Photonic patterns : fashion cutting with illuminating polymeric optical fibre (POF) textiles

Abstract

Creative pattern cutting with conventional textiles can often achieve a diverse variety of effects ranging from the sculptural to minimalist simplicity. Conventional textiles have few limitations and can be manipulated to adhere to the creative demands of the designer. Current research of Polymeric Optical Fiber (POF) textiles have resulted in the creation of an innovative textile which is pliable and possess high tactile quality. However, the fundamental nature of the POFs is brittle thus susceptible to breaking when abruptly bent. In addition, the textile is dependent of the continuous structure of the POF to transmit light. Using the researcher’s practice as the main case study, this paper will explore the challenges of designing and pattern cutting POF textiles to create dynamic fashions which are adaptive and serve as a sustainable and alternative platform for communication.