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Device powered by body heat
May 1st, 2021
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a wearable device that transforms the human body into a biological battery. The device is stretchy enough to be worn like a ring or another accessory that fits on the skin. By employing thermoelectric generators, the device can convert the body’s internal temperature into electricity. “In […]
Karl Deardorff’s smart moves with SLO Sail and Canvas
May 1st, 2021
At age 19, Karl Deardorff bought a sewing machine from Leo Robbins, his first sailing instructor. “I wanted to be able to fix and alter my own sails,” he says. The machine went with Deardorff to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he was also on the sailing team. Soon he was […]
Putting the art in fabric architecture
May 1st, 2021
“The Canyon” installation at the Salt Lake City International Airport was inspired by Utah’s slot canyons formed from water rushing through rock over millions of years. Photo: © Recury, Dreamstime. A successful work of public art today should not be treated as an object sitting in the environment; rather it should be interpreted as the […]
Bringing digital printing in-house
May 1st, 2021
This 30-foot-tall SecondSkin graphic high-tension system from Brandit Graphics is built around two sides of a tent at the 2020 CES in Las Vegas. The modern and waterproof SecondSkin system is designed to achieve flat graphics for outdoor structures, providing a smooth surface for exceptional branding. Photo: Brandit Graphics and Structure Wraps. Standing out from […]
Electric and solar vehicles drive the future of automotive textiles
May 1st, 2021
BMW’s future interactive car interior (2020) is designed with BYBORRE textiles featuring the i Interaction EASE cabin, which uses smart surfaces that transform into three modes of experience: exploration, entertainment and ease. Photo: BYBORRE. Marie O’Mahony and Debra Cobb contributed content to this article. Recent reports illuminate key factors that will influence the automotive textiles […]
Responsive textiles: The future of athleisurewear
May 1st, 2021
The Lahgo Restore rib tank features Celliant® infrared technology that helps promote a deeper, more restful sleep through improved local circulation and cellular oxygenation. Photo: Hologenix Most of us still can’t (realistically) answer the siren song of working in pajamas. However, we’re certainly becoming au fait with the comfortable, functional clothing that can help us […]
Portico shade structure opens up new possibilities
May 1st, 2021
When a client requested a cover for the entry of a workshop/studio, Schafbock Design Workshop of Gujarat, India, took on several challenges, according to Schafbock’s Shehzad Irani. These included the timeline, which was just 45 days from concept design to installation, and the site, a fully functioning hand-printed garment design workshop in a residential area. […]
2021 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 2
May 1st, 2021
Awnings, tents, shade sails, marine upholstery, protective gear, furniture: regardless of the end product, the fabric needs to perform in harsh conditions while looking good, keeping the planet green and fitting into a client’s budget. For our two-part annual showcase, we asked contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance textiles. We’ve organized the […]