UPGRADE HIGH- TECH PRÊT- À- PORTER Usability and practicality remain uncompromised for the sake of functionality for European guides

N E W I D E A S T H AT C O U L D C H A N G E T H E WORLD l Compiled by NIKKY OOSTHUIZEN nikky.oosthuizen@ramsaymedia.co.za

Dutch fashion designer Pauline van Dongen is an old hand at combining comfortable clothing with wearable technology. Her portfolio includes knitwear that monitors the movement of elderly wearers and illuminated garments to protect runners at night.

This time around, at the behest of the Wadden Sea Society (which is tasked with conserving the Wadden Sea Region of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands), Van Dongen has teamed up with sustainable clothing brand Blue LOOP Originals to create a hightech wearable called the Solar Windbreaker. The Solar Windbreaker will be worn by guides working in the region and must simultaneously be comfortable, functional and blend in with the natural environment of the Wadden Sea Region.

The graphite-coloured windbreaker, manufactured from reused denim yarn, features five pockets and a hood. But it’s with the tech that it gets interesting. Solar panels are fitted on selected outer areas of the jacket for utility as well as looks. There’s also a lightweight wireless charging powerbank that can power a variety of portable devices. The typical charging time for a smartphone is between one and two hours – weather depending.

“What I really like to do is to look for the right kind of balance, when technology can be perceived as something quite natural,” says Van Dongen.

“We enjoy playing with the textiles and the kind of look that integrates well with the natural environment while finding the harmony between the more technological look and features of the cells. That is why we wanted to create something with more graphic elements. So, we used the bonded tape on the seams as well as the technological details such as waterproof zip, drawstring hood and hand panels, which add a more distinctive look.

“The linear geometrical shape is present in more details such as placement of the solar panels and the diagonal direction of the zip.”

The Solar Windbreaker is currently undergoing practical testing by guides.

Carbon filter

Whisk away odours created by the organic plant matter

Fluid glass

The glass switches between transparent and opaque at the press of a button

Wi-fi enabled

The system sends real-time information about your plant to your phone

Temperature control

Manages temperature to ensure optimal growing conditions

Automatic functions

The system manages your plant’s water and nutrient levels so you don’t have to water again