The name 2526 refers to the number of hours Gao invested in the creation of the two polymorphic robotic garments, from her earliest sketches to the final stitch. Inspired by NFTs, digital fashion, and virtual clothing, the garments are real, worn by actual models, and crafted from materials like glass, silicone, organdy fabric, and electronic devices. They truly take futuristic fashion to a whole new level, resembling alien creatures or some strange extension of the human body that hasn’t been invented yet.

“If the role of the fashion designer is to imbue a form and a function to materials intended to dress the body, we can wonder about the question of the immaterial garment and the virtual body, devoid of substance, and their level of reality, when the digital has become a real ‘second nature,’” says Gao. “As our jaunts into the metaverse become more recent and less surprising, digital fashion inevitably unfolds into an infinity of possibilities and uncertainties.”

In 2019, Gao debuted a previous robotic garment collection called “Flowing Water, Standing Time.” These translucent and transparent garments are also capable of chromatic movement, recognizing the colors in their immediate surroundings, and responding in liquid, chameleon-like ways. Color sensors, light sensors, and tiny cameras linked to a raspberry Pi computer analyze the wearer’s environment and translate that information to the garment via a series of actuators and magnets, causing the fabric to ripple.

In this way, the wearer almost becomes secondary to the garment itself, which has gained a sense of autonomy. The wearer can’t control what their own clothes are doing at any given time.

“This project was inspired by neurologist Oliver Sacks’ novel The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, in which he relates the story of Jimmie G, a 49-year-old former sailor convinced of being aged 19 since having left the Navy,” says Gao. “Shocked by his own reflection when Sacks hands him a mirror, Jimmie reverts to his 19-year-old self as soon as his gaze leaves the reflective surface. Having lost any sense of temporal continuity, Jimmie lives as a prisoner to this single, perpetual moment, oscillating between a presence to the world and a presence to self.”

“Much like Jimmie G, the garments evolve between two states and display perpetual metamorphosis as they react to the chromatic spectrum. This traveling between opposite states — from immobility to movement — does not operate as a dichotomy. Upon the field time, which injects energy into the very core of inertia, fluctuates the intensity animating each garment in its unique way. These two states are mere dropping-off points among an infinite array of possibilities.”

The post Ying Gao Brings Digital Fashion to Life with Undulating Robotic Garments first appeared on Dornob.

Hadid first covered her chest and then raised her arms as the viscous white paint streamed out of the spraying devices and onto her torso. At first, it looked like ordinary paint, but then something curious started to happen: it took on a shape of its own, stretching across the front and back of her thighs.

It took about 15 minutes to finish spray-painting the dress, and then a woman came out and cut a slit along one leg, pulling down the sleeves to create an off-the-shoulder look. As Hadid made her way back down the runway, the dress fluttered and flowed, somehow a fully fledged and very wearable garment perfectly custom-fitted to her proportions.

The material, Fabrican, was invented by designer and technologist Dr. Manel Torres. Unsurprisingly, his inspiration first came from silly string. “I thought I could create a mist,” Torres explained in a 2013 TED Talk. “That was the eureka moment.” He approached the Imperial College in London to find a way to bring this idea to life, and they provided a lab and materials for his experiments.

Fabrican was the result of two years of trial and error. Though it’s sprayable, Fabrican isn’t really paint. It’s a liquid fiber bound together with stretchy polymers. Solvents in the mix evaporate when they hit the model’s body, leaving only the fibers and polymers behind.

Coperni designers Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillan took Torres’ invention and created their own design with it, the dress Hadid modeled on the runway. The type and material of fibers used in the mix change the texture and flow of the resulting fabric. In this case, the dress felt like suede and moved like a second skin.

The designers imagine users choosing their own unique combinations to get the results they want, spraying on t-shirts or sportswear on demand. They could even add fragrances or conducive materials that interact with tiny computers to create wearable technology. When you’re done wearing it, you simply peel it off and put it on a hanger like you would any other garment.

“Fashion designers need new materials and fabrics to create products to address evolving lifestyles and consumer demands,” read the Coperni show notes. “In the 21st century we should make it the first time that science and design really march together in close step, illustrating in this way their interdependence.”

The Coperni show was a fittingly dramatic way to introduce this new kind of fashion technology. Fashion lovers may recall the 1995 Alexander McQueen show, in which robots spray-painted a design onto model Shalom Harlow’s white dress, but that was just paint. This is revolutionary, and it’ll be interesting to see whether it’s eventually adopted as a new way to create custom-fitted clothing within minutes.

The post Bella Hadid’s Spray-On Dress Introduces a New Kind of Fashion Technology first appeared on Dornob.

Below are some stunning examples of global retailers embracing fresh, forward-thinking aesthetics to make a big statement:

Hug Concept Store — Chengdu, China

High fashion is the perfect template for this inventive and iconoclastic mashup of neutrality and sparse, avant-garde surroundings from Atmosphere Architects. Stark and spacey with bold pops of the brand’s signature blue hue, the background exudes 2001: A Space Odyssey vibes while serving as a stylish, sumptuously sparse setting that puts the attention squarely on the designer wares.

KIKS — Beijing, China

A rollicking redesign that’s big on planetary power, this stylish streetwear brand’s new store resembles the solar system itself, complete with colorful curved walls dotted with trendy merchandise that seems to orbit the space around you. ROOI Design & Research really pushed the envelope here with a movable, ready-made retail universe that draws in customers with its own kind of gravitational pull.

