,these methods have proved to be extremely effective. Several research centreshave sprung up to investigate these exciting possibilities. The role ofcomputers is unarguably prominent in fashion technology. The visualization ofthe final design right at the conceptualization stage, down to the finestdetail, making suitable modifications if so desired, automating several stagesin the manufacturing process and, finally, executing quality control procedures- all of them involve computing at various levels of complexity. Be it creatingan eye-catching design using CAD or running the computerized knitting and weavingmachinery, automation is fast becoming the buzzword. Fashion courses nowadaysinvariably include a major technological thrust in the curriculum to enableprospective designers to be abreast with the latest trends.


Exciting Possibilities and Trends


How about having a single garment that one can use both inthe summer and winter one that would change texture, colour and even shape inresponse to external environments? All these are gradually transcending frombeing mere fantasies to reality. Digital clothing that incorporates sensors inthe very clothing that one wears and other fascinating possibilities lie instore - courtesy the largely interdisciplinary explorations into the field offabric and fashion technology. At a more mundane level, one could mostdefinitely be pleased by the thoughts of having clothes made to precisespecifications at a much faster rate and with several times more durability.


 

Technology is scaling tremendous heights and with it, so are all its applications. Textile and fashion design have in store lots of promises and continue to be a standing example of the prowess of technology. As Mark Twain puts it, the finest clothing ever made is a persons skin, but of course, society demands something more. So the quest for better clothing, better fabric and trendier garments continues unabated aided by technological advancements.


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