Fab Lab: A Workshop that Mixes Fashion and Technology
Fab Lab, a global network of digital workshops, has opened a fashion studio in Peru that teaches designers how to use 3D Printers. It is the first of its kind in the country and it offers people of all paths of life the tools to produce their own clothes.
Grace Silva Shawn, an elementary school teacher turned designer, says she never imagined herself using high-end technology, let alone using them for fashion.
“Here at Fab Lab I learned how to use the 3D printer, the laser cutter and all the apps needed to make these machines work,” she said, “all while working on my art projects.”
Silva’s latest design is a dress made out of linen, with patterns representing the Shipibo-Konibo community. The patterns were 3D-printed, replacing plastic with a material based on corn. She also used natural dyes such as annatto, sachaculantro and turmeric to avoid using toxic chemicals.
“In Peru, we have such a wonderful combination of cultures, and so, I wanted to pay tribute to the Shipibo-Konibo while making a dress that would degrade easily and avoid toxic waste,” said Silva.
Silva’s dress was featured in Fab Lab’s 2021 fashion show titled ‘Peru: Diversity and Celebration,’ where it got the recognition of Fab Lab’s executive director, Delia Barriga Ciudad.
“Grace is an example of a regular person who, through effort and creativity, became an expert in all things technology and fashion. She was able to merge the two and make such a meaningful piece,” said Barriga.
Barriga, aside from her work with Fab Lab, is an activist for women’s rights and believes that projects like these can be empowering. Since fashion is an interest that many women share, Barriga thinks it is a gateway for women to learn about STEM.
“STEM is a male-dominated field, but if we create a space for women to learn how to use technologies without being belittled or pressured, we will see them thrive in ways nobody saw coming,” she said.
Fab Lab also provides virtual classes for people of all ages to learn how to design functional, technological and sustainable fashion. Students discover apps such as AstroPrint, Techpacker and Adobe Illustrator and use them to make small-scale projects.
Franco Loyola, a high school student from Lima, is interested in taking his design to the studio and bringing it to life. He wants to make a bracelet that detects uneven heartbeat and immediately notifies the person of a possible heart deficiency.
“My dad got COVID-19 and had us worried about his health all day long. I imagine that other people with sick family members have it worse, so maybe this bracelet can help them to identify when things are going wrong,” said Loyola.
Once Loyola pins down his bracelet model, he will be able to use Fab Lab’s installations and make his very own prototype. He will need more than knowledge about 3D Printers, as his bracelet has a medical function, but Fab Lab constantly collaborates with all types of professionals, so getting a doctor or medical technician to help him won’t be an issue.
“We want to support all of the initiatives of our students, no matter how big or small. Fashion can be more than just a statement, it can be life-changing and functional,” said Barriga.
Fab Lab’s goal is to promote the usage of technology and eliminate the digital gap in Peru. Silva thanks the workshop for all the knowledge it gave her and hopes she can help other young designers with their own projects.
“If you can imagine it, you can do it here. Our team will back you up and teach you the way, but you’ll be the one leading,” said Silva.