AKRIS — Washington, US

Swiss fashion brand AKRIS raises the bar with a no-limits layout from David Chipperfield Architects. Here too, the focus is on the clothing and accessories. But these wares almost seem to float magically outside of time and space, thanks to a specially designed system of cables supporting both shelves and hangers from behind the scenes. A trendy neutral backdrop completes the illusion, with a touch of sophistication in the form of chic limestone flooring.

Cris Belos — Belo Horizonte, Brazil

This luxe, elevated boutique by the London and São Paulo-based Carolina Maluhy + Partners is dominated by creamy neutral tones and curvy, imaginative touches that exude a futuristic fashion house vibe. Consisting of four connected rooms (each more sweeping than the last), the sprawling space has no shortage of elegance: simply look to the sweeping staircase or the airy, incandescent ceiling if you don’t believe us.

Bala — Soho, New York City

Consumer engagement and sensory immersion go hand-in-hand in Bala’s first-ever retail space. Designed by Madelynn Ringo of Ringo Studio, the playful space is brimming with pretty pastels and gorgeous geometry. An experiential store where guests are encouraged to embrace the products’ textures, weightiness, and above all, playfulness, the vivid hues and soft, inviting atmosphere embody the brand’s aesthetic perfectly.

These forward-thinking retail stores prove that the industry really is looking ahead when it comes to inspiration. Fun, futuristic, and above all, fashionable, these trendy spots are riding the wave of fresh aesthetics that encourage guests to get lost in the moment.

The post Looking Ahead: These Retail Stores are Futuristic and Fashionable first appeared on Dornob.

The answer is simple: fashion innovators get creative.

Put on hold for nearly two years as a result of the pandemic, fashion shows went mainly virtual, and many of the top houses resorted to livestreams and digital showcases to present their newest collections. Others even took it a step further with über-innovative takes on the traditional. Dior, for example, presented miniature versions of their couture dresses for a digital show during the pandemic, while others opted to hold their shows in wide open public spaces to give attendees adequate room to spread out.

In 2022, however, most fashion houses have returned to the norm. In-person shows are back on the catwalk, as evidenced from the uptick in designers opting for live shows during the 2021 Paris Fashion Week (despite the Omicron surge and continuing COVID restrictions in the French capital).

But there are still fashion all-stars that are opting for creative and forward-thinking solutions when it comes to presenting their wares to the masses, whether it’s in response to the pandemic or simply as a way to stand out and be bold. The latest from Gucci’s creative director Alessandro Michele is a stunning example of the house’s iconic vision on full display.

Showcasing Gucci’s Love Parade Collection, the second by Michele in the historic house’s 100th year of business, the collection was originally presented outdoors along Hollywood Boulevard — the perfect backdrop for the glamorous Gucci. A riotous celebration of over-the-top luxury and cutting-edge design subverting old Hollywood tropes, the collection takes on a whole new dimension when taken off the runway and placed on display. Rather than focusing on movement, the pieces’ sedentary status is instead shown in a series of marvelous midcentury tableaus that are more akin to department store window displays than they are a live show.

The next show took place at the epic Preston Hollow Dallas mansion, a modernist marvel of clean lines and open spaces designed by Texas architect Lionel Morrison. The space was decorated with Michele’s vision of midcentury excess for the event — think bright, shaggy rugs, flower power wallpaper, and shapely furniture in lush fabrics and even more eye-popping colors.

Guests were welcomed into the magical mansion and were free to peruse the goods at their leisure. In addition to the Love Parade Collection, the space also showcased many of Gucci’s most luxe jewelry pieces and coveted skin bags (flown in from Italy specifically for the occasion), a slew of made-to-wear customizable pieces, and, of course, some decadent Gucci in-house cookies.

While many top fashion houses have already chosen to get back on the runway, others are still looking for new ways to display their wares to audiences looking for that extra touch of iconic glam — and the latest installation from Gucci’s visionary creative director Alessandro Michele is a shining example of this. Set to the backdrop of a gorgeous Dallas mansion bedecked with all kinds of plush midcentury pieces, the collection is a feast for the senses that proves fashion can exist — and thrive — just about anywhere.

The post Gucci’s Latest Fashion Show is a Midcentury Fever Dream first appeared on Dornob.

Adults

Crocs Unisex-Adult Crocband II Clogs

Crocs may not be the sexiest shoes ever, but you got to admit they’re comfortable. This unisex offering comes in black, gray, navy, pink, espresso, and seasonally appropriate pool blue. This Prime Day, they’re 30 percent off at just $34.99.

Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Denim Jacket

Looking for a good denim jacket at a great price? The Riders by Lee Denim Jacket is 35 percent off this Prime Day at $24.07, and it’s available in a range of denim shades as well as white, baby blue, red, and more.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-shirt Pack of 2

Time to stock up on classic V-neck t-shirts. Amazon’s own house brand is offering two-packs for just $13.20, and there are tons of color options to choose from.

Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts

The Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts feature a high rise and a casual cutoff raw hem, available in a range of cute colors with some plus-size options, too. They’re 40 percent off this Prime Day at $35.70.

Under Armour Women’s Ignite Ix Spectrum Slide Sandal

Everybody needs a pair of comfy slides for the gym, pool, or just as house shoes. Under Armour’s women’s Ignite Ix model has a soft foam footbed, a velcro strap, and so many color options you’ll find it hard to choose from. This Prime Day, they’re 23 percent off at $24.50.

