'Smart Second Skin'

SmartSecondSkin’ is an artefact dress that was designed in collaboration with Adeline Andre haute couture (Paris) to illustrate a responsive fabric inspired by neurobiological delivery mechanisms found under skin. This involved the recent development of the miniaturisation of technology in olfaction science and multi-sensory fabrics, with a purpose to improving ‘well-being’.

As a designer working in the field of wearable technology, I developed a creative garment prototype which was an interface between the body and medical micro-tubing.

My resultant garment was developed as a ‘responsive fabric’, to test and prepare the basis for a future interactive system, which fused MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-systems) with textile elements, to create a scent delivery system that adds function to fashion design.

I researched the project in the healthcare sector (geriatric care and people living with HIV & AIDS) and the idea was originally inspired by my own bipolar affective disorder diagnosis in 1993.

The project was funded by an AHRB Small Award in the Creative & Performing (2002). My dress was presented as an interactive, multi-sensory display during the ‘Touch Me’ exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum (June-August 2005).

Glass heart pendant designed and copyrighted by Slim Barrett