Aurora - Second Skin by Lighting by Kyeok Kim

These beautiful pieces by Kyeok Kim create wondrous meandering patternings on the skin with light. Temporary Tattoos without the pain...

To operate the decorative light, one must gently move the ring (containing a magnet) towards the main jewellery piece.

Changing the face of fashion...

...well of a t-shirt anyway. Upon starting my masters course a year ago (which I have recently finished - you can see some of my new pieces here), I thought wouldnt it be wonderful if your clothing's patterning could change and alter over the course of a day... my research lead me down many paths and away from optical elusions, but now my thirst for this type of patterning change has been quenched by Sun Nº01 which is a limited-edition graphic T printed with a mix of ordinary and smart, uv-sensitive inks. (A collaboration between Moondial and Viennese fashion label Wendy & Jim)

See the video below to view the colour change from normal light to UV Light levels...

Find more videos like this on Fashioning Technology

Launched at the Ars Electronica Festival earlier this month, the shirt is now available internationally for €80 from the Moondial site.

A visual display of breath

Pneuma

Artists statement:

"We all breathe – this vital process happens automatically, without thinking. However, often we are not aware of the correct way of doing this. This project searches to encourage the user of the dress to breathe deeply and thoroughly, and to communicate this automatic and inevitable procedure of living to the surroundings. The idea is transformed into a product through designing an evening gown with a built-in breathing sensor measuring the breathing movement of the wearer around the waist (not the breast). The output from this interactive movement is transformed into light. LEDs installed on the inner layer of the dress in an ornamental pattern fade in and out along with the breathing movement. The greater the difference measured between the inhaling cycles, the stronger the LEDs will shimmer. When the wearer breathes superficially, only using the upper chest, little or no output will be shown." (Synne Geirsdatter Frydenberg)

e-motion from c r on Vimeo.

Designer Synne Geirsdatter Frydenberg uses these fashion pieces to highlight the motion of breathing. The dress (Pneuma) monitors the movement that our bodies make whilst inhaling and exhaling and records this movement by an outward display of light on the garment; this beautiful piece is embroydered and speckled with LEDs which are notified of the movement (breath) via a sensor that reacts to the breathing motion which occurs around the wearers waist. All this breathing and moving is sent via the sensor to the lights and a wonderful light show appears on the dress. The intensity of light depends on the intensity of breath. The harder you inhale and exhale the brighter the lights appear.

Sustainable Dance Floor

"Sustainable Dance Floor is an interactive floor which generates electricity through the movements of the dancing people.

Studio Roosegaarde created the first Sustainable Dance Floor which uses mechanisms and embedded technologies to interact with energy.

Via interactive technologies a sensual and interactive environment is created in which dancers are engaged with the Sustainable experience." (Studio Roosegaarde, 2008)

Roosegaarde's Sustainable dance floor works by using the energy generated by the movement of the people dancing and translating this energy into power to work the systems. Very DISCO and a fantastic concept to help people understand how much energy it takes to power the floor as well as give them the chance to utilise their movements and turn them into energy which without this type of harnessing would be lost.

5 Days off; WEARABLES Wearable Technology – Powered Art and Fashion Design

Some amazing wearables from the recent 5 Days Off CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION of WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY - POWERED ART AND FASHION DESIGN

July 15 - 19, 2009
Amsterdam

"Intimacy"

Artist Daan Roosegaarde is developing an interactive fashion garment using smart foil that 'becomes transparent when electrified'. This collaboration with V2_ Lab is a dress which 'becomes visually transparent according to the amount of personal intimacy involved.'


Daan Roosegaarde says: "Technology is used here not merely functional but also as a tool to create intimacy as well as privacy on a direct, personal level ... which in our contemporary tech society is becoming increasingly important."

UV tatoos

I have come across these tatoos in my quest for other sources and uses for UV ink...


Colour Changing body adornment, it is now possible to change your spots if you like, however permenant...



And here is a semi-permanant one using a stencil and the sun... could result in some nasty sunburn, suncream anyone...?

Co-Dependent Gloves

Another beautiful product and project from Fiona Carswell. Her Co-dependent gloves highlights the need for social interaction and the fact that (sometimes) we do have to depend on and need companionship and physical touch to survive.


These gloves are a set; to gain the benefit from these heating gloves the wearers must make contact (hold hands) to complete the circuit and cause the reaction. A great rebellion against the thinking people can function solely without the need for any sort of companionship and that self sufficiency is at the heart of progress and development. Working together and creating strong bonds and communities I feel will better further progress, technology and the well being of the individual as well as society as a whole.

Reveal an Explore Micro-organism Dress

Reveal and explore Micro-Organism dress:
Joanne Hodge (joanne@joannehodge.co.uk)
- Self Funded
- July 09
- Materials – White cotton
- Specialised Materials – Photochromic ink
- Interaction – Colour change (to UV light)
- Size (UK) – 8 - 14



Hints of who we are and how we are constructed seem to appear as if from nowhere on the outer garment as the wearer comes into contact with sunlight or any source of UV light.
To gain a full understanding the garment must be lifted, opened and investigated.
The prints and embroidery which come to life in the sunlight show the complexities in our physical make up and in our personalities.
This exploratory piece lets the wearer and others that the wearer chooses to explore their body on a very basic level. Uncovering secrets and hidden
truths.

