Tag Archives: Fashion

Robotic Open-source Scale Dress Printed by ELEGOO Neptune 4 Series: 3D Printing in Fashion

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3D printing has revolutionized the design industry by making it easier to prototype ideas quickly and efficiently. This technology allows designers to experiment with new concepts without the high costs traditionally associated with prototyping. As a result, executing designs has become more affordable and accessible, opening up new avenues for creativity. Beyond design, 3D printing is now breaking into other industries, including fashion, with trailblazers like ELEGOO leading the charge.

ELEGOO is not just a pioneer in 3D printing but also in empowering women to use technology to turn their ideas into reality. One prime example is an innovative robotic and modular dress system that will showcase the potential of 3D printing in fashion, inspiring a new wave of creators. This initiative highlights how 3D printing is transforming the fashion industry, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and expression.

Designer: Anouk Wipprecht

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Anouk Wipprecht and the Scale Dress: Futuristic Fashion

Anouk Wipprecht, a visionary Dutch FashionTech Designer and Engineer, has partnered with ELEGOO to push the boundaries of fashion technology. She has developed a new modular system for integrating motors into fabrics, revolutionizing how garments can interact with the wearer and environment. This collaboration marks a significant leap in the fusion of fashion and technology, showcasing the endless possibilities of innovative design.

The “Scale Dress” is a groundbreaking creation from this collaboration, representing a futuristic approach to fashion. This robotic, open-source dress comprises multiple 3D-printed mechanical parts, each equipped with tiny servo motors. These motors animate the dress, creating dynamic movements around the body. Ingeniously, the mechanism is sandwiched between fabric layers, with its round shape evenly distributing weight to prevent sagging or imbalance.

The Scale Dress not only captivates with its moving elements but also serves as a modular, open-source template for aspiring designers. Anouk Wipprecht has ensured that the design is accessible to those interested in robotic fashion. The servo-arms can be interchanged to hold various elements, addressing the challenge of integrating electronics with fabric and creating lifelike movements.

To empower others to explore this innovative realm, Anouk has open-sourced the Scale Dress design on her Instructables page. In collaboration with ELEGOO, she provides a detailed step-by-step guide on creating your own robotic dress with moving parts. The guide focuses on utilizing 9g servo arms, enabling creators to experiment and personalize their designs with ease.

This initiative not only highlights the potential of 3D printing and robotics in fashion but also encourages a new generation of designers to embrace technology. By sharing her knowledge and tools, Anouk Wipprecht is paving the way for more innovative and interactive fashion creations, inspiring others to explore the intersection of technology and design.

ELEGOO With Her: Empowering the Next Generation of Women Creators

The “ELEGOO With Her” program is a remarkable initiative aimed at equipping more women and girls with 3D printing skills. And the debut of the Scale Dress marks the official launch of the program, followed by a roundtable featuring prominent female designers at Formnext 2024 in Frankfurt, the largest 3D Printing Fair in Europe. This will kick off the initiative that aims not just to revolutionize the 3D printing industry but also fashion tech.

From November 19, 2024, to February 5, 2025, ELEGOO will recruit 30 women and girls for its empowerment program, providing them with 3D printers, software support, and mentorship. Participants will benefit from two months of online courses and workshops, culminating in a showcase of their work in April. This program is a testament to ELEGOO’s commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the tech industry, empowering women to become leaders in 3D printing.

ELEGOO Neptune 4 Series: Unleashing Creativity in Fashion Design

The Scale Dress, designed for the FashionTech field, utilizes 3D-printed mechanical parts created with the ELEGOO Neptune 4 series 3D printers. The Neptune 4 series’ intelligent printing capabilities make it an ideal tool for blending technology and fashion. By enabling intricate designs and seamless integration of mechanical parts, this printer is a catalyst for innovation in FashionTech, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.

This fusion of 3D printing technology and fashion is opening up new horizons for creativity and innovation. With pioneers like ELEGOO leading the way, the potential for groundbreaking designs and empowering diverse creators is limitless. As 3D printing continues to evolve, its impact on fashion and beyond will undoubtedly shape the future of design.

