Creative Design: Graduate

Seashell Architecture Inspired Auxetic Knitted Dress

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Abstract

This design is a seashell-inspired auxetic knitted dress which is an amalgamation of nature inspired architecture, textile engineering, and expressive design. Drawing inspiration from the layered curvature and ribbed structure of Molluscan seashells, the dress translates these biological cues into re-entrant auxetic knit structure that expands laterally when stretched. The designed dress adapts to the body through multidirectional stretch while maintaining visual harmony and structural integrity. The arrowhead based knit geometries create a dynamic surface movement that shifts from flat to three dimensional and vice versa as the fabric stretches and relaxes. The monochromatic palette highlights form and texture, while hand-stitched pearl embellishments introduce a subtle contrast between matte yarn and reflective surfaces. Adding to the aesthetics, the design demonstrates how the auxetic knit structures can enhance comfort, fit and conformability in wearable applications. This shows how bio-inspired structures can make adaptive and intelligent textile design.

Keywords: Auxetic Knit, Re-entrant GeomAuxetic Knitetry, Seashell Architecture, Re-entrant Geometry

How to Cite:

Balegar Mohan, R. & Jo, J., (2025) “Seashell Architecture Inspired Auxetic Knitted Dress”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.22017