No.13
Year: Nov 2024 - Feb 2025
Role: Developer, 3D Modeler, Designer
Technologies: Unity, Blender, Move.AI, Clo3d, Leap Motion
Exhibitions: EDGE NYFW, Refind x Thredx, Groove Ballet
No. 13 is an interactive fashion experience developed in Unity, combining simple hand control features and robotic arm controls to let users paint and interact with a 3D model inspired by Alexander McQueen’s iconic SS 1999 runway.
Final Interactive Sequence
Mouse Integration
Decals and Animation Sequence Added
Unity
Prototype 1: Tested mouse-controlled raycasting for the robotic arm nozzle.
Rigged the armature, but adjusted to mouse control for the nozzle due to functionality issues.
Used decals to simulate spray painting on the dress.
Implemented HDRP lighting and coded a custom shader for the dress's inner mesh.
Outfit Design
Modeled the outfit in Blender using the clothing simulator for realistic draping.
Prototyped the skirt as a 3d model, but faced integration issues in Unity due to improper attachment to the body.
I am deeply inspired by Alexander McQueen’s ethos, particularly his integration of performative and immersive art in his shows. He often centered his work on themes of violence against women, exemplified powerfully in the iconic performance of Shalom Harlow and the robotic arms, which conveyed both vulnerability and defiance.
Inspiration
Design Process
Research
Actively studied Mcqueen’s process
Researched various ways to optimize animation with limited resources and time
Tested out Blender vs Clo. 3d clothing simulation software
Move. AI ~ Video Capture to FBX
Move.AI is an AI video software that converts videos into a functioning rig mimicking existing animations from feature
Retargeted the mesh from the default model/body into my 3D model of Shalom Harlow in Blender
Clo 3D learning curve ~ designed for fashion designers, not dev's
Pivoted to Blender's clothing simulation, lower learning curve.
Animation and Rig integration issues
Made legs static to avoid float and manually cleaned-up every key frame of the animation.
GPU and laptop died 6 hours before first NYFW event
Version Control, fully backed on Github and had to pivot to a new laptop. Stay calm, cry later mentality.
Challenges vs Solutions
Design Process
Research
Actively studied Mcqueen’s process
Researched various ways to optimize animation with limited resources and time
Tested out Blender vs Clo. 3d clothing simulation software