Calvin Klein Women’s Modern Cotton Unlined Wireless Bralette

Few bras are ever quite as cozy as Calvin Klein’s cult hit bralette. Get it in classic black, white, or gray, or select a fun bright color to peek through your summer tank tops. They’re 47 percent off during Prime Day for $18.38 each.

Adidas Men’s Essentials Warm-Up 3-Stripes Track Top

Forever an athleisure classic, the Adidas Men’s Essentials Warm-Up 3-Stripes Track Top zips up the front and features the classic Adidas stripes running from the collar to the wrists. This Prime Day, you can snatch it up for 48 percent off at $26.25.

Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans

Levi’s jeans are made to last, and the brand’s 505 regular fit are an especially enduring favorite. These straight-leg 99-percent cotton men’s jeans have a little extra room in the thigh for comfort. Even better, they’re 45 percent off on Prime Day, priced at $37.98.

Van Heusen Men’s Dress Shirt Regular Fit Oxford

Stock up on some ultra-affordable men’s dress shirts this Prime Day. The Van Heusen Oxford button-down shirt is just $13.99 and you can pick your favorite of seven colors.

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Premium Twill Cargo Short

The Wrangler Authentic Men’s Premium Twill Cargo Shorts are just what you need for summer weekends. They’re 100 percent cotton with a relaxed fit and priced at just $16.

Goodthreads Men’s Patterned Socks, Pack of 5

From Amazon’s Goodthreads brand comes a five-pack of some cool sock prints fitting men’s shoe sizes 9 through 12. Get them for just $11.10 this Prime Day, 30 percent off the original price.

Kids

Levi Baby Boys Straight Fit Jeans

How adorable are these tiny Levi’s jeans for babies? Though marked for boys, they could obviously work for a child of any gender. Snatch them up in several sizes for just $10.96 each this Prime Day, a whopping 71 percent off.

Burt’s Bees Baby Unisex Pajamas Zip-Front

These absolutely adorable zip-front footed sleeper pajamas are available in sizes ranging from newborn to 24 months and come in prints like “happy herbivores,” “merry mushrooms,” “misted mountains,” stripes, and more. They’re also 47 percent off this Prime Day at $8.97 each.

Simple Joys by Carter’s Toddlers and Baby Girls 4-Piece Long-Sleeve Shirt & Pants Set

Two whole outfits for under $15? Yep. The Simple Joys by Carter’s 4-piece set comes with two long-sleeve shirts and two pairs of matching pants for just $13.90.

Adidas Boys’ Stay Dry Moisture-Wicking Aeroready Short Sleeve T-shirt

Win the battle against your kid’s smelly athletic wear by choosing moisture-wicking fabrics like Adidas Stay Dry. This Aeroready short-sleeve t-shirt will run you a mere $8.40 this Prime Day, 63 percent off regular pricing.

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The post Stock Up on Style with These Prime Day 2022 Clothing Deals first appeared on Dornob.

Most recently, the big-box brand teamed up with author, actress, chef, and all-around social media darling Tabitha Brown. Set to drop June 11th, Brown’s first collection will hit the shelves with over 70 pieces of clothing and accessories. Subsequent collections will make their way into stores in the coming year, with a total of three more that feature not only apparel, but lifestyle items that include everything from entertaining and kitchenware to home and office furnishings.

The inaugural collection, dubbed Tabitha Brown for Target, will focus on bright prints and happy-go-lucky patterns that are just perfect for summer. As vibrant, creative, and bold as Brown herself, the collection was also designed with affordability in mind, and many of the pieces are available for around $30 or less. As Brown said in a recent interview with Today, “I wanted everybody to be able to afford the collection. It doesn’t cost a lot of money to look good.”

The inspo behind the collection has a lot to do with Brown’s impeccable taste, and her desire to make women feel comfortable in their own skin. Expect lots of breathable materials and comfy extras like pockets. As Tabatha herself says, “if you’re not comfortable, it takes away your confidence.”

Through her use of mixed prints and patterns, Brown wanted to create apparel that’s fun to wear, with feel-good fabrics that are cheerful and bright. She says, “This summer, people are finally getting out of their homes again [and] what better way to begin summer 2022 than with fun colors?”

For their part, Target is thrilled to have the talented Tabitha on board. Jill Sando, Target’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Merchandising Officer, recently spoke of the collection’s goal to bring “joy” to shoppers, adding: “Tabitha Brown is known for being a beacon of positivity, making her the perfect partner to help Target continue providing inspirational, inclusive, and affordable style for all.”

Tabitha Brown wears many hats: author, actress, chef, and TikTok superstar, to name a few. In just a couple of days, she’ll add yet another title to her impressive resume: clothing designer and Target collaborator. With a total of four collections slated to drop this year, Brown’s first includes apparel and accessories that hit all the right notes with their budget-friendly price tags, positive messages, and bright, bold patterns perfect for summer fun.

The post Target’s Summer Collab with Tabitha Brown is Bright, Bold, and Budget Friendly first appeared on Dornob.

The video game store is modeled after the company’s Oregon headquarters and allows players to play rounds of “Tag,” “The Floor is Lava,” and “Dodgeball” with their online avatars. Participants can also design their own mini-games using interactive sports gear.

“Nike created this bespoke world with the backdrop of its world headquarters and inside Roblox’s immersive 3D space, building on its goal to turn sport and play into a lifestyle,” the company said in an official press release.

More importantly for the sportswear giant, gamers can outfit their avatars with digital brand merchandise like hats, shirts, cleats, and of course, sneakers.