For More Images see my Flickr page

Masters Degree Show

Come along to the Masters Show @ the Dalhousie building. Opening night Friday 11th September (6.00pm - 8.00pm). To find out more information on the show and my fellow classmates exhibits visit the Master of Design page

Charity Fashion Show

I am taking part in a charity fashion show (details below) so if you want to come along and see my wearables in the fleash and get to have a play before the Masters show in September then come along to the...

CARNOUSTIE GOLF HOTEL//FRIDAY 21 AUGUST//7.00//TICKETS £10 (INCLUDES COMPLEMENTARY DRINK AND ENTRY TO AFTER SHOW PATY AT THE GOLF HOTEL)

SHOWCASING COLLECTIONS FROM STUDENTS FROM HERIOT WATT TEXTILE AND FASHION CAMPUS//DUNDEE COLLEGE GRAHAM STREET CAMPUS//INDEPENDENT DESIGNERS//DUNDEE UNIVERSITY DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE AND MANY MORE.

ALL FUNDS RAISED GOING TOWARDS BUILDING AND EQUIPPING A VOCATIONAL COLLEGE IN KIGALI, RAWANDA

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM PERFECT LAUNDRY DRY CLEANERS//18 HIGH STREET CARNOUSTIE




Please visit my flickr page for more images of my interactive garments

Multifunctional Bed Spread Top: One garment many looks...

Joanne Hodge (joanne@joannehodge.co.uk)
Self Funded
July 09
Materials – Made from recycled bed sheets and white cotton (giving life, beauty and function to discarded textiles)
Specialised Materials – Thermochromic ink, Photochromic ink
Interaction – Colour change (to heat), Colour change (to UV light)
Size (UK) – 8 -20



“Physical objects are not the focus of our deep desires; they are merely tangible entities, which transport various meanings perceivable.” (Champ­man, 2005)

Wearable’s that can satisfy or need to update our wardrobe on a daily basis...

In response to sustainability issues and our over consumption habits this multifunctional piece (one garment many looks) gives the wearer the choice and freedom to wear it how they want and change their look over the course of the day, helping to show off their individual style with no need to cut or sew (just buttoning and belting in different ways).

This fully reversible garment responds to the wearer’s body and surroundings with the simple prints appearing and disappearing to touch, body heat and sunlight (or any source of UV light).

The bold grey print is edgy but gives hints of what is underneath by way of buttons sleeves that can be folded up and the insides of pockets... a purple floral pattern seems to grow as if from nowhere when it comes into contact with UV light. Is this a softer side of the person shining through (one of the many meanings that can be taken from this startling contrast). It is up to the individual (wearer or viewer) to draw their own personal conclusions on meanings, functions and styling. Can this help build up connections between people and wearer and/or wearer and the garment?

Can this interactive garment be viewed as an exemplar of wearable, changeable, sustainable fashion?

Please visit my flickr page for more examples of this interactive garment.

Touch me Luggage tag dress

Touch me Luggage tag dress
Originally uploaded by joprints

Touch me Luggage tag dress:

Joanne Hodge (joanne@joannehodge.co.uk)
Self Funded
July 09
Materials – White cotton and satin lining
Specialised Materials – Thermochromic ink
Interaction – Colour change (to heat),
Size (UK) – 8 -20

“Touch can produce delightful sensations or uncomfortable reactions. The right touch can make us feel secure, happy, loved. But social taboos and new technologies often seem to get in the way of human contact.” (Touch Me Exhibition, V&A, 2005)



Printed using heat sensitive inks that desaturate in colour when heated. This bubble shaped garment invites outsiders into personal space, to touch, cuddle, and breathe on the wearer. What does this mean for the future of social interaction? In our ever-changing disconnected and digital world can this garment act as a connector between people giving them social and physical contact that can be seen to be lacking from their lives?

Specialised equipment – warm hands, a love of affection and plenty of puff

Please visit my flickr page for more examples of this interactive garment.

Write up on We Find; Your Trend Lab

My Shirt Collar Top and Shirt Skirt reactive garments have been spotted by a Trend website in Portugal, they have written a small write up about them and its posted on their website We Find; Your Trend Lab. Thanks for the lovely write up guys :)

Cryptic Nights...

Last night I was very proud to be one of the designers showing work at the CCA in Glasgow for Cryptic Nights, Hosted by Sarah Kettley on behalf of New Media Scotland.

It was a magical evening filled with various wearable technology from an enchanting ring, Mutsugoto, that enables you to communicate with a loved one on the other side of the world by way of a beautiful light stream to a Parasol (below), by Elena Corchero that allows you to capture the suns energy through solar panels throughout the day then outputs this power by way of twinkling led lights in the evening, stunning mood lighting.

Mutsugoto from Distance Lab on Vimeo.

