In this way the method aims to be a truly self-organized production process. The
group around the zine forms a collaborative synergy and together they can reach
further through the local scene to make a larger impact. By spreading the process
equally to every participant it aims to be autocatalytic and generate a larger output
than the simple sum of the inputs. By injecting the finished zine into the fashion
channels it generates a higher energy and attention output than what was origi-
nally put in, and it can trigger new events on the local scene.
By being editorless the syntax/144 offers a possible area for an equalitarian autono-
mous and collaborative vector. In this way the zine appears almost as what Hakim
Bey calls a TAZ, a “Temporary Autonomous Zone”, that is the forming of a tempo-
rary space that eludes formal structures of control (Bey 1991). In this case the TAZ
is in a paper format and a form of messenger for the local alliance of contributors,
but still nomadic in its nature, riding on its host.
A central question remains – why bother photocopy a zine when it might just be
much better to put it online? There can be many answers. First it is a simpler tech-
nique, cutting and pasting with scissors and just using glue makes it easy to learn.
It is hand-made, hand-drawn, and it might also give the right local “underdog”
The Syntax/144 method page.syntax/144
RadicalDemocraticLocalFashionMagazinesyntax/144=380x257mm(and folded and stapled
to make a magazine)20mmevery participant makes a double sided
A3 black and white.A3=420x297mmlet pictures fl ow over this line!>Syntax/144 is a method for a radical democratic fashion magazine. It is breaking the interpassive
communication syntax of the fashion system. It is a channel for free speech and visual multitudes
subverting the hierarchical structures in fashion’s transmissions of meaning.
>Syntax/144 is a symbiotic method embracing a
synergetic and open programming of fashion activ-ism. It is an exploration in how other modes of pro-
duction might create wider multitudes of fashion promoting local talent, fl ows and expressions.
>Syntax/144 is not an anti-fashion statement but instead contributing to complementary paths of
fashionable existence supporting local skin close activism and a free code of social identity interface
production.
>Syntax/144 is a copyleft production opening a fi eld of free expression in fashion media.Method:> Gather a group of local actors in fashion.
> Let all participants make a double sided, A3,
black and white fashion statement (have a 20mm marginal at edges to be cut away later, but let pic-
tures fl ow over this marginal!).> Set a deadline when all participants should bring
their contribution in 144 copies. > Gather for assembly; shuffl e the pages for every
magazine except the cover. Every copy will be dif-ferent!
> Cut the magazines 20mm from the edge to erase
white border on paper from the copy machine.> Number each copy.
> Divide equal amount of copies between partici-pants.
> Parasite on other magazines and lines of distribu-
tion by placing your copies inside other magazines in local shops, boutiques or libraries.Syntax/144 is a >self_passage< method and part of a strategy for subversive fashion.