“Experience global football in an official Roblox colorway of the Mercurial football boot,” the press release reads. “Gear up in classics like the Air Force 1 and Nike Blazer and in new drops like the Air Force 1 Fontanka and the Air Max 2021. All can be found in the digital showroom, along with a host of other Nike apparel staples like ACG and Nike Tech Pack.”

Players can earn these products by collecting Gold Medals in NIKELAND. That requires completing competitions, building up yards, exploring, and finding Easter eggs. Additionally, Nike fans can purchase any of the exclusive apparel in the digital showroom.

The company is also creating an augmented reality experience in its flagship store in New York to merge the digital and physical realities. “Nike’s commitment to inspiring the advancement and innovation of the future of sports experiences will continue this December when the brand brings the immersive world of Roblox and NIKELAND to life at Nike’s HOI (House of Innovation) in New York.”

Using a Snapchat filter, people visiting the kids’ floor there will be able to “see the space transformed into an augmented reality version of NIKELAND, including its signature avatars, fun games to play, and NIKELAND-inspired Easter eggs to find.”

The Roblox foray could prove to be a lucrative new branch of the company’s revenue streams. The global metaverse market is forecasted to produce over $6 billion in 2021. Some experts believe it could reach $41 billion within another five years.

Further evidence that Nike is planning to build up their virtual reality presence can be found on their job boards. With an October 23rd job listing for a “Virtual Material Designer of Footwear” among other virtual design roles, the company is calling for a “Digital Product Creation group” that will focus on “igniting the digital and virtual revolution at Nike.”

The athletic wear brand is also taking steps to protect their intellectual property in the broader metaverse. In late October 2021, the company filed seven applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, among which were the terms “Nike,” “Air Jordan,” “Jumpman,” the brand’s slogan “Just Do It,” and its iconic swoosh logo.

Having ownership of their catchphrases and names will help them police the use of their intellectual property across the many digital universes that are exploding in popularity across the globe.

The post Nike Poised to Make Metaverse Profits with New Roblox NIKELAND first appeared on Dornob.

Women’s

Columbia Women’s Fast Trek Jacket – $35

The ultimate mid-layer for chilly weather, this fleece jacket is available in thirteen colors and up to a size 3X for $35 (usually $50).

Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie – $14

Perfect for lounging, working from home, or running errands, Amazon’s super cute pullover hoodie will be a steal at $14 (usually $25).

Goodthreads Women’s Cotton Half-Cardigan Stitch Crewneck Sweater – $25

From basic black to warm marled stripes, this sweater offers a style for everyone. Grab it for $25 (usually $40).

Under Armour Women’s Heat Gear Camo Inset Leggings – $37.50

Whether you’re taking a run or just walking the dog, cold weather will be no match for Under Armour’s HeatGear leggings. Get them for $37.50 (usually $50).

Levi’s Women’s 720 High Rise Super Skinny Jeans – $42

Always a classic, Levi’s high-rise jeans will be available in both standard and plus sizes in an eye-popping variety of colors and finishes for just $41.70 (usually $69.50).

Land’s End Women’s Supima Cotton Turtleneck – $22

Ultra-soft 100-percent Supima cotton makes this pullover turtleneck one of the comfiest pieces in your wardrobe, and it can be yours for just $22 this Black Friday (usually $30).

Adidas Women’s Essentials Fleece Tapered Cuff Pants – $23

Everybody needs a good pair of Adidas sweatpants, and these ones will go down to $23 during the sale (from $45).

Franco Sarto Women’s Bocca Slip-On Loafer – $35

Sleek 100-percent leather slip-on loafers from Franco Sarto will be reduced dramatically to just $35 from $99.

Men’s

State Cashmere Men’s Button Up Mock Neck Sweater – $140

Luxe cashmere makes an impressive gift, and this sweater features 12-gauge knit with the finest cashmere yarn from Inner Mongolia for $140 (down from $175).

Columbia Men’s Buck Butte Insulated Hooded Jacket – $69

Columbia’s Shadow ripstop nylon is paired with synthetic down insulation and an adjustable hood system for a water-repellent jacket that’ll keep you warm. This Black Friday deal will drop to $68.55 from $160.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket – $16

At just $16 (from $28), you’re going to want to stock up on multiple colors of the Amazon Essential’s full-zip polar fleece jacket.

Goodthreads Men’s Lightweight Merino Wool Quarter Zip Sweater – $28

Merino wool for just $28? Yes please. This quarter-zip layering piece is available in over a dozen colors, down from $40.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Adaptive Jeans – $50

Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive line makes clothes easy to put on for just about anyone, no matter your abilities. These slightly stretchy cotton jeans feature a velcro brand closure and magnetic fly for $50 (down from $79.50).

Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Leggings – $37.50

Dual-layer fabric with an ultra-warm brushed interior makes these leggings warm as can be, no matter what you’re doing outside this winter. Grab this deal for $37.50 (down from $55).

Adidas Men’s Essentials French Terry Tapered Cuff 3-Stripes Pants – $35

This version of Adidas’ classic 3-stripes pants is made with soft French terry. Get them for $35 (down from $50).

Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 Running Shoe – $48.74

So easy to pull on and off, Adidas’ Lite Racer Adapt running shoe features a Cloudfoam midsole for elevated cushioning. Grab them for $48.74 (down from $65).

Kids

Adidas Kids Unisex Running Shoe – $34

Available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes and a rainbow of colors, these running shoes from Adidas will go down to $34 (from $60).

