Skirteleon (skirt chameleon): this skirt changes color and pattern according to the wearer’s activities and mood.

The system

The Skirteleon is manufactured with a context aware laminated textile that changes color on-demand, upon user interaction or alternatively during the course of a predefined time period. The Skirteleon primary color state is blue, but upon user interaction could present diverse colors and patterns. When a user interacts with the Skirteleon, through touch or preprogramming, the fabric color changes from blue to animal characters or geometric patterns both red on a white background. The garment is designed to allow a user to transform her style during the course of a day out, allowing for easily adapting to different contexts and situations, such as work meetings, a walk in the city, a night out, enhancing the style of the wearer.

Research

Skirteleon is part of the TransforMe collection developed for the NEMO Science Museum event How Smart Are You Dressed Tomorrow? held in Amsterdam on November 6th 2004. The Transfor-Me collection was developed to demonstrate how the combination of interaction design and smart textiles can change the field of fashion design adding meaning and playfulness to commonly used garments such as skirts and dresses. Additionally transformable and interactive garments changing their appearance through the day or during any activity of the wearer stimulates personal interaction and communication.

Process

The Skirteleon is a playful solution designed for busy and active women that need to rush between meetings and be efficient during the day, but also like to look stylish and fresh if an early dinner appointment does not allow to go home and change.