Virtuosi Workpackages: WP2 Fashion Pilot

Virtuosi is a collaborative project led by BT which is developing virtual reality techniques to support groups of people working together on different tasks. One of the application areas being considered is in fashion design. Many different people, designers, buyers, manufacturers, are involved in the design of a garment which will ultimately be on sale in the High Street. It is important that the time from concept to supply is as short as possible. Virtuosi is looking at ways in which all the people involved can collaborate on the design without leaving their own offices. The objective will be for them to be able to see the garment in VR and to discuss and modify it before any cloth has ever been cut. Once the design has been agreed, other software linked to the garment simulation will transform the design into pattern pieces, order schedules etc so that production can commence.

The demonstration shows a 'virtual catwalk' with a mannequin modelling a very simple garment. The user can move around the catwalk and view the scene from any angle. Work is underway to model more complex items and enable users to modify the fabric, the shape and accessories until they are satisfied with the design. The mannequin can also be animated to show the garment as the wearer moves. The view of the mannequin can be shared with remote users so that is would be possible for a designer in Nottingham, a buyer in London and a manufacturer in Hong Kong to discuss the design as if they were all sitting around a real catwalk.

The model seen in the demonstration has been created by Nottingham Trent University who are the leaders of the 'Fashion Pilot' workpackage within the Virtuosi project. GMMT Hirst are developing voice control for the catwalk to enable users to direct the mannequin using voice commands. Other members of the Virtuosi consortium are GPT, BICC plc, DIVISION Ltd and the Universities of Nottingham, Lancaster and Manchester. The project is supported by the DTI and EPSRC.