Branches is a fashion collective that delves into the philosophy of choice and consequence. Thinking about how the paths we’ve taken in developing our modern capitalist economy has created a large issue in sustainability I want to emphasize reusing and repurposing to create upcycled pieces. Each upcycled garment is split and remixed based on commands drawn from a deck of cards, where a single command can completely change the project's direction. This process emphasizes the butterfly effect—small, random decisions create dramatically different outcomes, turning each garment into a unique narrative of what was versus what could have been.
I explained this project and then asked AI to generate commands to pick from:
Here are some randomized commands that you could use for your Split Paths project:
Cut diagonally – Make a diagonal cut across the garment, then mix and match fabrics from different pieces.
Reverse direction – Flip the garment inside out and incorporate visible seams or interior details.
Add unexpected material – Introduce a completely different material (e.g., denim with silk or plastic) into the design.
Rotate by 90° – Rotate a section of the garment 90 degrees before sewing it back together.
Layer over another piece – Take fabric from one garment and use it to layer or cover a section of another.
Divide and swap halves – Cut the garment in half vertically and swap halves with another garment.
Elongate one sleeve – Extend the length of one sleeve using material from another piece.
Remove a key feature – Take off a major element, like a pocket, collar, or button-up section, and reattach it somewhere else.
Fold and stitch – Create folds in the fabric, then secure them with visible stitching.
Turn into a patchwork – Cut the garment into square or irregular patches and reassemble them in a new configuration.
Scrap one piece entirely – Remove one piece of the garment and replace it with fabric from another.
Asymmetry – Modify the garment to create an intentional imbalance in design, focusing on one side.