Dadawen Boys and Girls Warm Winter Sequin Snow Boots – $13

How adorable are these sparkly bunny ear snow boots? Offered in sizes for both toddlers and little kids, they’ll go on sale for just $13 (down from $26).

Land’s End Kids Hooded Fleece Robe – $10

Weekend mornings were made for watching cartoons in a fuzzy robe like this one from Land’s End, which you should definitely snatch up for just $10 on Black Friday (down from $31.50).

Under Armour Boys’ Threadborne Match Jersey – $27

For sports or everyday wear, Under Armour’s jersey offers style, comfort, and sweat-wicking capabilities. Expect it to go down to $27 (from $35).

ZShow Boys’ Hooded Puffer Jacket – $48

Double zipper closure, a water-resistant outer layer, an inner fleece layer, and reflective strips make this puffer jacket a great choice for $48 (down from $61).

Columbia Girls’ Whirlibird Interchange Jacket – $98

Columbia’s breathable waterproof jacket with Omni-Heat reflective thermal warmth, featuring a zip-in interchange system, thermarator insulation, abrasion-resistant chin guard, and pockets for ski accessories comes in such stylish options you’ll wish they had the same one in adult sizes, too. Expect to see it drop to $98 (from $140).

Levi’s Girls’ Skinny Fit Jeans – $15

The same classic stylish fit that made Levi’s famous is available in girls’ sizes, too, and this pair will be just $15 on Black Friday (down from $27).

Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Pajama Set – $9

Paw Patrol Pajamas for everyone, just $9 on Black Friday (down from $18)! The listing may say they’re for boys, but girls will find a print they love among these options, too.

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The post Shop the Best of Amazon’s Black Friday Clothing Deals first appeared on Dornob.

As part of “Missed Your Call,” Design Academy Eindhoven’s graduate exhibition at the annual Italian showcase, Latvian native Santa Kupča presented her “Decrypted Garments” on three large screens, highlighting “how the virtual world is forever morphing fleeting images around us.”

Kupča says on her website that as she designed during the pandemic, she realized that even the digital world is not without restrictions. As she encountered errors, bugs, and “server not found” messages, the online platform felt like its “own kind of lockdown.”

“I feel a sensation of being in an abandoned paradise, and the only way to reside there is to adapt,” she explains. “I created a digital runway for a fashion show that embraces these glitches and exists as monument for lockdown fashion. In absence of a human body, eight garments seem to live their own life in this virtual realm.”

Using clothing, shoes, and bags from her own personal collection, the Amsterdam-based artist generated 3D scans of eight different getups. She then tweaked color schemes, patterns, and outlines with the help of modeling software.

“The garments are inspired by renaissance silhouettes, setting an interpretation of modern gothic with robust and rough structures,” Kupča says. “Each piece in the collection is fragmented and asymmetric to emphasize how errors and distortion can often lead to unexpected beauty.”

Her inspiration for this collection of cyber-fashion stems from childhood memories of online games and communities like like Habbo and Habia World. “The theme appeared when I got my first computer at 11 years old and found out about [online] chatrooms like Habbo,” Kupča told Dezeen in an interview. “It was a lot about changing your clothes and making your home. I would dream about owning these virtual dresses and think I must have them in my own wardrobe.”

It’s no wonder Kupča drew so heavily on the gaming world for the aesthetic of her Decrypted Garments pieces, which she animated for their Milan Design Week showcase to make them look like they were being worn by invisible models strutting down a runway. The outfits sway and move in hundreds of accentuated pixels, even showing off dance moves in some scenes. She adds that “visually it has connections to Minecraft. It’s about glitches and errors, the shapes could become anything.”

The fashion designer was never interested in reproducing ultra-realistic looking digital clothing for this project. “It’s interesting to see how you can recreate fabric from the real world but maybe there’s a different kind of fabric in the digital world. It’s similar with art; centuries ago, people would recreate an apple in a painting exactly how an apple looks,” Kupča says. “The beginning of digital fashion is quite similar, brands are trying to mimic fabric, but we could go crazy with it.”

Kupča studied at the Riga School of Design and Art in Latvia before moving to the Netherlands to continue her education at the Design Academy Eindhoven. She tries to allow society as a whole to inform her work. She says: “I look forward to finding the essence of certain social phenomena and culture differences in trends and what connects us all, and to expand upon it with my perception.”

The post Decrypted Garments: Pixelated Fashion Takes to the Runway at Milan Design Week first appeared on Dornob.

In the wake of the COVID-19 social distancing protocols, the fashion artist fine-tuned her “Proximity Dress,” which uses ultrasonic sensors to inflate at the hips if someone gets too close for comfort, creating a larger personal bubble for the wearer. She originally unveiled a prototype of the outfit back in 2012 but has since added 3D-printed elements everywhere, as well as noise-free sensors.

“I haven’t made dresses for myself in a long time,” she wrote, “and I got a bit fed up with people in public not considering the current distancing suggestions, so this one I’m keeping…”

The white “smart dress” appears unassuming enough when in resting position, but when the thermal sensors around the neck detect a stranger within a defined space around the wearer’s body, the built-in robotic 3D-printed hip mechanisms activate, and the skirt expands on either side. The effect is a little like a pufferfish swelling up when threatened.

One of her previous interactive creations, the “Spider” dress, has arachnid-like arms that extend in a defensive position when outsiders come too close. That 3D-printed design garnered acclaim around the world, being included in fashion shows in Amsterdam, Russia, and China.

