High heels illuminated by fiber optics
Italian fashion designer Francesca Castagnacci’s bold new project called “bright fashion” weaves and integrates LED-powered fiber optics into accessory fabrics. Here is an example of the fashion statement instituted in a high heel shoe. The result is an illuminated radiance that will surely catch the eye of modern trendsetters. Each fiber optic wire is as thin as a human hair and requires an LED at either end to light up. Ladies, interested? Look in the gallery below for additional shots of this truly cutting-edge design.
Multitouch? Pfft! Try multi-toe.
A bunch of bright minds at the Hasso Plattner Institute in Germany have been working on this research project they call “multi-toe interaction.” Basically it’s a multitouch floor that can recognize a person based on their shoe pattern. But I’ll let the masterminds explain:
The key factor of the shown design is that it is based on frustrated total internal reflection sensing. FTIR allows it to identify and track users based on their sole patterns. The floor recognizes foot postures, distinguishes users who interact from people walking by, and enables high-precision interaction. In addition, the floor can approximate users’ head positions based on the pressure profile in the soles and it extracts enough details from soles to allow users to play first person shooters by balancing their feet.
So precise! Not so sure if this can ever be practically implemented, but it’s always good to see unique implementations of a multitouch interface. Even if it involves stinky feet.
Illuminated Heels
These light-up three inch heels come from the mind of Nicholas Kirkwood, made for design team Rodarte. They were shown off at this year’s NY Fashion Week. Whenever tech is embedded into fashion, that’s always a good thing, no? Addtional shots in the gallery below, and a video of the heels in action after the break.
[Via Gizmodo; FashioningTech]
Common Projects Spring/Summer 2010 Collection
Common Projects is a collaboration between designers Flavio Girolami and Prathan Poopat. Inspired by the lines and shapes of everyday objects, they design their pieces with tailored approach, using the finest materials and techniques.
Common Projects sneakers will be available this spring in a number of styles and colorways. Pricing details have not been disclosed. Check ‘em all out in the gallery below.
2/22: UPDATE after the break.
Mirrored shoes are some sort of fashion statement?
“Invisible Shoes.” Designed by Andreia Chaves.
The “Invisible Shoes” are low-cut boots covered in asymmetrical mirrors that reflect the wearer’s surroundings and create a different optical effect with every step.
These mirrored shoes are only concept footwear for now. But can’t you picture someone like Lady Gaga so wanting a pair of these?
Five finger toe shoes are all the rage this holiday season
Pictured above is Google’s co-founder Sergey Brin. At last week’s Google Chrome OS announcement he made a quick appearence sporting these outrageous shoes that have a place for all five toes to take comfort. Vibram’s Five Fingers are “ultralight running/sports shoes with separate pockets for each toe.” Though they look quite unconventional, they are apparently great running shoes and are praised by CrunchGear. If you’re interested in a pair, they go for about $75 and are available to order here.
[Via CrunchGear]
Paper Shoes
The mojito shoe looks uncomfortable by design
The mojito shoe is designed by London architect Julian Hakes.
Hakes: “The material choice is simple: The shoe is a laminate with Carbon fibre for the core which gives the shoe its spring and strength, leather on the foot side and rubber on the walking wearing side. 3 materials, each doing a specific job.”
See more images of this fashionably unique yet somewhat disturbingly uncomfortable shoe in the gallery below.
The Junk Dunk
Created by Gabriel Dishaw. It’s the Nike Dunks from the future!
This piece was a continuation of my previous piece JUNK DUNK (Right) I wanted to attempt this approach again, with a more refined and detailed outcome. I used very little wire and more glue to keep the piece more clean, and less bulky. I also added new details, a hinged tongue and nike logo’s on both the tongue and back of the shoe. On previous models I used a real nike sole to build of off. With this piece I started from scratch and build the sole from circuit boards.
[Via Gizmodo; GabrielDishaw]
