Cyber Netcore Fashion Project Documentation

Part 1: What

Inspirations & Citations

My project draws inspiration from several existing works in the realm of tech-fashion and upcycled wearables:

• Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design – Hisapproach to repurposing technology components into wearable fashion demonstrates the balance between technological references and wearability that I’m aiming for. (Source: FragmentDesign Archive, 2023)
• N-10.AS Studio’s Circuit Board Accessories – Their circuit board jewelry demonstrates how electronic components can be transformed into elegant accessories while preserving their technological identity. (Source: N-10.AS Portfolio, 2022)
• Shay Lam’s “Digital Decay” Collection – Lam’s use of CD fragments as reflective elements in fashion inspired my approach to incorporating these obsolete media into contemporary wearables. (Source: Digital Decay Exhibition Catalog, MoMA, 2021)

My Vision & Aesthetic

My vision was to create wearable art that serves as a commentary on digital obsolescence and our relationship with technology. By repurposing electronic waste, I aimed to transform discarded elements of our digital past into objects of beauty and contemplation. E-waste is a huge issue that I am passionate about, forming the foundation of my senior project as well.

The cyber netcore aesthetic I pursued combines the digital nostalgia of netcore with the futuristic elements of cyberfashion, creating a tension between past and future technologies. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just conceptually interesting but actually wearable. The vest needed to maintain flexibility while showcasing the keyboard elements in a visually striking way.

I explored two contrasting aesthetics to inform my d

esign approach:

1. Western: This aesthetic brings rugged individualism and frontier spirit to the pieces. Exploring this direction led me to consider incorporating leather backing for the vest and brass hardware accents that reference traditional western wear while housing technological components.
2. Formal-Clean: This minimalist approach introduces architectural precision and structure. Exploring this aesthetic helped me develop more organiz
   ed arrangements for the keyboard keys and circuit elements, preventing the designs from becoming visually chaotic despite their complex components.

Through this exploration, I realized my project could benefit from incorporating elements of both: the tactile authenticity of western-inspired materials provides a groundin

g counterpoint to the sleek precision of the formal-clean arrangements of technological components.

Initial Sketches & Design Plans

 

My initial concept included multiple pieces incorporating various electronic components, but I eventually narrowed my focus to creating just the keyboard key vest due to material constraints. I originally sketched designs that included both ordered, grid-like arrangements of keys (reflecting the formal-clean aesthetic) and more organic, flowing patterns (drawing from the western aesthetic’s more natural approach).

My final design plan focused on creating a vest with keyboard keys arranged in a way that balances visual interest with wearability. I decided to attach the keys in a seemingly random pattern that avoided placing identical keys next to each other, creating a mosaic-like effect that draws the eye across the entire garment while maintaining the recognizable forms of the technolog

y components.

Part 2: How

Timeline of Design Process

Weeks 1-2: Research & Preparation

• Researched cyber netcore aesthetic and existing tech-fashion pieces
• Collected materials, including three defunct keyboards from electronics recycling centers
• Purchased base vest from thrift store
• Developed initial sketches and design concepts
• Tested different adhesives on sample materials

Week 3: Initial Construction

• Removed keys from keyboards using a dull knife
• Cleaned and disinfected keys in vinegar-rubbing alcohol solution
• Laid out keys in planned arrangement on vest
• Tested fabric glue (unsuccessful)
• Sourced hot glue as alternative adhesive

Week 4: Fabrication & Completion

• Applied hot glue to attach keys in designed pattern
• Allowed proper drying time between sections
• Conducted durability testing
• Made adjustments to loose keys
• Documented finished piece
• Prepared presentation materials

Detailed Fabrication Process

 

1. Material Acquisition:
   • I sourced three defunct keyboards from local electronics recycling centers
   • I purchased a thrift store vest as the base for my design
   • I gathered adhesives and cleaning materials
2. Key Preparation:
   •  I carefully removed keys from keyboards using a dull knife, inserting it under each key and gently prying upward to release them
   • I created a cleaning solution of equal parts vinegar and rubbing alcohol
   • I soaked all keys in this solution for over an hour to disinfect them
   • I thoroughly dried each key before proceeding
3. Design Layout:
   • I arranged the keys on the vest in my planned design pattern
   • I took photos of the arrangement to reference during the attachment process
   • I made adjustments to ensure visual balance across the garment
4. Attachment Process:
   • I initially attempted to use fabric glue, but found it didn’t create a strong enough bond
   • I switched to hot glue, which provided better adhesion to both the keys and vest material
   • I worked in small sections, applying glue to 5-6 keys at a time
   • I carefully positioned each key according to my reference photos
   • I intentionally kept the arrangement random, making sure not to place identical keys adjacent to each other
   • I applied gentle pressure to each key after placement to ensure proper adhesion
   • I allowed each section to dry completely before moving to adjacent areas
5. Finishing & Testing:
   • Once all keys were attached, I allowed the vest to dry overnight
   • I conducted a “shake test” by holding the vest and vigorously shaking it to test the durability of the attachments
   • I reinforced any loose keys with additional hot glue
   • I checked for any sharp edges or uncomfortable elements that might affect wearability
   • I made final adjustments to ensure the vest maintained its flexibility and comfort

Conclusion

The final keyboard key vest successfully embodies the cyber netcore aesthetic I was aiming for. While my initial vision included multiple pieces incorporating various electronic components (keyboard keys, CD fragments, and circuit board pieces), material constraints led me to focus solely on the keyboard key vest. This actually resulted in a more cohesive piece that makes a stronger visual statement.

The process of working with repurposed electronic components presented several unexpected challenges. The most significant was finding the right adhesive – fabric glue simply wouldn’t hold the plastic keys securely to the vest material, necessitating a switch to hot glue. This adaptation worked out well but required more careful application to maintain a clean appearance.

If I were to do this project again, I would:

1. Test adhesives more thoroughly before beginning construction
2. Create a more structured layout template to guide the placement of keys
3. Consider incorporating a backing layer between the vest and keys for additional stability
4. Explore more color coordination between the keys and the base vest

Aesthetically, I’m pleased with how the random arrangement of keys creates visual interest while maintaining a cohesive look. The contrast between the smooth, technological keyboard keys and the softer fabric of the vest creates an intriguing textural dialogue that speaks to the project’s theme of digital obsolescence intersecting with human experience.

The vest will be displayed in our end-of-semester exhibition, after which I plan to wear it to technology and art events to spark conversations about e-waste and creative reuse. The project successfully transformed discarded technology into a wearable art piece that serves as both fashion statement and environmental commentary.