We live in such a technology-saturated world that soon it will seamlessly weave itself into the clothes we swathe our bodies in. Over the past few years, the idea of light, technology and fashion has become a viable platform from which emanates everything from solar powered luggage to LED illuminated dresses.
When light, technology and clothing can be wrapped in a pretty package, it becomes fashion innovation. Mary Huang is the creator of Rhyme and Reason, a conceptual line of knitted pieces that illuminate with white LEDs. Huang’s use of light makes her designs appear hauntingly ethereal. Although people are interested in purchasing her designs, Huang says she is unable to produce her work at a commercial level. Huang is confident that interests in hi-tech fashion will only grow but she has her concerns.
“I think the question is about designing clothes with quality and taste so it’s real style and not just some fad or gimmick,” said Huang.
Gimmicks are things that the design team at LumiGram™, a company that produces illuminated clothing and home accessories, wants to separate themselves from, as well. For the past two years, LumiGram has been using Luminex™ fiber optic fabrics to create clothes for men and women. They use the same fabric to make lighted pillows and wall decorations. According to Jean-Marc Veaux from LumiGram, the most popular clothing items are the LumiTops.
These tops are minimal in color and pattern but their fashion statement comes with the ultra bright battery-powered LEDs, which are sewn into the garments. Jean-Marc says mostly club-goers and performers wear LumiGram clothes, but hopes to see his clientele grow in time.
“Lighted clothes are still mostly viewed as gadgets and it is a challenge to make people understand that it can actually be a new kind of fashion,” said Veaux.
Voltaic Systems designed a line of backpacks and messengers bags that generate power with photovoltaic cells, which allows you to charge your cell phone, digital camera or iPod when they’re inside the bag. These Voltaic bags have a battery pack that can be charged by not only outdoor and indoor light but also from an AC and automobile power source.
Distributed by RadTech™, solar luggage isn’t being purchased at notable rates, but according to John Grzeskowiak from RadTech, there has been a notable rise in sales. Grzeskowiak speculates that the recent rise in energy costs have motivated people to seek out alternatives. Besides charging your small electronics with solar power, people with solar luggage are shrinking their carbon footprint two-fold because Voltaic bags are constructed from recycled material. From a consumer perspective, Grzeskowiak knows that aesthetics is paramount when it comes to tech fashion.
“The best tech is the stuff that stays out of our way and doesn’t require extra fussing and attention,” said Grzeskowiak.
Solar power is also used in the Illum jacket, a conceptual garment produced by creative design companies, Goode Design and PDD. The Illum jacket is meant to protect cyclists while on they’re on the road. On the arms, sides and back of this otherwise tame looking jacket are Electroluminescent designs, which is powered by photovoltaic cells. When turned on, the Illum jacket illuminates with red and white-lighted stripes, making this normal jacket look like something from a cool Sci-Fi flick.
Technology and fashion may be a welcome blend, especially as a means to power small electronics, like iPods™ and cell phones… though who knows, when it comes to couture, whether illuminated clothing makes the cut.
Posted by Asiana Ponciano
