Is it possible to create a world where fashion no longer burdens the planet? The answer is a resounding yes. During Berlin Fashion Week, visitors who ventured behind the neon-lit glass doors of POPKDM were able to witness firsthand how old clothes can be transformed into new, not just in real life, but also through virtual and augmented reality. This cutting-edge technology is made possible by i-mmersive, a Berlin-based VR hardware and software company, and their innovative application, 500kg CO2.
The 500kg CO2 app, created by Studio 183, allows users to design their own upcycled clothes. The name of the app is derived from the fact that reusing just one kilogram of clothing can save 25 kilograms of CO2 emissions. By upcycling more and discarding less clothing, we can all play a role in reducing our carbon footprint. This marriage of upcycling and technology not only makes it possible, but also fun.
To utilize the full functionality of the 500kg CO2 app, users will need an AR mirror with design patterns, several garments with different materials and patterns, and an iPad for taking photos of the garments. The user takes photos of the garment with the iPad, and the design appears on the AR mirror based on the patterns presented on the screen. The app then measures the user’s body and creates a new design from the templates and the photographed fabric samples that the user has selected. The remix button can be used to create variations of the placement of the old fabric. This application allows users to create upcycled clothes according to their own tastes, using existing fashion templates, and to send in their old clothes to be transformed into new, upcycled fashion pieces.
The 500kg CO2 app is not only helpful for designing upcycled clothes, but also employs augmented reality for fitting before the new garment is cut and sewn. This allows the fashion industry to produce new pieces without requiring new raw materials or releasing CO2 emissions. With this innovative technology, we can work towards a future where fashion and sustainability go hand in hand.