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Abstract:
The mission of International Fashion Machines is to bridge the gap between the world of emerging technologies, fashion and consumer electronics. Our goal is to integrate innovative technologies into fashions, house-wares, furniture and architectural accessories.
Our design philosophy focuses on using technology as a design medium through a solid understanding of its potential and its limitations. We build working designs, not just conceptual prototypes. We also seek out emerging technologies that enable aesthetics and design, instead of hiding hard, square boxes in soft rounded objects.
At the same time, we have to remember that wearables have a uniquely intimate relationship with people and the human body. Technology can add to human experience and knowledge. Designers of electronic fashions need to focus on personal expression and growth instead of replacing the human experience.
I will present past research projects such as the Piecework Fabric Keypad, the Musical Jacket with Fabric Capacitive Keyboard, the Firefly Dress and Necklace, the Electronic Tablecloth and the Embroidered Musical Instruments. I will also talk briefly about current IFM work and in particular, our product development efforts for the AFM (animated fashion module). I will present a definition for interactive fashion, explain our design methodology and address the future of the fashion/technology convergence: what’s important and what we need to think about.
