Modular modeling and innovation in fashion: optimization of resources and modifications through experimentation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5965/1982615x19472026231

Keywords:

experimentation, modular modeling, zero waste

Abstract

This article discusses modular patternmaking as a creative system based on the development of interchangeable modules capable of being articulated in multiple ways, enabling distinct product configurations. A responsible design approach is adopted, considering from the early stages of the project aspects related to adaptation, reconfiguration, and reuse. This is an action research study, preceded by exploratory and descriptive research, in which the integration between theoretical framework and experimental practice enables the conception and materialization process of a textile artifact designed under the zero-waste premise and structured from a system of interconnected modules. The study is grounded in the design principles of Nanni Strada and Issey Miyake. The results show that experimentation, as a creative strategy applied to modular patternmaking, emerges as a tool that promotes aesthetic and technical-productive innovation, contributing to resource optimization and the mitigation of environmental impacts arising from the production process.

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Author Biographies

Jean Cleiton Garcia, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná

He is currently pursuing a master's degree in Textiles and Fashion at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), as part of the CAPES stricto sensu graduate scholarship program. He holds a bachelor's degree in Design with an emphasis on Fashion from the Community University of the Chapecó Region (Unochapecó) and has lato sensu postgraduate degrees: Specialization in Creative Modeling with an Emphasis on Sustainability from the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) and Specialization in Teaching for Professional Education from the Federal Institute of Santa Catarina (IFSC). 

Patrícia de Mello Souza, Universidade Estadual de Londrina

Postdoctoral degree (2019) from EACH/USP (Textiles and Fashion); Postdoctoral degree (2015) from Politecnico di Milano (Fashion Design) with a CNPq scholarship; PhD in Design (2013) and Master's in Design (2006) from Unesp - Universidade Estadual Paulista; specialist in Fashion from Unerj (1999) and graduate in Architecture and Urbanism from UFPR - Universidade Federal do Paraná (1983). She is an associate professor at the State University of Londrina (UEL), where she works as a researcher and lecturer in the Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design program, having been a member of the Institutional Committee for Technological Development and Innovation (2016-2020). She is the leader of a research group registered with CNPq in the area of Fashion Design and a guest lecturer in graduate programs. 

Ieda Nunes Nunes Corrêa, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná

He holds a Master's degree in Tourism and Hospitality from the Stricto-sensu Postgraduate Program - PPGTH Univali. He has a specialization in Entrepreneurship and Innovative Business EAD, from the University of Vale do Itajai - UNIVALI 2018/2019. She has an MBA specialization in Strategic Design Management from the University of Vale do Itajai - UNIVALI (2011). She has a degree in Fashion Design from the University of Vale do Itajaí (2008). She has experience in the area of Fashion Product Design, working mainly in the following areas: fashion - clothing, design, products, and projects. Lecturer in the Fashion Undergraduate Course, owner of a textile product development studio, provider of textile services to other studios, owner of two own brands of clothing and accessory product development. Researcher in the Master's program in Textiles and Fashion at UTFPR - Apucarana/PR Campus (currently enrolled as a special student).

Rosimeiri Naomi Nagamatsu, Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná

Possui Doutorado em Engenharia Têxtil (2020) pela Universidade do Minho. Mestrado em Engenharia da Produção (2011) e Especialização em Gestão Industria (2007) pela Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana, É graduada em Estilismo Em Moda e Especialista em Design de Moda, ambas pela Universidade Estadual de Londrina (2002). Atualmente é professora de 1° e 2° grau da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná. Tem experiência na área de Desenho Industrial, com ênfase em Moda, atuando principalmente nos seguintes temas: conforto do vestuário, analise sensorial têxtil, léxico têxtil, design, moda, modelagem e processos de industrialização do vestuário.

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Published

2026-01-01

How to Cite

GARCIA, Jean Cleiton; SOUZA, Patrícia de Mello; CORRÊA, Ieda Nunes Nunes; NAGAMATSU, Rosimeiri Naomi. Modular modeling and innovation in fashion: optimization of resources and modifications through experimentation. ModaPalavra e-periódico, Florianópolis, v. 19, n. 47, p. 231–253, 2026. DOI: 10.5965/1982615x19472026231. Disponível em: https://www.periodicos.udesc.br/index.php/modapalavra/article/view/27624. Acesso em: 9 jan. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 19 No. 47 (2026): Technofashion: the techniques that weave and are woven by fashion (V. 19, N. 47)

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Copyright (c) 2026 Jean Cleiton Garcia, Patrícia de Mello Souza, Ieda Nunes Nunes Corrêa, Rosimeiri Naomi Nagamatsu

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