Wipprecht explains that her “designs are based on the Proxemics Theory of Edward T. Hall. This defines four spaces around the body, each with their own characteristic distances. Whereas Hall had to measure the space between people using a wooden stick, I have been working since 2007 to translate these concepts into the digital domain, in order to measure the spaces between people up to a range of 25 feet.”

To accomplish this goal, the sensors on the Proximity Dress provide readings from high-output acoustic power with real-time waveform signature analysis and automatic calibration. And don’t worry, the suit doesn’t record any video imagery for its motion detection, so no one’s privacy is being violated during the detection process.

Wipprecht got her start in fashion while still in high school. “I was really fascinated by the notion that the people really express themselves through basically the things that they wear,” she says.

As time went on, however, her designs began to feel stale. “I started to notice that the garments that I was creating were ‘analog.’ They were not doing anything. They were not sensory. They were not changing.” Since that time, she’s worked to incorporate technology, including artificial intelligence, into every piece of clothing, allowing her pieces to move, breathe, and react to the environment around them.

Her next focus is on clothing that can visually gauge the wearer’s anxiety and depression levels. Her “Pangolin” prototype requires the use of a headset that can track the brain’s electrical signals and display them on the outfit. When someone is feeling calm, the outfit’s lights turn a soothing shade of purple.

When stress levels rise, the lights flicker and the motorized “scales” flap rapidly. “We live in a time and age [when] negative emotions start to take over,” Wipprecht notes, adding that “a lot of people start getting into more depressive modes, maybe not wanting to speak about it… So, [the Pangolin dress] might even create a situation that these things become more discussable.”

The post COVID-Inspired Proximity Dress Warns People When They Invade Your Personal Space first appeared on Dornob.

Levi’s Women’s Original Trucker Jacket

This durable denim jacket will never go out of style. Made with 97 percent cotton and just enough elastane for a comfortable stretch, Levi’s Women’s Original Trucker Jacket is available for just $49.99 in a range of colors and sizes, including Plus. Keep an eye on the Prime Day sale for loads of deals on Levi’s jeans, jackets, overalls, and more for the whole family, with savings up to 40 percent.

C9 Champion Girls’ Cardio Jacket

Is this tiny jacket adorable or what? Made of durable shrink-resistant fabric, the C9 Champion Girls’ Cardio Jacket is just $15.39 for the rest of the day.

Lacoste Men’s Sport Short Ultra Dry Raglan Sleeve Polo Shirt

Lots of Lacoste goodies will be on sale for Prime Day, including the sporty Raglan Sleeve Polo Shirt. Designed to wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, it’s available in a wide range of colors and on sale for $62.65.

Columbia Women’s Switchback III Adjustable Waterproof Rain Jacket

Need a good rain jacket to keep you cozy and dry on walks, hikes, or just while running errands? The Columbia Women’s Switchback III is a lightweight and versatile choice with a modern feminine cut. Catch it for just $39.85 during this year’s Prime Day event.

Brixton Hooligan Driver Black Herringbone Hat

Cap off your favorite ensemble with this stylish Brixton cap in herringbone, which is currently just $43.13.

Calvin Klein Women’s Pure Ribbed Lounge Bodysuit

While other brands tend to disappoint and fall apart way too soon, Calvin Klein undergarments last and last. Don’t miss big sales on the brand’s apparel and underwear for men and women during the 2021 Prime Day sale, including this lounge bodysuit with a fun backless design. It’s 42 percent off at $31.29.

BALEAF Women’s Lightweight Hiking Pants with Zippered Pockets

BALEAF is a little-known brand that tends to fly under the radar, but secretly offers some of the best deals around on hiking and fitness apparel. For Prime Day, many of their best-selling styles will be more affordable than ever, like these Women’s Lightweight Hiking Pants with Zippered Pockets. Catch this comfy wardrobe staple for $34.99 in five colors.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Swim Trunks in Navy Blazer

These red, white, and blue swim trunks from Tommy Hilfiger are just begging to be part of your Fourth of July festivities (and the rest of the summer, for that matter). They normally cost upwards of $80 a pair, but during Prime Day, they’re just $34.75.

RFID Blocking Zip-Around Leather Clutch Wallet

Catch this Lightning Deal while you can – several colors of this RFID-blocking clutch style wallet will be available for just $23.99. Made of 100 percent leather, it offers 17 card slots, an ID window, a large zippered pocket, two full-length compartments, and will protect your private information from unauthorized scans.

RAISEBERN Kids 3D Printed Graphic T-Shirts

What kid doesn’t love a good novelty print? These outrageous graphic t-shirts by RAISEBERN will be just $14.99 during Prime Day, so you can stock up on all the weird and wonderful designs your family can handle.

The post 10 Can’t-Miss Prime Day Clothing Deals for the Whole Family first appeared on Dornob.

Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Engineering (Empa) and ETH Zurich have been developing a type of energy-generating polymer that can be fused with textile fibers. The result is wearable solar collectors that can provide electricity anywhere. Led by head researcher Luciano Boesel of Empa’s Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, the team hopes to put its polymer-fiber combo into everything from t-shirts to jackets, freeing people everywhere from the tether of electrical outlets.

The Empa team is not the first to think of using sun power in apparel. Many have tried to incorporate tiny solar array panels in the shoulders and backs of coats and shirts, concocting clothing that ends up looking like something Marty McFly wore in the Back to the Future sequel. What’s more, the inflexible nature of most panels makes them uncomfortable and prone to damage with movement.

The kilowatt-creating materials used in these designs are called luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). They have fluorescent dyes and other substances embedded in them that store the light from sunrays and artificial sources to a solar cell. The cell then converts the light into electrical power.

