Smart Clothes

In a world of boundless technology, where satellites can locate your exact coordinates and cell phones can produce full-featured videos, it is only fitting that a wired line of "Smart Clothes" fashion is under development.



This latest in wearable computers -- like pants that detect movement -- let a computer know your every move. A group of researchers at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute claim that they have developed a special type of loom that helps sew the wires and fabric together, while sensors embedded in the fabric measure the speed, rotation and flexibility of a garment. Wireless signals are sent from the pants to a computer to display the activity.

Researchers hope that wearable computers will eventually help save lives, particularly to monitor those with chronic illnesses. Plans to developing more Smart Clothes are underway, integrating computers into shirts, hats and gloves.

Text: Vanessa Voltolina

Annie Foo

Enthusiastic industrial designer Annie Foo wants to design it all. She loves the idea of not being limited by her imagination and puts this to the test by taking inspiration from everything she sees. The cup and saucer above fits perfectly in your hand for an afternoon tea or even coffee. High street fashion as well as couture influence the design process as shown in her party shoe below.

A graduate from Central Saint Martins, Annie fine tuned her skills designing bags, shoes, and jewellery for other companies and now feels confidant to start her own accessories label. In recent years accessory sales have grown and in some cases accessory sales have saved a few of the well known luxury brands. Not limited to materials this porcelain light is a demonstration of her infinite level of design.

Collaborations I would like to see: Pierre Hardy, Vera Wang, Wedgewood