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Nike Unveils 3D printed Air Max 1000 that reimagines Air Max 1 in red laceless silhouette

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Nike seems to be on a roll, innovating beyond the obvious territories. After its collaborative Monopoly Game Set with Hasbro, the Swoosh brand is now teaming up with German shoe company, Zellerfeld, to give its original Air Max a 3D printed makeover in a vibrant red laceless design.

Nike Air Max 1 originally designed by Tinker Hatfield has always had a special place in our hearts for the incredible future-forward design. Easily the greatest sneaker, the Air Max is now a revolution, which has come a long way since its inception with continuous air technology innovations with every new release. This time it’s not the sole or regular manufacturing, in fact, it’s the entire thought of the shoe that will rock the show at ComplexCon 2024.

Designer: Nike

Zellerfeld founded in 2015, is a shoe company that specializes in 3D-printing thoughtful designs. Nike collaborated with the German outfit to delve into Air Max legacy and bring out a 3D-printed re-imagination that would launch at the ComlexCon on November 16 and 17, 2024. The groundbreaking rendition of the iconic Air Max 1, the Nike Air Max 1000, showcases the evolution of air technology along with new manufacturing techniques.

This combination of Air and 3D printing creates an engaging underfoot experience that according to the design team produces “the same comfort and responsiveness” of the original silhouette. At the foundation of this new creation of course is Nike’s obsession with cushioning besides that Air band and the mudguard wave make apparent nuances that tag the 3D printed version to the original.

The wavy lines forming the mudguard and the air unit in the heel do not make the Air Max 1000 much different, but the sneaker’s laceless design truly propels it into a new fan category – delightfully pleasing in a bright red colorway. The blend of smooth and textured print in the upper half of the AM 1000, goes well with the single Swoosh banding and the carved outsole. There is no word on the price, but I believe, the sneaker is worth whatever it comes for!

 

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Wearable chess set turns one of the oldest games into a fashion statement

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Although video games today have become a multi-billion dollar industry, there are analog games that have existed for centuries and continue to be a beloved pastime and sport today. Chess, for example, is still going strong across peoples of all ages, but it isn’t just players who find the game to be a treasure trove of inspiration.

The variety of chess set designs shows how the game is so open to interpretation, much more than most video games, resulting in products ranging from artistic to technological. This rather unusual take on the classic strategy game takes chess in a slightly different direction, presenting a game you can literally wear and take with you anywhere, ready to set up a match at a moment’s notice.

Designer: Louis Le Joly Senoville

We’ve seen many interpretations of the classic chess set design, from minimalist to brutalist to self-playing technological marvels. Most of these sets are designed to be installed in one location, while portable chess sets are sometimes too small because they’re meant to fit inside bags. They still take up space, of course, so that means giving up room that’s meant for your other, equally important stuff.

Ha Mat, which is short of “eched ha mat,” (“checkmate” in Breton) solves this problem by turning the chess set into something completely inconspicuous when not in use. In this case, the chess board becomes a scarf, the pieces become rings, and the timer becomes a watch. It’s literally a chess set you can wear as a fashion piece, allowing you to play anywhere there’s a flat plane to place everything on.

Of course, Ha Mat needs to actually look fashionable to qualify as a fashion statement, and it definitely fits the bill. The “board” takes inspiration from silk maps and military training scarves on antiquity, and the color scheme even tries to pay homage to luxurious hues used on chess boards in the past, particularly leather and wood. The watch that’s part of the set is quite peculiar because it can split in half and act as a timer for both sides.

The most interesting designs, however, are the chess pieces themselves. They have flat bottoms so they can stand on the “board,” but they have holes in the middle to wear as rings on your fingers. The pieces have tops that are more symbolic and iconic to identify their position on the board, simplifying their identity in order to fit the need to have flat pieces.

Of the 32 chess pieces, you can wear 16 on eight of your fingers if you pair similar pieces together. These would make you look like you’re wearing knuckle dusters, so they might not exactly be safe to wear in public. Still, the concept is quite intriguing, as it transforms one type of product into a completely different kind, without losing either one’s identity. In fact, it elevates the chess set from a game to something that’s an integral part of your life.

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Aether creates special jacket for photographers, designed with Leica

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I’ve had the opportunity to see some of my photographer friends in action while shooting sports and events. It’s not just as simple as carrying around a camera anymore as they also have to carry a lot of accessories and gears while running around. Bags are of course handy but wouldn’t it be better if they had something lighter to wear and still be able to hold all of their stuff?

Designer: Aether for Leica

The AETHER + Leica Reporter Jacket is one such item that would be convenient for photographers and even just mere travelers. It was designed with Leica photographers so they had the input of the actual people who will use it. Well, if they’re one of the 125 people who can get a hold of this limited edition jacket, which actually matches the Reporter camera series of Leica, color-wise. As expected, this jacket is designed for all kinds of weather and has a lot of pockets and compartments to hold their gear.

The army green colored jacket is weather-resistant and has waxed cotton-nylon blend fabric. This means it becomes breathable in warm weather but when it becomes colder, it creates a windproof barrier as well. The front pockets can fit a Leica camera, specifically any of the Q or M series while the back stash pocket can carry larger items like lens and even a tablet. It also has a built-in microfiber cloth so you can use it to clean your lens. The internal pocket is able to hold 4 Leica batteries while the chest pocket can hold your SD card case. There’s even a hidden SD card pocket at the collar, in case you need to hide something.

These features of the jacket can also be used by non-photographers who want to carry around stuff while traveling without using a bag. But they were of course specifically built for photographers and there are only limited items available. So if you have $795 to spare, you should get it while you still can.

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Mission to Earthphase: The World’s First-Ever Dual-Phase Dial and Movement by Omega x Swatch

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Omega and Swatch have introduced the Mission to Earthphase, a watch that illustrates Earth and Moon phases on a single dial. This latest addition to the MoonSwatch series features an innovative Earth phase complication, marking a first in watchmaking history. Designed to simulate how Earth appears from the Moon, the Mission to Earthphase pays tribute to the beauty of our planet as seen from space.

Designers: Swatch x OMEGA

From the dial’s textured gray surface to its intricately crafted Earth and Moon indicators, this watch is filled with details inspired by celestial mechanics. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Mission to Earthphase features a quartz movement tailored to manage these dual complications. Here, we’ll explore the design, how it works, and the unique movement that powers this timepiece.

A Design that Brings Earth and Moon Together

The Mission to Earthphase’s dial design immediately captures attention. Unlike traditional moonphase watches, which depict the phases of the Moon as seen from Earth, the Mission to Earthphase shifts perspectives. Positioned at ten o’clock, the Earth phase complication displays Earth’s phases as they would be viewed from the Moon, offering a unique perspective of our planet.

Image: Swatch

In this Earth phase indicator, continents and oceans are depicted in vivid colors. Oceans are treated with UV-reactive ink, glowing under ultraviolet light, creating a soft blue glow reminiscent of how astronauts describe Earth—as a glowing blue marble against the vastness of space. This glow captures the beauty and mystery of our planet. Landmasses are rendered with fine detail, presenting a vibrant and precise representation of the Earth’s surface.

Across the dial at the two o’clock position, the Moon phase indicator sits across the dial. Omega and Swatch have ensured that the Moon is represented with signature attention to detail. Two large depictions of the Moon glow in the dark thanks to Super-LumiNova treatment. This soft white glow adds a touch of mystique without overpowering the rest of the dial, enhancing visual appeal and ensuring legibility in low-light settings.

The Movement: Precision and Innovation

The Mission to Earthphase is powered by a unique quartz movement specifically engineered to support both Earth and Moon phase complications. Traditional moonphase watches use a simple mechanism to track the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle. However, Omega and Swatch took a more complex approach to incorporate both Earth and Moon phases.

Image: Swatch

The Earth phase rotates in the opposite direction of the Moon phase, accurately depicting how the Earth’s phases appear to an observer on the Moon. This reverse rotation reflects the actual orientation of Earth and Moon phases relative to each other.

The gearing system behind the Earth phase complication was calibrated to ensure synchronization with the Moon phase while operating independently. This design required Omega and Swatch to rethink the mechanics of dual-phase displays, resulting in a sophisticated and reliable movement.

Textured Dial and Classic Bezel for a Space-Inspired Look

The dial surface of the Mission to Earthphase features a grainy gray texture that replicates the rugged landscape of the Moon. This surface provides a tactile quality, grounding the watch in its cosmic theme and echoing the Moon’s cratered terrain. It connects the wearer to the idea of standing on the Moon and looking back at Earth.

Image: Swatch

Surrounding the detailed dial is a black tachymeter bezel with light gray markers. This bezel contrasts with the textured dial, allowing the dial’s features to remain the focal point. The tachymeter scale adds a functional element, maintaining the chronograph heritage of Omega’s Speedmaster series while emphasizing the connection between space exploration and timekeeping.

Bioceramic Case and Space-Ready Strap

The Mission to Earthphase case is crafted from Bioceramic, a material that combines ceramic with bio sourced elements derived from castor oil. The 42-millimeter case has a light gray tone that harmonizes with the lunar-themed dial, adding a sense of cohesion. Bioceramic is lightweight and durable, making it ideal for a watch designed for comfortable wear while maintaining sophistication.

Image: Swatch

Swatch has equipped the Mission to Earthphase with a black Velcro strap stitched with light gray thread, providing comfort and adjustability for various wrist sizes. The strap draws from materials used in astronaut gear, adding an authentic touch of space-inspired practicality. The Omega and Swatch branding is visible on the strap, highlighting the partnership behind this watch.

The battery cover on the watch’s back is etched with an image of the Moon, complete with Neil Armstrong’s iconic footprint—a nod to the historic lunar landing.

The Mission to Earthphase runs on a quartz movement chosen for its precision and low maintenance requirements. While mechanical movements often carry a sense of tradition, the quartz option provides the accuracy needed to maintain Earth and Moon phase indicators. This aligns with Swatch’s approach of making accessible, high-quality designs without compromising performance.

Image: Swatch

Quartz technology ensures that the Earth and Moon phases stay in perfect sync with real-world cycles, reducing the need for manual adjustments. This makes the Mission to Earthphase practical for everyday wearers who appreciate innovation without the upkeep of a mechanical movement. The stability and durability of quartz movement provide peace of mind, keeping the watch accurate with minimal intervention.

A Unique Achievement in Dual-Phase Display

The Mission to Earthphase showcases the Earth and Moon phases in a unified, independent rotation. This dual-phase complication exemplifies Omega and Swatch’s innovative engineering, clearly depicting Earth-Moon dynamics.

Image: Swatch

The Mission to Earthphase brings the cosmos to the wrist through its crafted dial, unique movement, and detailed design. Omega and Swatch provide a distinctive experience of the Earth-Moon relationship, blending technical precision with artistic vision.

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Open-ear earbuds concept transforms a common gadget into a fashion statement

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TWS or True Wireless Stereo earbuds have become such a common sight that their no longer weird to see something sticking out from people’s ears these days. It’s not a pretty sight, no matter how minimalist or sleek they are. Unfortunately, limitations of acoustics and technology also limit the possible designs for these tiny accessories, but what if such restrictions were loosened up a bit?

This concept design for open-ear earbuds try to explore that possibility, offering a product that isn’t just functional but also aesthetic. With just a few changes to the basic formula, earbuds become chic fashion accessories you won’t feel ashamed to wear, almost like wearing large but stylish earrings, without the piercings, of course.

Designer: Zhang Yunxib

The basic earbuds design evolved from humble earphones to the point that the Apple AirPods were even ridiculed for looking like EarPods with their wires cut off. Other wireless earbud today don’t sport such dangling stems, but the basic mechanism remains the same. You stick part of the buds inside your ear canal and hope they won’t fall off thanks to the fit of the buds or their shape.

The are, however, other ways to bring sound waves to your ear without blasting them directly into your ear canal. Some “open ear” headphones, for example, use bone conduction to deliver vibrations directly to the bones in your head that you “hear” as sound, while other use simpler but more refined air conduction that won’t tickle your temples.

This earbuds design concept uses the latter to fashion earbuds that wrap around your ear to secure its position, leaving the actual speaker just a few millimeters away from the ear canal opening. This is a similar design to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds launched early this year with one important difference: it’s made to look really good.

With an elegant matte texture and a mirror-like finish on the ball-shaped tips, these earbuds look more stylish than the typical rugged or sporty earbuds in the market. The way they hang on the sides of the ears rather than sticking down with a stem makes them look more like ear clips or earrings, giving them the appearance of fashion accessories or even jewelry.

The sleek and thin body doesn’t take up too much space or shove distracting forms, so you can still wear your favorite earrings that complement the earbuds. It’s a simple change to a tested formula, but one that completely changes the appeal and purpose of the product, from simple tech accessories to an expression of your taste and personality.

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Exploring Fall 2024’s Sneaker Trends: From Animal Prints to Minimalism

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It’s Sneakers Sunday, and today, we’re digging into the exciting sneaker trends of the fall that celebrate variety and self-expression. Bold colors are taking the spotlight, with red sneakers emerging as the season’s must-have. This trend signals a shift towards statement-making footwear. Animal prints like leopard and cheetah are also making a stylish comeback, offering a fun yet sophisticated way to stand out. These patterns add a wild flair, perfect for those looking to break away from the ordinary.

Sleek silhouettes are gaining traction as consumers seek versatile sneakers transitioning from casual to formal settings. Brands like Gola, Gucci, and Veja lead with their slim, low-profile designs emphasizing elegance and simplicity. These designs often incorporate premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Collaborations between high-fashion and athletic brands are sparking innovation. The Miu Miu x New Balance suede 530 sneakers uniquely merge luxury and sport. These trends indicate a move towards personalized styles catering to diverse tastes.

Color Trends to Watch

This season’s sneaker colors range from bold to sophisticated. Red sneakers are stealing the spotlight, symbolizing confidence and individuality. This vibrant color is expected to dominate fashion weeks, showcasing its versatility across styles. Collaborations like Nike x Jacquemus are boosting the popularity of red sneakers, introducing innovative designs and exclusive colorways.

Nike x Jacquemus WMNS Air Max 1 SP – University Red / Metallic Silver

Metallic sneakers, particularly in silver, are catching the eye as a futuristic choice. The reflective quality adds an avant-garde touch, appealing to fashion-forward individuals. Onitsuka Tiger’s metallic styles have seen a surge in interest, with searches up nearly 50%. Luxury brands like Balenciaga and Kenzo are embracing metallic finishes, adding a modern twist to classic silhouettes.

Kenzo Men’s Pace Lace Up Low Top Sneakers

Neutral tones remain popular, fitting seamlessly into the “quiet luxury” trend. Warmer neutrals like camel and tan are popular, offering a cozy alternative. Miu Miu x New Balance’s camel suede sneakers combine comfort and style. Deep autumnal hues, such as burgundy, are trending, with Adidas Gazelles in this shade becoming a favorite.

New Balance 530 x Miu Miu Suede Mesh ‘Ecru’

Unexpected color pops excite fall footwear, providing a playful contrast to subdued tones. Pastels and bold shades like lime green are transitioning into fall, inspired by pop culture. Brown sneakers are versatile, with luxe suede from Prada and sportier options from Nike becoming staples. These colors offer a wide range of styling possibilities.

Exploring Materials and Textures

Sneakers this fall are exploring diverse materials and textures. Suede is prominent, with a 36% increase in searches, reflecting its popularity among consumers seeking a luxurious touch. Suede offers a soft, rich texture that elevates designs, making it a versatile choice.

Leather and suede combinations provide a sophisticated contrast that adds depth to designs. This trend is evident in collaborations like Miu Miu x New Balance and Aimé Leon Dore, blending high-quality materials with innovative designs.

New Balance x Aimé Leon Dore 860 v2 “Green” sneakers

Animal prints are making a strong return, with interest in cheetah and leopard patterns. These prints align with the “mob wife” aesthetic, offering a bold footwear option that exudes confidence. The resurgence speaks to a desire for playful and adventurous fashion choices.

Metallic finishes add a futuristic edge, appealing to those who embrace modern styles. Onitsuka Tiger has seen increased demand for these styles as consumers seek statement footwear.

adidas x Wales Bonner Samba ‘Pony Leo’

Textured fabrics like ponyhair add depth to classic designs. The Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration showcases Samba sneakers with pony hair details, blending craftsmanship with contemporary design. As sustainability becomes more important, brands use eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and organic cotton, appealing to environmentally conscious shoppers.

Diverse Sneaker Styles

This season’s variety of sneaker styles caters to all tastes. The Adidas Samba remains a top choice, with its classic silhouette and versatile design making it a staple. New versions, such as the Wales Bonner collaboration, add unique details that refresh this iconic style.

Ballet sneakers are trending, blending elegance with practicality. These sneakers feature delicate details and refined silhouettes, as seen in collaborations like Sandy Liang x Salomon and Gola x Anthropologie.

Sandy Liang x Salomon

Chunky sneakers are evolving, with high-top versions incorporating vintage basketball aesthetics. Bottega Veneta leads with their Orbit sneakers, which are popular among celebrities for their bold design.

Slim, low-profile sneakers offer a sleek alternative, appealing to those who prefer understated elegance. Brands like Gola and Gucci emphasize clean lines and minimalist design.

Retro running shoes are returning, with models like the Asics Gel-1130 gaining popularity. Velcro sneakers are resurging, offering convenience and style. Brands like Veja incorporate sustainable materials and contemporary aesthetics.

The Row sneakers

Minimalist sneakers from brands like The Row offer understated elegance, appealing to those who value simplicity and quality.

Brand Movements Shaping the Market

This season, sneaker brand influence has shifted, reflecting changing consumer preferences. Adidas faces competition from Asics, which gained popularity with a 37% increase in searches. This reflects interest in Asics’ blend of performance and style.

Nike remains relevant through collaborations, such as Nike x Jacquemus, which introduce fresh designs that capture attention. These partnerships bring together unique aesthetics and technology.

Wales Bonner x Adidas collaboration

New Balance is experiencing a significant revival through its luxury fashion collaborations, particularly with Miu Miu. The latest release features the New Balance 530 running shoe, reimagined with a deconstructed design and ultra-flat sole. Set for release in 2024, the collaboration offers two versions: one in distressed suede with warm, natural colors and another in unprocessed suede and mesh in classic black and white. This partnership successfully fuses athletic heritage with high-fashion aesthetics, offering consumers options for personalized styling with different lace materials, including leather and sailing cord.

Onitsuka Tiger is seeing a resurgence with its Mexico 66 model, tapping into nostalgia and retro aesthetics.

Emerging brands like Axel Arigato and Løci are gaining traction. They offer alternatives to mainstream brands and focus on sustainability.

Axel Arigato Dice Lo Sneakers

Luxury brands are entering the sneaker market, with Bottega Veneta’s Orbit sneakers gaining celebrity endorsements. Alexander McQueen’s understated sneakers are popular among those seeking luxury without obvious branding.

Bottega Veneta’s Orbit

This brand movement reflects a diverse market, with consumers looking beyond traditional athletic brands to express their style and values. As the market evolves, brands adapt to meet changing demands, offering various options.

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Revolutionary Transparent Jacket Uses Infrared to Keep You Warm

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Down jackets are fantastic insulators. They trap the warmth and retain heat, keeping us warm even in extreme weather conditions. But downs have adverse effects on wildlife and are not manufactured in the most environmentally friendly manner. In fact, most of the textile industry is ridden with a high environmental footprint. It is waiting for material innovation to decrease the footprints and herald a viable new beginning.

It would be far-stretched to say, but Japanese manufacturer Sumitomo Metal Mining could have a transparent way forward in this possible future. The company has manufactured Solament – a material innovation that produces heat using infrared light conversion. The Down-Less Down Jacket by designer Kosuke Tsumura is the first project that brings the material’s translucent nature and functionality to the fore.

Designer: Kosuke Tsumura

Aptly named Solament, a combination word comprising “solar” and “element,” this is made of near-infrared ray absorbing nanoparticles. The material absorbs the rays present in sunlight and utilizes them to generate heat. Tsumura has used the material properties to create the down jacket silhouette that absorbs infrared light from sunlight and then generates heat through light conversion technology to keep the wearer warm.

Down-Less Down Jacket, as it is called, is like a puffer down jacket made from the translucent innovative material. According to the designer, the jacket provides warmth, comparable (if not better) to a traditional down jacket without using feathers. No animals hurt, no production footprints; such as apparel as this transparent down jacket can be the future of clean, conscious clothing.

Winner of the Red Dot Award: Design Concept for the year 2024, the Down-Less Down Jacket depicts well the material’s potential. Given its transparent nature, it can have many applications and industries it can influence. Sticking with the jacket at hand, the interesting wearable may for now appear directly out of a fashion show, but its benefits can certainly have a transforming effect on the apparel industry.

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Top 5 Pop Culture-Inspired Footwear That Are The Coolest Designs You’ve Ever Seen

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Footwear is not simply a practical necessity any longer, something we just wear on our feet to protect them. It has become a powerful form of self-expression. We can select styles that represent our favorite TV shows, movies, music, and iconic characters from pop culture. Footwear brands have begun to create designs that capture the essence and magic of various popular trends and franchises. And, we’ve curated a collection of pop culture-inspired footwear that will excite collectors and enthusiasts alike. Irrespective if you’re a major lover of pop culture or someone who simply enjoys unique fashion designs, these innovative and one-of-a-kind styles will elevate your shoe game.

1. Batmobile Crocs

These Batmobile Crocs are truly iconic! They’re modeled after the dashing vehicle from the 1989 Batman movie starring Micheal Keaton. The shoes are brilliantly designed and amped with all the bells and whistles, such as a graphic on the front that displays the hood. It also features a set of fins near the ankle, and there are wheel-shaped details around the heel. The front section includes actual windshields! The Crocs are also equipped with headlights, taillights, a jet engine intake at the front, and an afterburner on the back.

2. Pringles x Croc Boots

Meet the Pringles x Crocs boots – these boots are the perfect culmination of functionality and fun, and they’re intended to grab attention. The primary color of the boots is a chill beige, which will complement all your outfits very well. The shoes also include bold red accents which instantly call for attention. The Pringles logo is displayed on the cuff and the side pocket, imparting the boots with a snack-themed vibe. The boots are unique and cool, but they may make you look like a sore thumb, so if you’re okay with that, then they’re a great fit for you.

3. The Simpson Stan Smith Sneakers

Adidas brought back the Simpsons to its popular Stan Smith sneakers! The sneakers form a symbiotic fusion that transcends fashion trends. The shoes are embellished with Marge’s husband Homer, and one of Homer’s popular scenes has been integrated into the shoes – where he slowly moves back into the bush. This scene is pretty popular amongst meme enthusiasts from all over the world!

4. Marvel x Nike Footwear

Say hello to these stunning Marvel x Nike Football sneakers created by Paul Parsons using MidJourney’s AI. The unique and mind-blowing shoes perfectly capture the grandeur and power of MCU’s most iconic heroes and antiheroes. The sneaker series includes 9 different footwear models, which are inspired by the memorable and distinct characters from the Avengers movie, and Wolverine too!

5. Wednesday Stomp Clogs

Inspired by Tim Burton’s hit Netflix series Wednesday, the Wednesday Stomp Clogs are the perfect culmination of gothic style and comfort. Designed by Crocs, these limited-edition clogs are creepy yet chic. They are designed to provide a fresh and dramatic look that is great for fans of the show and lovers of spooky fashion. They feature a glossy black upper and a white color detail, giving a nod to Wednesday’s schoolgirl outfit. The Crocs are great for casual outings or Halloween events this spooky season!

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Prada Designs Spacesuit for the First Woman Astronaut On The Moon. Here’s what is different…

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When you think of spacesuits, luxury fashion probably doesn’t come to mind—but Axiom Space and Prada are changing that. Together, they’ve unveiled the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), a next-generation spacesuit designed for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which will return astronauts to the Moon. This suit represents a groundbreaking shift in both form and function, blending the technical precision required for space exploration with the high-performance materials and design innovations Prada is known for. And it’s more than just a style statement: the AxEMU has been carefully crafted to support the historic lunar landing of astronaut Christina Koch, who will be the first woman to walk on the Moon.

Designers: Axiom Space and Prada

An Unlikely Collab between NASA and Prada

At first glance, the AxEMU may not look like the bulky spacesuits we’ve come to expect. In fact, that’s the point. Designed with a scalable and adaptable architecture, this suit breaks free from the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach of traditional space gear. The AxEMU is built to accommodate a wide range of body types, allowing astronauts from various anthropometric percentiles—meaning different heights, weights, and builds—to feel comfortable and functional in the suit. Whether you’re on the smaller side or fall into the larger percentile, the AxEMU adjusts to ensure maximum mobility, a critical factor for a mission as demanding as Artemis III.

Prada’s expertise in material science plays a key role here. The luxury fashion house worked closely with Axiom engineers to develop an outer layer that not only looks sleek but also performs under extreme conditions. Crafted from a reflective white material, this layer helps regulate temperature by reflecting the sun’s heat while simultaneously protecting the astronaut from lunar dust and radiation. While traditional spacesuits focus on pure functionality, the AxEMU integrates aesthetics with performance, combining Prada’s advanced sewing techniques with Axiom’s life support technology to create something truly revolutionary in both appearance and utility.

High-Tech Meets High-Street Fashion

What truly sets the AxEMU apart from its predecessors is its balance between high-end design and cutting-edge technology. The suit boasts enhanced safety systems, including a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system that ensures astronauts can breathe safely during spacewalks lasting up to eight hours. It also features advanced cooling technology, which is crucial for maintaining comfort in the extremes of the lunar environment. Astronauts will be better equipped to perform complex tasks thanks to upgraded dexterity in the gloves—something previous spacesuits struggled with, often limiting the fine motor control astronauts need to manipulate tools or conduct experiments.

The helmet also offers significant upgrades, with an advanced visor that improves visibility in the harsh lighting conditions of the Moon’s surface. The design of the AxEMU is about more than just protection; it’s about enabling astronauts to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration. Thanks to Prada’s involvement, the suit’s exterior may feel more like high-performance sportswear than traditional space armor. But make no mistake—this is gear built to survive the extreme cold and searing heat of the Moon’s surface, with every detail engineered to keep astronauts safe and functional in one of the most hostile environments known to man.

What Makes The AxEMU So Different?

Compared to existing spacesuits, the AxEMU is a leap forward in versatility and user experience. Most current spacesuits, like NASA’s EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit), were designed decades ago, with little adaptation for the variety of missions astronauts now face. The AxEMU, by contrast, is built with a flexible architecture that can evolve for different missions, from the lunar surface to low-Earth orbit. This flexibility allows Axiom Space to customize the suit for a wide range of environments and tasks, whereas older suits were often mission-specific, with limited adaptability.

Safety is another area where the AxEMU shines. Conventional spacesuits are built with basic redundancy, but the AxEMU integrates a more robust set of redundant systems, ensuring multiple fail-safes in life support and mobility functions. This suit also goes beyond standard temperature control, using Prada’s material expertise to provide better heat management, allowing astronauts to remain comfortable during long spacewalks, even in the harsh lunar environment. Furthermore, the AxEMU has been tested with advanced simulations, including underwater testing to mimic the reduced gravity on the Moon, setting a new standard for preparation and reliability.

Designed for Christina Koch: A Spacesuit for the First Woman on the Moon

Christina Koch will make history as the first woman to walk on the Moon, and the AxEMU has been designed with that momentous occasion in mind. While traditional spacesuits were largely designed for male astronauts, the AxEMU has been engineered with inclusivity at its core. One of the key differences lies in its customizability: unlike older suits that often required uncomfortable modifications for female astronauts, the AxEMU offers a better fit right from the start, making adjustments seamless and comfortable for a wide range of body types. This is particularly important for Koch, as a properly fitted suit means enhanced mobility and reduced fatigue during long spacewalks.

Additionally, the suit’s gloves, helmet, and overall design have been tailored for precision, allowing Koch to work more efficiently on the lunar surface. The improved dexterity of the gloves will enable her to conduct more intricate scientific tasks, such as collecting samples and performing experiments, without the restrictions of older spacesuit designs. For Koch, the first woman to explore the Moon, having a suit that adapts to her needs, rather than her adapting to the suit, marks a symbolic and practical step forward in space exploration, ensuring that future missions can be more inclusive.

The AxEMU represents the future of spacesuits—one where technology, design, and inclusivity come together to push the boundaries of human potential. With Christina Koch set to wear this groundbreaking suit during her historic moonwalk, the AxEMU is leading the way into a new era of space exploration, where astronauts of diverse backgrounds, genders, and physiques will have the tools they need to reach new frontiers.

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