Queens is on the sourcemap!

The last element of this season's Organic collection I wish to bring to your attention, is quite a fascinating one.

During the presentation, the concept of "sourcemapping" within the fashion-biz was introduced for the very

first time. A sourcemap is essentially an image of the world, in which pin points are placed representing a

raw material, manufacturing of a material, process of construction or a process of finishing. In doing this,

John Patrick throws away that widespread ideal of illusion and secrecy.

Jennifer worked closely with individuals at M.I.T in developing this idea. All while documenting the process of design,

from start to finish, as we also worked steadily towards a successful end result. She was not alone, however,

and mentions that her group of supportive friends/collaborators, among them editor Thomas Sabinsky, all played key

parts in capturing the essence of the Organic label. Viewers at the presentation were able to watch the film as it

flashed upon a white wall. Yet, to watch it in a quiet place, just for a few moments, well, it's a greater experience.

I had asked Jennifer to write a few words on herself and the subject:

"I am a graduate student at Parsons the New School for Design, doing an MFA in Design and Technology. I very intentionally wanted to do a project that addressed the intersection of fashion and sustainability, and how current forms of media and technology could facilitate openness and transparency within a clothing supply chain. I have been collaborating with the Sourcemap team out of the MIT media Lab for about a year, and wanted to develop the traceability map further to visually tell the story of where and how the item comes from, the inputs and outputs involved.

I met John Patrick in the fall, and he was very open and willing to let me document his supply chain - from the wool farm through manufacturing and production. The process of going to each stage throughout the supply chain was the most rewarding, and fascinating part of the project for me. Putting faces to each process in the giant collaborative process behind John's vision. Getting to meet, and document the people uncovers details that otherwise go unnoticed, or unknown. The whole process of creating the video was extremely positive, and I feel as though the kindness encountered transcends into the work created"

-- Jennifer Sharpe