Science Struts on the Catwalk

It’s rare for researchers to stage a fashion show—unless their research is on clothing, one of the oldest of human technologies. On 23 September, models will strut down the catwalk at the St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austria wearing the attire of paleolithic huntergatherers, citizens of the Roman Empire, and Celtic villagers. The show, a product of a collaboration of archaeologists and historians from across Europe, reconstructs the evolution of clothing—and also offers a glimpse at the future, which apparently includes cocktail dresses that literally excrete cocktails, such as this wearable drink dispenser created by Dutch designer Anouk Wipprecht. The dress detects the presence of a conversation partner and pours a cup of milk; if the partner plays a game with the wearer, using a wristmounted computer, the dress adds vodka to make a White Russian.

SOURCE : SCIENCE MAGAZINE VOL 333