The Magnestic

When a fashion-loving artist has a big dream about magnets.

Team

Feliciana Natali: Idea generator/designer/model

Marcellinus Adi Wibowo: Engineer

Andri Lau: Engineer

Concept/Story

It started from the artist’s penchant for versatile fashion: she dreams to make a two-in-one full length gown and cocktail dress, or in other words, a skirt/dress which length can be controlled by the user. Using a bit of her knowledge about physics, she came out with the idea of using electromagnet: metal which becomes a magnet when electricity is passed on through it (rough definition).

But, she has limitations: technical skill and actual knowledge about electrical circuit as well as time. With the permission from Galina, her beloved fashion guru, she seeked help from her two brilliant friends who are currently final year students from the electrical engineering school. They agreed to help her constructing the electrical aspect based on her idea. Until now, all she understands is God is so good for sending her the two kind geniuses to help her realizing the idea.

Process: Electromagnets

Adi and Andri were working together to create the desired ‘electrical unit’ before I finalize the design of the fashion and the aesthetic’s details. They took about 2 months to come out with the final electromagnetic coil circuit. The final circuit is a circuit with a coil and a magnet inside the coil, in which the two will produce opposing magnetic field when the switch is on, hence causing the magnet inside to have an upward movement (pulled by attraction of two opposing poles).

It seemed fine to pull a fabric, but in reality, to pull up a fabric that is big enough to create a mini skirt is impossible with the final circuit. A lot of factors need to have further advance research: the material used, the size, the length, the number of turning coils, etc. Using the resources and taking into account the limited time that we had, I decided to use the final circuit as the ‘technology’ element to the design. After much trials and errors, the greatest (most visible) movement is only when the magnet is used to pull up a light ribbon made of tutu fabric.

 

Process: Fashion

Initially, I wanted to make ‘flowers’ which could move up and down at the skirt. However, even the lightest satin is still too heavy for the electromagnetic circuit. Hence, the best option with the best aesthetic look is the tutu ribbons.

The concept of the aesthetic is to create a fashion technology that does not look like a costume, or for-exhibition-only pieces. The aesthetic and vibe are deliberately created with consumer product in mind, so that either the skirt of the top can be worn (by myself) in the future.

However, because this set was to be exhibited at an established museum, the ArtScience Museum, as well as to be showcased through a fashion show in school, the design cannot be too plain and simple. There should be an element that is eye-catching and cannot be found in stores. With that issue in mind, hundreds of ribbons were used to create unique 3D patterns of the skirt. All are created by hand and sewn by hand using invisible thread, to make it look light, yet attached strongly to the newprint black fabric.

But again, the “main actor” should not be the skirt, because it is the top that contains the technology. Hence, full black blouse is used as a ‘contrasting backdrop’ for the moving ribbon. The use of contrast will allow even the slightest movement of the ribbon to be visible from further distance. Automatically, even though the skirt is more ‘crowded’ with pretty ribbons, the eyes of the viewer would be drawn more to the top when the ribbons are made moving.

Fabric used:

• Tutu
• Newprint
• Netting

 

Final Outcome

 

Photos above are taken during the Sunday Showcase at ArtScience Museum @Marina Bay Sands.

 

 

Reflection: How I feel about the product, exhibition and fashion show

1. I am happy and satisfied with the final outcome used for the exhibition and fashion show. Even though it may not be in the form of majestic long gown full of lights, I am very grateful to be able to create a fashion technology using technology that is created from scratch and made out of friendship. This project did not just explore new concept and technology/experiment but also new deeper friendships that I hope can last for a life time. These fashion pieces are indeed the witnesses of unforgettable moments. Moreover, this can also be a start of something greater if we are willing to dwell deeper and further about electromagnetic and fashion. The Magnestic is a small manifestation of a bigger dream.
2. The exhibition was a blast indeed. A lot of people came to see our creations and for our pieces, I found that a lot of visitors love the concept and some exchanged name cards with me. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to have an exhibition in such a cool and famous place. In addition, this exhibition also helped me discover a new interest: I love explaining to visitors about the artworks (not just my artwork) and that feeling when they smile and look satisfied with the inspiration they just received from the artwork is priceless. And mesmerize kids with artwork is a divine feeling too!
3. The fashion show was another blast too not just because the dress was working as fine as usual despite already being kept for more than a week using the same batteries, but also because I feel so loved and supported by the friends I have in NTU. I did not expect quite a number of them to come to the fashion show in the middle of their busy weeks. And also, the preparation of the fashion show bring all of the classmates a little more closer than before. I love how art brings people together and add variation to the lives of those who do not do art for a living.
4. The fashion photoshoot is really an unforgettable moment because I had never imagined myself to be taken photo by a pro fashion photographer!! the result is awesome to the max! (will update the post with the photoshoot results and fashion show )

 

More Pictures