Fragile Networks by Arco Riquelme

Subtle fragility: Detail of a seemingly ordinary garment concealing intricate patterns of potential vulnerability.

What if the beauty of design could expose the hidden dangers lurking within our digital world?

Fragile Networks: A speculative fashion collection that visualizes network vulnerabilities through intricate geometric designs, questioning the limits of cybersecurity in an age of sophisticated cyberattacks.

Riquelme_10933, Chile

Description

Ethical hacking simulations aimed at enhancing cybersecurity often overlook the underlying conceptual vulnerabilities. 'Fragile Networks' is a speculative fashion collection that translates abstract system vulnerabilities into tangible, wearable forms. Intricate geometric patterns, generated through parametric modeling and laser-cutting techniques, are embedded within the garments. These patterns serve as visual metaphors for potential exploits within interconnected systems. The project considers the fragility of our digital world against malicious actors, urging the user to be mindful of the biases coded into core security protocols.

Context

The world is heavily reliant on interconnected digital systems for nearly all aspects of daily life, from communication and commerce to infrastructure management. Frequent, low-grade cyberattacks are background noise. Trust in digital security is high, while critical awareness around system vulnerabilities are low. The aesthetic is less overtly hi-tech, with focus on the integration of tech into everyday objects. People wear clothes without realizing they're part of this world. The environment is dominated by this seamless yet vulnerable connectivity.

Provocation

This project highlights the hidden risks in our digital world. The project shows how reliance on technology creates vulnerabilities. Viewers should be concerned about the over-reliance on simulations without critical examination. What fundamental flaws are being overlooked in our pursuit of seamless digital security?

Riquelme_10933's process

Drawing inspiration from geometric patterns and science fiction, Riquelme connects South America's open landscapes with the digital world's expanse. Cultural influences from pre-colonial crafts inform the clean, angular design, infused with futuristic dystopian visions. For 'Fragile Networks,' Riquelme meticulously maps system vulnerabilities, translating them into visual metaphors via algorithms. These generate the complex, laser-cut patterns that adorn the garments, representing potential exploits. The project critically examines biases in technological systems, turning ethical hacking principles into a powerful form of speculative design focused on exposing conceptual, as well as code-based, vulnerabilities.

More about Riquelme_10933

Events leading to ‘Fragile Networks’

2024: Rise in sophisticated, state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.

2025: Widespread adoption of ethical hacking simulations as a primary cybersecurity training method.

2026: Major data breach exposes inherent flaws in simulation-based security approaches.

2027: Increased public awareness and concern surrounding conceptual vulnerabilities in digital systems.

Imagined Future Scenarios Considered

Riquelme_10933 considered the following imagined future scenarios while working on this project

The 'Genius Bar' evolves into 'Creative Labs,' offering personalized mentorship in digital arts, coding, and filmmaking, blurring the lines between tech support and creative education.

Extrapolated from 25 years of Apple's innovation in selling technology - AppleInsider

Clothing rental services use AI to analyze body scan data and predict sizes across different brands ensuring a perfect fit for every rental.

Extrapolated from 25 years of Apple's innovation with iPod - AppleInsider

Ethical hacking simulations will be commonplace, with corporations competing to be the victim in order to harden their defensive strategies.

Extrapolated from Cybersecurity jobs available right now: February 3, 2025 - Help Net Security

Fashion brands focus on creating scented clothing or accessories that use micro-encapsulation technology to release fragrance over time, offering a personalized and immersive olfactory experience.

Extrapolated from Tuesday from Stockholm Design Week 2025 - Dezeen

Consumers can instantly 'try on' clothes in augmented reality environments, with personalized avatars accurately reflecting body size and shape.

Extrapolated from 10+ Great Tools & Resources you need to try in 2025 - Webappers.com

Hypothetical Product Ideas Considered

Riquelme_10933 considered the following hypothetical product ideas while working on this project

Dark Web Sentinel

An AI-powered threat intelligence service designed to operate even when traditional internet infrastructure is compromised. Scours the dark web and other unconventional communication channels for early warnings of impending cyberattacks and coordinates responses for individuals and at-risk networks, providing targeted security alerts and mitigation strategies.

The Local Makers' Collective

A decentralized network connecting local artisans and craftspeople with individuals seeking custom-made or repaired clothing. Leverages simplified communication tools to bypass broken supply chains, promoting localized production, transparent labor practices, and durable, functional clothing built to last. Focuses on direct relationships and slow production speeds.

Emergency Clothing Kit+

A modular and durable clothing kit designed for resilience in times of disruption. Contains a core set of versatile, repairable garments made from durable, locally sourced materials, supplemented by tools and instructions for basic clothing repair and modification. The + signifies the community aspect, where people will share resources and skills to maintain their garments, using this kit as a base.

Skillshare Clothing Swap Network

A decentralized, community-driven platform that facilitates local clothing swaps and repair workshops. Utilizes simple technology (SMS, local bulletin boards) to connect individuals for bartering and sharing resources when centralized rental services are unavailable and aims to teach practical skills for extending the life of clothing.

Anti-Scent Pollution Suit

Full-body protective suit featuring advanced filtration technology to block harmful airborne particulates and excessive scent exposure. Provides a 'sensory sanctuary' for individuals with fragrance sensitivities or those living in highly polluted environments.

Creative Skills Survival Kits

Pre-packaged, offline kits containing essential hardware, software (open-source), and tutorials for digital arts, coding, and filmmaking. Designed for self-sufficiency and community sharing in resource-scarce environments, promoting creative resilience during crisis.

Emergency Repair Kits (Clothing)

Comprehensive kits containing essential tools and materials for mending and repurposing damaged clothing. Includes tutorials, guides, and community forums focusing on resourcefulness and practical skills, designed to extend garment lifecycles in a resource-constrained context. Prioritizes physical sewing skills and adapting clothes to practical needs.

The De-Scenting Movement App

A community-driven app that crowd-sources data on scent pollution hotspots, documents adverse reactions to fragrances, and provides resources for advocating for scent-free policies in public spaces. Allows people to rate public spaces based on scent sensitivities and find scent-safe environments.

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