Clothes are often designed to be practical and functional. They are also designed to be fashionable and fun to wear. Some clothes manage to be all three. With the introduction of cyber wear, the use of computers in clothing, a whole new view of fashion is emerging. Some designers are turning to visual drama created using LED lights. An LED Light bulb can be integrated into clothing to create some amazing fashion statements as well as serve practical applications. Artists and engineers are coming together to bring new light to old clothes.
Some of the most obvious uses of illuminated clothing are for safety reasons. A shirt that lights up at night draws attention before car lights hit a reflective tape. This is far safer than a driver barreling down the road unable to see anyone until his or her lights flash across them. A jogger with a flashing shirt or blinking shoes is much more likely to get noticed. There are other uses for illuminating clothing that goes beyond safety. Gloves that light up would be useful for campers. Headlights are often used by rock climbers and campers. They throw light wherever the person looks. Sometimes it shines right into the eyes of the person they are talking with, blinding them and ruining their night vision. Gloves with LED illumination can cast light on work areas and wherever the glove owner reaches.
Clothes can contain LED displays that can communicate messages or display art. A shirt can advertise a company logo or phone number. It can also display scrolling text or flashing images. The displays can be programmed to pulse to audio input, or even to physical body vital signs, making the rapidly beating heart a visual display announcing attraction. This fashion can extend to various other accessories as well. A purse could light up when opened, making finding items much easier. An umbrella could glow with LED stars, lighting the path and keeping the rain off. And then there is lingerie.
Fashion mavens can go nuts. Clothes design takes on an entire new dimension with the addition of lights and colors. There are lights small enough to be worked seamlessly into the clothes. Veils of light can provide flattering personal fill light. Imagine Saturday night outfits that can turn green or red depending on the level of interest in the flirt at the bar. It is a whole new age of nonverbal communication. Light emitting Diodes are changing the way we light homes, buildings, cars, planes and boats. They have been used in thousands of ways. Now, with the advancement of fabrics that can be used to create computerized clothes, light emitting diodes are entering the world of fashion. There are still a few stumbling blocks to resolve, such as how to safely clean the fabric power grid and how to handle the rare light burn out, before these items can be mass marketed. In the next few years the streets will be literally glowing with innovative fashion designs.