COLLABORATION BETWEEN FASHION AND SCIENCE; AN INTERVIEW WITH ELAINE ROBINSON AND BENJAMIN CABALLERO OF TEAM SEAMSTEIN

INSPIRATION

ELAINE, how would you describe Benjamin's research? What drew you to it in the first place and what are some of the ideas or images that were worth exploring?

Benjamin is researching autophagy, the degradation of cellular components by enzymes of the same cell, and its role in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This involves research on the degradation of pathogenic proteins in tissues and how these proteins, in turn, affect autophagy under different conditions and stimuli. This research is important to develop specific strategies for how the detrimental effect of pathogenic proteins can be diminished by improvement of the autophagy system. The black and white image representing bands of protein was what caught my eye initially. I was drawn to its simplicity visually and thought it would translate well to a textile.  (See screen shot of the image imported into the back yoke pattern piece of the garment.)

BENJAMIN, do you think Elaine has a good understanding of your research? What would you like to add? Is it challenging to talk about your work with someone who isn't a scientist?

I think that Elaine caught on immediately to the essence of my research. I was really surprised at her very well thought out questions that attacked the root of the problem and made me think of ways to explain complex things in simple terms. I think it is always challenging to talk about the work that you do, not only to non-scientist but to anyone who is not in your field. Many assumptions are made from the general knowledge that someone "should" have. In my case, I have always seen communicating science and research as the most crucial role as a scientist. What can we do if we lock ourselves in our own knowledge and understanding and are unable to reach out to everybody who is interested in listening to us. To explain what I do, I try to always use an analogy of a common thing that you would do in your day-to-day life, and then explain in the same terms how the cell is functioning. 

COMMUNICATION

BENJAMIN, tell us about the look that Team Seamstein is creating. What message does the piece convey?

As a team we are creating a trench dress. We tried to focus on an essential component used by almost every scientist, the lab coat, and give it a fashionable twist to change its conservative look. To make it unique we decided to add scientific images that reflect real experiments. I think the message we are trying to convey here is: Science is fun and it can also be fashionable. Most important we are communicating science with this garment and it creates a feeling of wonder and curiosity from those patterns. Also, at the end of the day, the way we dress reflects who we are, and anybody can start being a scientist by dressing like one. 

ELAINE, anything you would like to add?

Benjamin works with proteins.  Protein is an identifier. We have taken the most used and universally identified lab equipment for a scientist; the lab coat, and modified it to add interest by incorporating fashion details and the pure scientific image.  By highlighting the image on the dress we hope to provoke conversation about it and what it represents while conveying a sophisticated fashion style through the design.

CREATION

BEJAMIN, please tell us what tools your team is using to communicate your research. Have you learned anything new about fashion design?

I think this is my turn to acknowledge Elaine and the tremendous and innovative work she has done to communicate my research in our trench dress. From our initial talks with some "mood boards" which was where our project started to take shape, we were able to convey the feeling we wanted to give. She also did a great amount of work from a graphic perspective, looking at ways to change our image in order to reflect what we wanted to convey. From a material perspective, different materials where selected to best fit the trench dress, reflect its movement and show our scientific image by producing a fashionable pattern in the garment. I have definitely learned quite a bit about fashion design with this project and also learned the similarities we have with experimental design. From the initial brainstorm and research to generate ideas, to the sketching process, selection and construction, to the final edits and creation we hope to showcase science through fashion. Every single step could be easily translated to what a scientific project and experiments are about.  

COLLABORATION

How can you support each other moving forward? 

ELAINE

The best way for me to support Benjamin moving forward is to make sure that he is in the communication loop and to seek his input to the design process. This will ensure that he is well informed about the direction of the design and included in a cohesive team effort. Benjamin’s input is invaluable and aids in the process when I am making design decisions. It is also important for me to stay inquisitive about his research and continue to learn from it.

BENJAMIN