Scentsory Design: A “Holistic” Approach to Fashion as a Vehicle to Deliver Emotional Well-being

This article explores an ongoing interdisciplinary research project at the cutting edge of aroma and medical work, which seeks to change the experience of fragrance to a more intimate communication of identity, by employing emerging technologies with the ancient art of perfumery and the growing trend of complementary therapies.

The project investigates the interface between the arts and biomedical sciences, around new emerging technologies and science platforms and their applications in the domain of health and well-being and the impact it may have on the fashion industry. A new movement in functional “holistic” clothing that incorporates sensory systems of precisely metered fragrance delivery and release is discussed called “Scentsory Design.” It focuses on the development of responsive fashion that changes with emotion, introducing clothes and footwear that are designed for psychological end benefit to reduce stress.

In this article, the known affective potential of the sense of smell is discussed, by introducing “Aroma-Chology” as a tool that is worn as an emotional support system to create a personal “scent bubble” around the body, with the capacity to regulate mood, physiological and psychological state, and improve self-confidence in social situations. The clothing formulates a “healing platform” around the end user by creating novel olfactory experiences in textiles that are not as passive as current capsulated capsule systems.

Further items discussed include luminescent footwear derived on the benefits of light therapy and inspired by reflexology. A pair of shoes were developed that offers emotional well-being, by introducing “Walking Therapies,” which massage reflexology points on the foot, enabling the act of walking to be healing.

Glass heart pendent designed and copyrighted by Slim Barrett

Glass heart pendant designed and copyrighted by Slim Barrett

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