If you’re an MIT student, you’re probably fascinated by technology: it’s (roughly) one third of our school name, after all. Technology is rapidly changing the world around us, and has even infiltrated an industry that might not be the first that comes to mind: fashion. Earlier this year, celebrities debuted technology-inspired ensembles at the Met Gala to fit the Manus x Machina theme; my favorite was Karolina Kurkova’s LED-threaded dress, which lit up and changed colors based on what people tweeted at her.
But makers, engineers and fashion-enthusiasts need not travel all the way to New York City to enjoy a fashion and technology exhibit. The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston also has its #techstyle exhibit, some pieces even featuring work from MIT. I visited the exhibit recently and can confirm that it is a must-see.
In celebration of National Makers’ Week this past week, here are some super cool things you can expect to see at the exhibit:
1. A bodysuit based on a distorted CAD rendering
Inspired by the grids on 3D software, Israeli fashion designer Noa Raviv created her Hard Copy collection by creating shapes on the software and purposefully distorting them.
2. A dress that mimics a floating splash of water
High-speed cameras were used to capture a model being splashed with water. Designer Iris Van Herpen then used the photograph to make a dress out of plastic and acrylic spray.
3. An outfit made using 3D printing
Another Van Herpen piece, this 3D-printed cape-and-skirt ensemble was produced in collaboration with designer and MIT assistant professor Neri Oxman.
4. A laser cut leather jacket
5. High (rise) heels
These 3D-printed heels, created by United Nude, were designed to imitate a high-rise apartment complex.
6. A dress that can fold into a masterpiece
7. A possessed dress
Hussein Chalayan's dress reacts to movement and changes shape, affecting the wearer's movement. It was used as part of a dance performance.
8. "The Spike"
9. A suit threaded with wireless LEDs
This striking suit is lit by LED lights and wireless circuitry stitched into the silver embroidery.
10. A customizable petal dress
Designed by Somerville-based Nervous System, this 3D-printed dress can be customizable to a specific wearer's body through a 3D scan.
11. A dress that caters to you!
The centerpiece of the collection, CuteCircuit’s MFA Dress is an interactive piece that incorporates MicroLEDs to create animations. Visitors can use an iPad to select images to display on the dress.
Those were just a few of the pieces that stood out to me at the MFA’s #techstyle exhibit, which is open until July 10, 2016. To get to the MFA, take the Red Line from Kendall Square to Park Street, then transfer onto the Green Line’s E train until the MFA stop. So what are you waiting for? MIT students get into the MFA for free, so there’s no excuse not to check it out!
