Somewhat off-topic (shockingly), but
this story in
New Scientist caught my eye: “Encrypted fabric to thwart fashion fakes.”
Christian Müller at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, made a semi-transparent thread from polyethylene and a polymer used in clothes dye. This thread has unique optical properties that allow only certain polarisations to pass through.
The thread can be used to make hidden logos or other designs that can aid in brand protection (maybe
Dick Warner is looking to expand his wardrobe).
Additionally:
He's also looking to make similar threads for use in electronically enhanced textiles that change colour with electric voltage, so you could alter your fashion with the flick of a switch.
Um...no.
About Richard Romano
Richard Romano is Managing Editor of WhatTheyThink. He curates the Wide Format section on WhatTheyThink.com. He has been writing about the graphic communications industry for more than 25 years. He is the author or coauthor of more than half a dozen books on printing technology and business. His most recent book is “Beyond Paper: An Interactive Guide to Wide-Format and Specialty Printing.