Other highlights of the evening were a Vibrating scarf by Stephen Barrass who has created many weird and wonderful creations including one of my favorites a couch that acts like a pet purring and vibrating to touch, and affectionately named Zizi.
Also featured was a stunning knitted outfit by Georgina Bavalia (below) which has small led lights embedded into the front that twinkle as you walk thanks to a stretch sensor that is being developed at Nottingham Trent University.


And finally here are a few images (below) of my garment being modeled by the wonderful Kristina who didn't mind being man handled or revealing a little bit of leg to show the interactions of this piece.

Please see my earlier post Interaction Garment - Smart Materials for more info about my interactive garments.

I think the future is looking rather rosey for wearables...

Interaction Garment - Smart Materials

Here is a garment I have been putting togeather for an New Media Scotland event in Glasgow on the 2nd of July.

I want these pieces to provoke conversation and make people more aware of how they move, their body language and their interactions with others.



Shirt Collar Top
Joanne Hodge (joanne@joannehodge.co.uk)
Self Funded
June 09
Materials – Made from two recycled men’s shirts (giving life, beauty and function to discarded clothing)
Specialised Materials – Thermochromic ink
Interaction – Colour change (to heat)
Size (UK) – 8 -16


The Shirt Collar Top aims to make people aware of their body language and intimate touch by an outward display of colour change on the fabric.
If the wearer stands with their arms crossed over their chest for a period of time, the front section of the print where the arms have been will de-saturate in colour. This change would also occur if someone is to touch or breathe on the wearer, inviting more intimate touch from others.
How can our clothing make us more aware of our actions and the actions of others? Can this awareness and short lived record create a bond between the garment and the wearer or will the garments ability to adapt to movements & touch and visually display certain emotions alienate wearer from garment?

Shirt Skirt
Joanne Hodge (joanne@joannehodge.co.uk)
Self Funded
June 09
Materials – Made from two recycled men’s shirts, white cotton and black stretch cotton Lycra mix (giving life, beauty and function to discarded clothing)
Specialised Materials – Thermochromic ink, Photochromic ink
Interaction – Colour change (to heat), Colour change (to UV light)
Size (UK) – 8 -14


Top sections printed with Thermochromic ink, under section printed with Photochromic ink.
The Shirt Skirt intends to make people aware of their body language, how they move and intimate touch by an outward display of colour change on the fabric.
The skirt has a playful feel with a strange shape. It wants the wearer to move differently and play with its shape. Button it up down and all around to create an endless array of weird and wonderful forms. How will the wearer react to such an experience? This along with the added dimension of the reactive inks as with the Shirt Collar Top encourages different types of touch from the wearer and from others.



The under skirt appears to be a clear gloss print until exposed to UV light – as this is a part of a garment that does not normally see sunlight; what does this mean in terms of wear-ability and how will this make the wearer and those whom they come into contact with react? It is exciting to see the print glow brilliantly bright and turn a deep purple but for this to occur you have to lift up the skirt revealing more than you might normally feel comfortable with.




Our clothing can be seen as an outward camouflage – what would it mean if the camouflage disappeared or similarly if a new dimension of defence mechanism could be built by the simple way of colour change?

To get both of these garments to change colour the wearer and others will be touching, breathing on lifting and buttoning the garment in a variety of ways. How will people feel wearing this curious outfit? And what does this mean in terms of a lasting connection and the sustainability of the outfit?

Specialised equipment – A UV light, warm hands and plenty of puff ;)

London College of Fashion presents Made in Britain

Drapers’ highlights from the debate chaired by writer and broadcaster Caryn Franklin

Fair Trade Bag Design Competition - I won :)

A big thank you to everyone who voted for my design in the Fair Trade bag design competition, your votes were very much appreciated and I am very happy to announce that I won. If you want one of the 100 limited edition bags with my 'I knit India' print you can pre-order them from the HotHive Textile website next week, they are priced at £4 plus £1 postage and £1 from each bag is donated to The Fairtrade Foundation to support the wonderful work they do.

A big Thank you again for all your support :)

Slogan t-shirts... built to last...?

A clip from Notting Hill (1999) where the character Spike is trying to decide what to wear for a date. He comes down with a series of slogan t-shirts on... while they reflect his personality perfectly, what are they saying to the outside world? They are statement pieces created to wear to a certain event or for comic value, a one off joke, but where is the longevity in them?




T-shirts like this maybe funny for a one off occasion but there are specific times and places where they might not be appropriate. Temporary printing methods would be perfect for these types of slogan t-shirts. All the impact without the shirt going to landfill the week after when the point has been made.

If you cant wait till temporary printing inks are an actual possibility then maybe these t-shirts by Katharine Hamnett are a good compromise, ethically made and make good clear political statements... maybe slogan t-shirts arn't all bad after all.

Vote for me please :)

Hi, here is a bag design I have put together for the 'Design a Bag Competition to celebrate World Fair Trade Day. The theme of the competition was India and people were invited to submit entries based on their interpretation of this theme.'

Please follow the link and if you like my entry vote for me :) Thank you! (My entry is called I Knit India)


You can find out more information about the competition and the cause here.