About this project
/* Website || Instagram || Twitter || Press Kit
*/
void setup() {
/* string&&loop (pronounced “string AND loop”) is the world's first line of generatively designed knit socks. Crossing between digital and physical technologies, the brand uses computer programming to endlessly reimagine traditionally inspired patterns into limited edition series of wearable art.
Frustrated with the similarity of modern hosiery brands, string&&loop was developed to champion fashion innovation through collaborative design processes. While computers can effortlessly produce an infinite amount of beautiful outcomes, they lack the magic contained within a permanent physical presence. By knitting craft with code, these separate design processes work together to form a powerful pair that set new standards for the industry.
The first edition of argyle inspired socks was successfully launched on Kickstarter during the spring of 2016 as part of a senior design thesis at Boston University. There are still a few remaining pairs available online.
Now, after working on new programs, patterns, and projects, string&&loop is back on Kickstarter to continue with its second and third editions.
Funding from this campaign will therefore go towards fulfilling the minimum production order of...
the first output of a new polka dot inspired program...
and a new output from the original argyle inspired program.
Each style will be run as a limited edition set of at least 300 identical pairs. When there is so much creative potential to explore, it would be wasteful to repeating the same design over again. So, after this Kickstarter is complete, these outputs will be retired in favor of newer variations and color palettes down the line.
*/
}
void draw() {
/* Using Processing, string&&loop's patterns are generated following a sequence of programmed commands and randomized variables. Though only one output can be manufactured at a time, the underlying process allows every frame, and therefore every edition, to be completely unique.
Below is a sample of some of the potential outcomes each program is capable of creating.
However, before patterns can go into production, the programs need to be mathematically optimized and scaled to produce the best results as socks.
Having only retained limited knowledge from high school trigonometry, perfecting the ellipses within new polka dot program became especially challenging,
After final patterns and colors are selected, designs are seamlessly converted from pixel to stitch with standardized production methods and knit into soft combed-cotton socks.
As direct translations from digital to physical forms, no additional branding or embellishments are added during the manufacturing process.
The finished products effortlessly combine the relevance of digital technology with beauty of tangible craft in order to create screen-shattering pieces of conceptually driven fashion.
Every element of string&&loop is designed with the idea that there are better, if not at least different ways to develop a fashion brand. Product > Profit. So, since the Kickstarter community is able and willing to fund ethical production methods, string&&loop is proudly made in U.S.A.
Staying domestic has allowed the brand to produce an even higher quality sock than ever imagined when the project began. string&&loop's original pairs have frequently been regarded as the favorite sock of more than a "footful" of awesome backers all over the world!
*/
String pledges = "Rewards";
/* string&&loop needs your support in order to continue developing new products. For their pledge, every backer becomes part of a small community of fashion innovators and can receive...
Backers will be able to specify which style(s) they wish to receive from their reward in a survey following this campaign's conclusion. All pledge rewards listed above exclude shipping costs, which vary by reward tier and destination.
Though there is always the chance that certain stages of production may, take longer than expected, a flexible timeline has been set up to plan for fulfillment within the fall of 2017.
*/
String prototypes = "Work in Progress";
/* In full transparency, please note that the images featured within this campaign were taken using the first round of prototypes. Though the patterns came out perfect, there are pending updates to the socks' construction. Product documentation has therefore been edited to reflect the expected final product appearance.
Specifically, the original green thread color of the polka dot socks was shifted to the center bottom shade being planned for the full production run, "Pine 7732."
However, as exhibited throughout the previous Kickstarter, further changes made to either design will be communicated clearly via updates and done so only in an effort to enhance the final product.
*/
println( "Thank you for your support.");
/* While string&&loop is technically a "sole" endeavor, the project would not exist without its former Kickstarter backers, its current customers, and its lifelong friends. So, to the people important to this project, thank you.
Together we can be part of creating something new, every time.
string&&loop is also made possible thanks to the work of The Processing Foundation. Their programs are open source and what they do is deeply respected. After pledging to this campaign, please consider supporting them in order to help advance the role of programming within the visual arts.
*/
}
Risks and challenges
/* Having already successfully completed and fulfilled a nearly identical Kickstarter campaign, it doesn't seem likely there will be many risks and challenges associated with this one.
string&&loop has built proven relationships with its production partners, shipping logistics have been thoroughly tested, and there are a few open ended details as compared to last time. Most potential bugs have already been reported above, but in any case, backers will be kept in the loop until fulfillment is complete.
*/
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