openMaterials

So… I finally got around to writing about a very cool event I attended a couple months ago: FashionCamp NYC. Self-described as “a barcamp style unconference,” FashionCamp NYC had its first edition September 12th and 13th at ITP.

Over the course of a rainy weekend people interested in fashion and/or technology gathered to give and attend talks, workshops, debates, and even a fashion unshow. Here are some highlights:

Tracy Gromek and Marcus Pringle led a fun workshop on “Soft Circuits: Making A Kick-ass Glove.” I wasn’t ready for gloves yet, so instead I made a bracelet with the cool materials they brought along: super bright LEDs, colorful felt, conductive thread, and iron-on conductive fabric. Thank you Tracy and Marcus for all the tips and tricks and for an afternoon well spent. Check out their project FiiWA (Freedom in Interactive Wearable Art).

Diana Eng and Alison Lewis showed their beautiful creations on an original fashion unshow. One of my favorite items was Alison’s Light Up Purse, a shiny handbag that lights up when you open it (no more groping around for your keys, as I always do). Here’s a video of Allison showing how to make it. It was also wonderful to see Diana’s pink inflatable skirt and delicate LED necklace.

Zach Hoeken from MakerBot Industries brought along Goldie, aka CupCake CNC #000021, and printed objects for the crowd. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of watching a robot make physical objects from digital designs. In fact, there is one (Violeta, CupCake CNC #000209) sitting on my desk and doing just that as I write this :)

There was also lots of cutting and sewing, couture hacking, as well as talks by Natalia Krasnodebska and Nervous System, among many others. Here are some photos of the event.

The Fashion Camp Planning Team is currently organizing the next unconference. Support them by becoming a volunteer or a sponsor.

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