VIRTUAL MEMORIES: ARCHIVAL KNITWEAR THROUGH 3D MODELLING SOFTWARE AND NEW MEDIA

Background: The need to adapt archival knowledge to new technologies has always been a crucial part of the transmission of said archives (1) furthered in recent years by the digital transition of knowledge and cultural change driven by the industry 4.0 and 5.0 (2). In this framework, knitwear archives have started to digitalize their pieces, but as today there appears to be a lack of development in the virtualization of assets through 3D modelling softwares, under the impression that it is impossible to achieve realistic digital twins of knitwear clothes (3). Trying to develop knitwear archival fashion through the use of 3D modelling techniques paves the way for overcoming physical limitations in educational and informative fields, other than being in line with the history of knitwear, which has always been pioneering innovation in the design process. Aim: This research has the aim to investigate on the best method of virtualization of knitwear archival pieces though 3D modelling software, with the aim of using said digital twins for educational and promotional purposes. In order to do so, the research was conducted starting from the knitwear production of Gianfranco Ferre, preserved into Gianfranco Ferre’s Research Centre, exploring the crucial points this production and the main focus to be transmitted through digital technologies. Method: Data about pre-existent 3D fashion modelling software was acquired through first-hand research and the selection of pieces was virtualized combining previously set knowledge and discoveries of new methos of utilization of software, interpreting with analytical critique the results, their possible improvements, and implications for the field. Conclusion: The results of this research show interesting developments for the virtualization of knitwear pieces with educational and promotional purposes, suggesting a method of use of non-specific software and a way to overcome physical limitations in the transmission of archival knowledge. Moreover, it is intended as an inspiration for further software development, in order to facilitate the future seamless virtualization of knitwear.