Today I read a CNN.com article about "futuristic fashion" in which they describe the motion of fashion items to incorporate more practical electronic devices. This has largely been limited to the domain of specialty, athletic apparel. Now, however, it is apparently crossing over into the fashion world with the likes of CuteCircuit's M-dress (a silk dress that can function as a cellular phone - described in the CNN.com article).
What I found most interesting is where the article glossed over "Montreal's XS Labs has used a shape-memory alloy called Nitinol to produce extraordinary dresses that change shape while you wear them." Nitinol is a common name for nickel titanium, which as the article indicates, has shape-memory characteristics. This is a function of the crystalline molecular structure of the alloy which has the ability to change that crystal structure under applied heat or pressure.
How can do they use this to effect fashion apparel? I found that it is done from the use of nickel titanium wire threaded through a garment which must be given an electrical charge to heat the wire. As the wire contorts and contracts, the garment along with it is set into motion. It isn't far fetched to incorporate solar panels or magnets to charge the wires.
I hope they do scarves... for children!
Seriously though, I give them credit for their using this within the realm of fashion, but on the technology front, I am surprised to not hear more about alternative electro-mechanical devices. Why not build motors utilizing thermokinetic materials?
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