~ SpringcrWienNcwYork

Sabine Seymour Fashionable Technology The Intersection of Design, Fashion, Science, and Technology

Fashionable Technology The Intersection of Design, Fashion, Science, and Technology

Sabine Seymour www.fashionabletechnology.org, www.moondial.com This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically those of translation, reprinting, re-use of illustrations, broadcasting, reproduction by photocopying machines or similar means, and storage in data banks. Product Liability The publisher can give no guarantee for the information contained in this book. This also refers to that on drug dosage and application thereof. In each individual case the respective user must check the accuracy of the information given by consulting other pharmaceutical literature. The use of registered names, trademarks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. This book is sponsored by

ImpulsProgramm creativwirtschaft by austria wirtschaftsservice

Bundesministerium fr Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur

Kunstuniversitt Linz

Kulturabteilung der Stadt Wien, Wissenschafts- und Forschungsfrderung

2008 Springer-Verlag/Wien Printed in Austria SpringerWienNewYork is a part of Springer Science + Business Media springer.at Cover Image Philips Design Back Cover Image Gene Kiegel, www.genekiegel.com Graphic Design Mahir Mustafa Yavuz Research Assistance Hannah Perner-Wilson Copy Editor Kai Eric Hylfelt Printing and binding: Holzhausen Druck & Medien GmbH, 1140 Vienna Printed on acid-free and chlorine-free bleached paper SPIN: 12031238 Library of Congress Control Number: 2007933580 With 267 colored figures ISBN 978-3-211-74498-7 SpringerWienNewYork

Contents
Preface Theoretical Discourse Electronic Fashion Interactive Interfaces Scientific Couture Sensual Being & Tangible Touch Wearable Explorations Social Fabric Sonic Landscape Material Witness Project Websites Materials Bibliography Blogs & Websites Institutes Events Photo Credits Acknowledgements Biography 9 10 26 54 80 92 110 138 158 174 196 202 216 226 232 238 244 247 249

Preface
Fashion and technology, science and design are contrasting notions that will be explored in this work. The idea for this book arose a few years ago when I realized the need for reference material for my students and fellow researchers. In addition, I wanted to convey my concept on the amalgamation of technology and fashion. Over the years more people and more people have become interested in the ever-expanding field of fashionable technology. Some approach it purely with regard to future style while others are drawn to its technical potential and the combining of hard technology with soft textile. The many precedents that were brought to my attention resulted in a proposition to create a comprehensive collection of projects and resources about fashionable technology. The theoretical discourse in this book intends to provide an initiation to fashionable technology. It addresses the major concepts and provides a detailed bibliography that points to additional publications. The list of materials, blogs, institutes and events affords a starting point for further explorations in this expanding field. Many of the projects in this book are conceptual in nature and others are actual commercial products. However, all capture the imagination in their various proposals on the future meaning and purpose of clothing. Some of the projects were slightly difficult to categorize singularly as they incorporated aspects that were applicable to diverse chapters yet all of these projects are inspirational and stimulating. This book aims to present a compact body of work in the field of fashionable technology.