The times they are a-changin’.
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Inspired by calls for “How do I achieve this look!” I’ve added this Lighted dress to the list of hacks to tackle. The plan is to launch sometime June After NYukco’s CopulateNYC event.
A viral reaction to the Zac Posen gown at this year;s met gala brought this to my attention.
Sadly, in response, some simply did a search found a quote on the fabric Luminous fabric and fiber optic fabric “.
Is it?
Well it certainly looks it, but that style has some serious body (at least to 15 yds) for one layer of shirt and there are several conductive fabrics… then again as BOF point out in a review of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art ‘Manus x Machina’
“You really have to see the pieces to understand them, and you can’t really rely on the designers to give accurate information. Certain designers are very proprietary about their technologies. That was a bit of a challenge … Zac Posen ball gown was literally lit from within”
In short unless the designer published the details one would have to look close up to get the real 411.
- I am sure however that some type of soft circuitry is involved especially in hemlines and seems.
- There is some type of switch that activates the “lighted effect” fastener zipper perhaps
- There is use of some type of electronic or conductive fabrics
- It’s also possible that the designer used some type of newly engineered fabric.
- What makes the fabric lightcould either be woven into the fabric or stitched over it like “embroidery”. In this the first layer looks opaque, not sheer as in the lumigram – the quality also appears much better.
Yes, I’m excited… but this is what few realize you cannot just pick up a piece of fabric you need to explore and understand this emerging design resource. Ultimately I’d really love to have a fully equip maker space, and a group of fearless innovation enthusiast.The point is we have to start somewhere
Featured Image credits – top clockwise screenshots of the Zac Posen dress. From a social media week we hosted in 2010 – Elizabeth Fuller’s Lifedress’- Dragon skin, LED and Copper. Finally, my 2010 collaboration with Catarina Mota (of Open Material) on this scarf lighted from within.
Creating a space to explore suggested hacks.
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