Introducing the first 3D printed bikini

[gallery]Continuum Fashion has launched a new project called N12, which is the first 100% 3D printed and ready-to-wear garment in the shape of a cute little bikini. To get it ready for printing, Rhino 3D CAD software and a specially written algorithmic script are used to create the structure of the 3D printed fabric. The material used to print (N12, which is where the name derives from) is a waterproof Nylon that can be printed on 3D printing machine. Due to the properties of the material, Continuum says that it's the first bikini that actually gets more comfortable when wet.

The bikini's design fundamentally reflects the beautiful intricacy possible with 3D printing, as well as the technical challenges of creating a flexible surface out of the solid nylon. Thousands of circular plates are connected by thin springs, creating a wholly new material that holds its form as well as being flexible. The layout of the circle pattern was achieved through custom written code that lays out the circles according to the curvature of the surface. In this way, the aesthetic design is completely derived from the structural design.” Mary Haung, Continuum Fashion

Sign me up, I would certainly love to try it out!

Continue reading on Shapeways. Images from Shapeways.

Useless networks experimentation

I am loving this experimental work by Art Center College of Design student Daniel Lara called Useless Networks. Daniel describes us as becoming numb to our own sophisticated body sensors and playfully aids us in our most basic sensing capabilities through technology. The result is an evocative commentary on our own awareness (or lack thereof). Watch the video to see the project in action:

A low-cost rehabilitation glove

Students from Montreal's McGill University have created a prototype recovery glove that encourages stroke patients who suffer the loss of hand motor skills to "relearn" how to use it through game play. The prototype is also aimed to cost relatively little to produce and allows the patients to use it at home through a video game interface. If you can get past the rather scary looking, cyborg implementation, what's interesting is the use of game mechanics (a trending topic in the tech industry) to encourage rehabilitation. I hope to see further iterations on this concept as well as a more considered wearable implementation.

More at gizmag.

adidas megalizer dj-mixing footwear

[gallery] Paris-based "creative technologist" Didier Brun is developing a fantastic project for adidas to help promote the release of their sneaker collection MEGA. The project includes embedded sensors in the line of footwear that allow you to create your own beat depending on how you tap the shoes. The result is a playful composition of dance and music. Watch the video for a demonstration. Truly fantastic.

More info here.

The Illuminated fashion line-up

[gallery] From the stage to the shelves, illuminated clothing seems to be paving the way right now for wearable technology to reach a wider audience. As I was once skeptical about "blinking" garments, these designers are integrating lights in ways that connect emotionally, making this an exciting area in wearable technology. Here's a line-up of incredible explorations along with products that are making it to market:

Vega Jacket by Angella Mackey One of the first illuminated garment to make it to market! This absolutely gorgeous jacket includes integrated lights that help you get around town safely on your bike. "Whether for fun, fashion or visibilty at night, it can be for commuting by foot or riding on a bicycle. However you express yourself, this is something new and exciting to play with—a unique addition to your wardrobe." Continue reading.

Black-Eye Peas Super Bowl couture by Anouk Wipprecht In collaboration with Bea Akerlund, they created stage outfits embedded with technology for the Black-Eye Pea's Super Bowl half time performance. The garments included Luminex shoes worn by the lead singer, Fergie, that Anouk created with master shoemaker Rene van den Berg. Continue reading.

I'm Not A Robot collection by Moon Berlin A collection of illuminated garments created by Brigitte Franken and Christian Bruns of Moon Berlin. The collection includes dresses, tops, and pants with integrated lights and illuminating woven fibers. Continue reading.

Into the Deep collection by Vega Wang This gorgeous collection that consist of light-emitting garments. “The concept for my collection came from watching a BBC DVD called Deep Blue." Continue reading her interview.

Kenetic Dress by CuteCircuit The KineticDress captures the wearer’s movements and interaction with others and display this data through the electroluminescent embroidery that covers the external skirt section of the dress. Continue reading.

Pedal Pusher by Syuzi Pakhchyan In collaboration with Magdalena Paluch, Pedal Pusher is an ongoing investigation into the biking community for women. The stylish shoe illuminates for safetey and is powered by the bike's pedals. Continue reading.

Stage and red-carpet couture by CuteCircuit CuteCircuit has been creating a collection of stage and red-carpet couture including a hand pleated silk chiffon dress embedded with over 5400 LEDs, and displays video from a real-time stream for Safura, Katy Perry's illuminated red carpet dress for the MET Ball, and NYC Boys debut performance trousers and shirts that changed color and brightness in synchronicity with the choreographed performance. All controlled in realtime by the lighting DJ. Continue reading.

Chris Brown lights up the stage

[gallery] Illuminated clothing has been exploding on the stage recently from Tron's drool-worthy illuminated costumes,  CuteCircuits Illuminated performance couture, to Anouk Wipprecht's illuminated Black-Eye Peas Super Bowl couture, light-up clothing seems to be paving the way for wearable technology. The latest on-stage sighting is Chris Brown's performance on Dancing With The Stars that included light-embedded clothing on him and his supporting dancers. Watch the lights synchronize to the movements in this vid: