Exploring the relation between technology and intimacy

[gallery] The Intimacy series is a project by Daan Roosegaarde, Maartje Dijkstra, Anouk Wipprecht, V2_ Lab (Simon de Bakker, Stan Wannet, Piem Wirtz) and the team of Studio Roosegaarde (Peter de Man, João Carneiro). It consists of a growing number of gorgeous and evocative projects that investigate the relationship between technology and intimacy while considering the worlds of fashion, wearable technology and the electronic arts. The projects have already achieved international exposure and are often showcased in events and museums, helping to feed the ongoing dialogue about our contemporary technology-driven society.

The first of the series, designed by fashion designer Maartje Dijkstra titled Intimacy White, is made out of white e-foil that turns transparent to reveal the body based on your interactions with it (such as your proximity to the wearer).

The second dress, designed by fashion designer Anouk Wipprecht titled Intimacy Black, uses a newer version of the e-foil that transforms from black to transparent.

"The project[s] consist of high-tech garments made with wireless, interactive technologies and smart foils, which can become transparent. The distance towards the garments determines their level of transparency, creating an intimate experience and a sensual play of disclosure." continue reading on V2_Lab.

Images from V2_Lab.

Sabine Seymour talks about the future of wearables

Piem Wirtz interviews Sabine Seymour at V2_lab as they discuss the history of wearable and what they think will come next in 2010 and beyond. Seymour gives a brief, yet intriguing analysis of where she thinks fashionable technology (as she defines "wearables") is heading. "Before 1995 we had the Steve Mann type of wearables, made from an engineer-technology perspective by computer science people. In 1995 Maggie Orth made her Firefly dress... In 2010 we need to have a second wave, which is the wave of well designed, well executed fashionable wearables that have the ability to convey a story..."

...and reach a broader market. Seymour talks about how designers, artists and DIYers use labs for experimentation, which aid in the refinement of their craft and build knowledge. She then goes on to discuss what it will take to get the explorations to the next level and toward a broader audience.

This interview is definitely worth the read. Continue reading on V2_Lab.

More about Sabine Seymour: Fashionable Technology (her book): fashionabletechnology.org Moondial (her studio): moondial.com Photo from V2_Lab