A Confluence of Fashion and Technology

A Confluence of Fashion and Technology

In the evolving landscape of contemporary fashion, where traditional craftsmanship and modern technology increasingly intersect, SCRY emerges as a distinctive force. Established in 2020 by Zixiong Wei and Olivia Cheng, SCRY seeks to transcend the conventional fashion model by positioning itself as a laboratory that merges sartorial artistry with technological innovation. The brand's name, "SCRY," derived from Zixiong's Instagram handle @scccccry, reflects its ethos of anticipating and shaping future fashion trends through a deliberate integration of creativity and sustainability. SCRY’s approach to design and production is deeply rooted in technological advancements. The company’s exploration of additive manufacturing and digital design began in 2018, culminating in the release of their first prototype two years later. This process involved extensive iterations and refinements, each progressively aligning with their vision. Today, the 'Digital Embryo' framework enables SCRY to streamline production significantly, reducing the time from concept to creation to just three days. The printing process itself, taking under 1.5 hours per shoe, highlights SCRY’s commitment to both efficiency and innovation. Collaboration is integral to SCRY’s strategy. The brand has partnered with prominent designers and labels such as Iris van Herpen, Heliot Emil, Dion Lee, Sankuanz, and Annakiki. These collaborations, featured at major fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and New York, emphasize SCRY’s engagement with the intersections of fashion, art, and technology.

A Dialogue with the Founders

In a discussion, SCRY’s founders, Zixiong Wei and Olivia Cheng, reflected on their journey and future directions. "Our exploration began with a fundamental question: “How can technology transform fashion?" Zixiong explains. "The path was complex, but through iterative experimentation, we developed a process that integratesadvanced manufacturing with digital design, allowing us to innovate continuously. "Olivia Cheng adds, "Our choice of materials is central to our design philosophy. We use a specialized polymer that addresses the functional requirements of various shoe components in a single print. This approach enhances both durability and comfort while ensuring full recyclability. Our commitment extends to minimizing waste and promoting sustainability throughout our operations." While SCRY’s emphasis on rapid, on-demand production and recyclable materials is noteworthy, it is essential to approach claims of sustainability with caution. The fashion industry, by its very nature, involves significant resource consumption and environmental impact. The assertion of sustainability in production processes can sometimes mask the broader, systemic challenges that remain unaddressed. While SCRY’s innovations in efficiency and material use are commendable, true sustainability requires a more comprehensive reevaluation of fashion's impact on the environment. SCRY’s approach may offer a progressive model for integrating technology and design, but it also prompts a critical examination of the limits and real implications of claiming sustainability in a fundamentally resource-intensive industry.