As great as these LSCs are at making electricity out of indirect or ambient light, they are limited by both an unbending structure and an inability to let air or water vapor pass through them. That means no tossing them in the washing machine ever. Boesel and his team recognize this and understand that to make LSCs a practical solution for portable energy production, they would need to revolutionize their stiff molecular arrangement into more something flexible that could also be air and water-permeable.

More recently, the Empa researchers have engineered a new substance based on Amphiphilic Polymer Co-Networks (APCNs), which have been used commonly in silicone-hydrogel contact lenses. APCN already has the ability to let water vapor and air pass through — one reason it’s so well suited to being put on the human eye. “The reason we chose exactly this polymer is the fact that we are capable of incorporating two immiscible luminescent materials at the nano scale and letting them interact with each other,” Boesel adds. “There are, of course, other polymers in which these materials could be integrated; but this would lead to aggregation, and the production of energy would thus not be possible.”

Additionally, these newer LSCs aren’t susceptible to cracking or becoming brittle, allowing them to be applied seamlessly to any clothing fibers, maintaining comfort and practicality. And because they’re incorporated right into the fabric, solar apparel can even keep up with today’s fashions.

While the Empa polymer is not yet ready for mass production, its potential means that we could soon be using the sun and heat around us to manufacture our own personal power sources. In the near future, we may be charging devices like our smartphones, laptops, headphones, and tablets as we walk from the office to lunch, sit on the subway, or go for a bike ride.

The post This Swiss Lab Wants to Weave Solar Chargers Right Into Our Clothes first appeared on Dornob.

Models wear enormous woven hats, textural fabrics twisted into complex silhouettes, and long ribbon-like swaths of paper and gauzy garments, all set within sandy landscapes evocative of the desert at dusk. Giraud describes her style as “authentic, organic, and timeless,” and it’s clear from her compositions that her vision is inspired by global travel. But above all, it’s emotion that forms the undercurrent of her work. “We are the ones who give objects soul and energy,” she once told Marie Claire magazine.

Giraud started her career with ten years of textile development, helping big fashion brands with everything from design and embroidery to the art direction of their shop windows. Then, in 2009, furniture design captured her imagination, and her first brand, Costado, was born. Eventually, the designer realized she wanted to bring all of her interests together into one collection under her own name. In 2018, she closed Costado and opened her new shop, Mono Giraud.

The industrial influences she once favored for her furniture designs softened and became more neutral and organic, infused with plant fibers, vegetable dyes, bamboo, rattan, and materials sourced from her local region. As you might expect, Giraud’s studio, set in a 1920 building within the San Martín y Perón neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is awash in natural materials and rough-hewn wooden objects, including silk thread from Indonesia woven on-site. Indeed, everything you see in her studio seems to have its own particular character and history.

Unlike many crossovers between fine art and fashion, just about everything you see in Mono Giraud’s photography is available for sale. Giraud outfits the models with the goods from her store.

“I wanted to unite the product with people, add my aesthetics and see what it transmitted,” she explains. “I really like improvisation, doing things that I have no idea but with a lot of trust because I know I’m going to use all the tools I have in my backpack. I don’t plan the photos, I take them on the premises, the fabric is thrown, [and] I begin to see what happens, what it transmits.”

Refreshingly, Giraud’s approach to selling her wares is similarly loose and improvisational. When people drop into her shop, she encourages them not just to take their time and experience everything she has on offer, but to chat like old friends. She serves them coffee in a living room and gives them personal attention, because for her, making them happy means giving them an “emotional experience.”

This philosophy shines through in every photograph of Giraud’s work. The process is just as important as the results, with everything transformed by her own hands and unique vision. You can keep up with her work on Instagram @monogiraud.

The post Mono Giraud’s Otherworldly Architectural Clothes Highlighted in Haunting Photos first appeared on Dornob.

Like many of us, the Barcelona-based artist found some extra time on her hands due to the pandemic and wanted to create something to help people collectively flourish and grow even in difficult situations. Thus, “The Resilence Project” was born.

“The Resilience Project is an optimistic and artistic approach to the current pandemic situation. Showcasing our capacity to build strength in this difficult situation allows us to bloom and reimagine the world from scratch,” says Marquez. “This new recovery has to be a collective one in which all elements of creation are accessible to everyone. We propose 3D printing as a democratic transmission media of art and fashion. Introducing two downloadable, sharable, and printable pieces that anyone can self-produce anywhere around our globe.”

The files are designed for FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printers, which deposit strands of plastic filament in layers to create an object. The filament is fed through a hot extruder to make it delicate enough for fine details. These days, you can find this type of 3D printer online for as little as $200, though you get better-looking results from more sophisticated models.

The Resilience Project features two downloadable and printable pieces: a cropped, flower-bedecked tank top and a face mask. Offered via Creative Commons license, which makes them freely shareable, the files can be downloaded at no cost from Thingiverse. Marquez enlisted the help of CGI digital artists to design the garments, which can be assembled easily as they come out of the printing bed. The files even include instructions for customizing the pieces to your size and printing them with a net-like texture that will be extra-pleasant against the skin.

She adds that “we can innovate applying 3D printing technologies to produce fashion, but if we distribute it the old way, are we really changing the game? That’s why we want you to have the chance to download and create the garments in her desktop 3d printer. We truly believe that the experience of creating your own garment will change your emotional link with the garment and, in the last instance, your way of consuming fashion. This is a really experimental approach to fashion and we have a lot to learn about, starting with your opinion.”

