Photonic textiles for fashions

Abstract

Polymeric Optical Fibres (POFs) and textile based yarns are integrated with sensors and remotes to transform conventionally passive fabrics into interactive platforms. This work proposes a research agenda derived from interdisciplinary process that synergizes fashion design and technology.

Early research on POF textiles was primarily skewed towards a technological perspective that investigated the light emitting qualities of the material for the purpose of display panels and light therapy. Tan’s research, based on studies of materials, laser surface treatments, component integration, and pattern cutting, demonstrates new methods for fashion design with POFs. The research methods and visual outcomes are original. New developments were made in the areas of material illumination, interactivity, and technology integration into interactive clothing via interdisciplinary methods.

There are many applications in interactive clothing as shown by invited designs for the Hong Kong Museum of History in 2013, and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in 2016, for new interpretations of traditional Chinese clothing. Related work included a book chapter in Tao (ed.) ‘Handbook of Smart Textiles’ (2015), a journal publication, an excellent paper award at the 2016 International Conference of the Korean Society of Fashion Business, invitations to solo exhibitions and public lectures at Shih Chien University, Taiwan (2014) and Burapha University, Thailand (2015), invited catwalk showcases at Hong Kong Week, Taiwan, and Shishi Fashion Week in China (2018), an international juried exhibition at the Bangkok Gallery, Thailand (2013), and the successful competitive bidding of 1 PhD student for project sustainability. The outputs received international and local media coverage.

This research achieved control over illumination stability, interactivity and component integration within the context of smart clothing. The research process involved extensive experiments, sampling, and interdisciplinary research with engineers for component and software application designs over a period of six years.