Lala Tóth’s Unidentified T-shirt Object is a sci-fi fashion must-have
Unidentified T-shirt Object – UTO, conceived by Budapest-based textile designer Lala Tóth, blurs the boundaries between fashion accessories, contemporary jewelry, collectible design, and home decor. This versatile object serves as both a functional T-shirt conversion tool and a conceptual piece, embodying regenerative design principles. Serving as a sustainable alternative to overconsumption, UTO diverges from minimalist aesthetics.
Inspired by paranormal phenomena and science-fiction utopias, the design seamlessly integrates advanced technology with handcrafted techniques. The manufacturing process involves a unique combination of plant-based resin, 3D printing, hand sanding, chrome plating, and glass crystals. The mysterious composition of these objects challenges easy identification, maintaining an air of intrigue. Packaging takes an eco-conscious turn, featuring degradable mushroom mycelium around each piece.
all images by Máté Kalicz unless stated otherwise
plant-based resin and glass crystals shape mysterious UTO pieces
Aligned with the values of slow design, UTOs are available for pre-order on the brand’s website. These extraterrestrial statement pieces can function as standalone sculptures or adorn various parts of a T-shirt, including the neck, sleeve, or hem. The three shape variations boast a spectrum of colors, ranging from subtle translucence to metallic hues and vibrant neons. Each piece, bearing a cryptic acronym as its name, encourages unexpected associations, such as S.M.O.S.S.S. denoting Shining Mist On Sliding Silvery Snake and B.M.C.F. standing for Bitter Mediterranean Crop Fossil.
True to its essence, Unidentified T-shirt Object – UTO made its debut in a contemporary art gallery, intentionally extracted from its original functional context to be showcased as an art installation. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a unique ‘UFO research laboratory’ behind a curtain, revealing certain stages of the production process.
UTO functions as both a practical T-shirt conversion tool and a conceptual piece
the statement pieces can function as standalone sculptures or adorn various parts of a T-shirt
UTO diverges from minimalist aesthetics and challenges conventions of overconsumption
inspired by science-fiction utopias, the design fuses advanced technology with handcrafted techniques
each piece bears a cryptic acronym, encouraging unexpected associations, such as S.M.O.S.S.S. and B.M.C.F.
Unidentified T-shirt Object pieces are aligned with slow design values
UTO invites contemplation and engagement, challenging traditional notions of wearable design
close-up of F.R.A.B.L.F. a.k.a. Fuchsia Rubies Adorned Boiling Lava Flow | image by László Kőrösi
UTO made its debut in a contemporary art gallery, showcased as an art installation | image by László Kőrösi
project info:
name: Unidentified T-shirt Object – UTO | @unidentified_tshirt_object
designer: Lala Tóth
photography: Máté Kalicz | @matekalicz – László Kőrösi | @llaszloo
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