The Resilience Project represents a whole new world of emerging fashion technology that traditional manufacturers are going to have to keep up with. As 3D printers become less of a curiosity and more of a household essential, consumers will have more power to produce their own goods, reducing their dependency on the marketplace. Plastic filament can be melted and reused at home, making it easier to recycle the things we create, too. If it’s adopted on a wide scale, it could be a game changer — not just for fashion, but for consumerism at large.

The post You Can 3D Print These Fashionable Garments from Your Home first appeared on Dornob.

Romanian artist and fashion designer Alexandra Sipa has found a creative way to repurpose e-waste wires and cables, and it’s chic enough to get the attention of Vogue. The 23-year-old graduate of Central Saint Martins in London says it all originated with a “happy accident.”

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“I was researching for my sustainability project for school, and my headphones broke. I noticed the wires inside were so colorful. It was also the fifth time I broke my headphones that year, so I wanted to find a way to reuse them and thought about creating a fabric out of them.”

Sipa had recently returned to her hometown of Bucharest, Romania to visit her family. While there, she took in her culture’s sartorial past and present, as well as all the inspiration to be found in her grandmother’s colorful home filled with recycled objects. Drawing lacemaking techniques from the tablecloths she found there, she learned to craft wires sourced from local recycling centers into a stunning collection of dresses, robes, veils, tops, and accessories.

Romania is rich in folk art designs and traditions. Patterns and symbols seen in everything from blankets to bridal gowns originated as a way for craftspeople to share their histories with one another, and to channel energy throughout the body, which translates nicely to Sipa’s use of wires in her work.

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The artist incorporates traditional embroidery techniques and motifs into her designs, but other influences make their way in, too, like references to popular beach towels featuring prints of bikini-clad women. “Most of the fabrics I used have a Romanian attitude,” she tells Vogue. “Very nonchalant, humorous, and adaptable.”

While Sipa was the primary designer and fabricator of the wire garments, all of the complex work behind them required a little assistance. Among other things, her boyfriend learned to make wire lace alongside her, and she sent patterns for the collar of a jacket to her mother in Romania, who finished the pieces with her own reclaimed wires and in turn sent them back. A lingerie designer herself, Sipa’s mother had a big influence on her daughter’s career choice, immersing her in the world of fashion from a young age.

“She made cardboard cutouts of Barbies for me to trace on paper and draw on top of and taught me how to hand-sew,” she says. It’s no surprise, then, that some of her woven wire clothing ended up being Barbie-sized.

It’s hard to tell the garments are made of wire until you get a close-up look. You might think wires would result in clothing that’s stiff and uncomfortable, too, but the pieces actually drape with surprising grace. For some, like the jacket from her “ROMANIAN CAMOUFLAGE” collection, Sipa even paired them with textile factory remnants.

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The patterns are sometimes discernible and sometimes abstract, but always engaging to look at. Would you have guessed all these gorgeous pastel shades of mint, pink, yellow, and lavender were present beneath the outer casings of wiring in your home?

The post Alexandra Sipa Makes Colorful Lace Garments, Jewelry from Woven Electrical Wires first appeared on Dornob.

The Pura-Case by Italian studio Carlo Ratti Associati is a battery-powered device that sort of looks like a beefy garment bag. You can hang up to four pieces of clothing inside the case at a time to blast them with ozone, a naturally occurring gas composed of three atoms of oxygen (O3) capable of killing all kinds of pathogens on different surfaces.

Four different cycle settings achieve different things depending on your goals: a 1.5-hour “extra quick” cycle removes up to 80 percent of viruses and bacteria, a three-hour cycle removes up to 99 percent of viruses and bacteria, a four-hour cycle eliminates odors, and an eight-hour “eco-mode” cycle uses less power to achieve the same results. You can control it through an LED-lit top panel or remotely with the Pura-Case mobile app.

Most of us associate ozone with the “ozone layer” in the Earth’s stratosphere, which protects the planet from harmful concentrations of sunlight and filters out UVB radiation. It’s also commonly used to purify municipal water and sanitize hospital equipment. Multiple studies have found it effective at killing harmful pathogens like E. Coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and more.

Many people with high-contact essential jobs have spent the last few months changing out of their work clothes on their doorsteps to avoid bringing germs inside their homes. While the likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus from your clothes is considered low, vulnerable people and health care workers still may want to play it safe, and a device like the Pura-Case makes that a lot easier.

The Case’s official Kickstarter explains that “Pura-Case is designed to purify your clothes and any other accessory you might want to sanitize after staying outside. Your keys, your shoes: you can put all these objects inside Pura-Case and get rid of the germs and smells attached to them in less than hour! The kit includes all the tools needed to make it freestanding — simply put it at the entrance of your home or any spot convenient to you. Or you can place it inside your closet or wardrobe using the handlebar on the top of the case.”

“Pura-Case is an IoT (Internet of Things) product: offline use is possible, but you can also benefit from its connection to the internet to become part of the user community across the globe. The Pura-Case team keeps working on new updates: new programs will become available through the app as the world evolves and different purifying options are required.”

The Pura-Case consumes very little power, especially compared to a standard washing machine, and can help save 15 to 30 gallons of water for every load of clothes you sanitize. You can claim one as a reward for backing the Pura-Case Kickstarter campaign at $249 USD or more.

The post Pura-Case Portable Wardrobe Purifier Eliminates Germs and Smells first appeared on Dornob.