Wearable Technology Masterclass at Bath in Fashion 2016

Bath in Fashion 2016 gives an insight into the future of fashion with a masterclass in wearable technology and a catwalk set from CuteCircuit, the first fashion label to effectively integrate fashion design with interactive technologies, creating garments that look spectacular and feel magical.

From colour-changing dresses – to iPhone controlled mini-skirts – to social media connected couture, these garments are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Wearable Tech Masterclass

Bath--based John Weir, COO of the Wearable Technology Show is to chair a panel exploring this exciting area of fashion in collaboration with Creative Bath.  The Wearable Tech Show, the biggest event of its kind in the world, was staged at ExCEL in London last month and was created by John with his partner Lisa Doer, Chief Executive Officer who also lives in Bath.  John has invited pioneers in the field of Wearable Technology, CuteCircuit to present their story and share their inspiration.

CuteCircuit pushes the boundaries of what fashion should mean in the 21st Century. Not just a gadget strapped to your wrist, CuteCircuit believe that wearable technology should be a beautiful garment that allows the human body to become an interface, a second skin that can connect us to people and places.

Since its launch in 2004, the company has launched many ground-breaking ideas to the fashion world by integrating beauty and functionality through the use of smart textiles and micro-electronics. Creative Director Francesca Rosella, who designed for Valentino and CEO Ryan Genz are the design duo behind all of CuteCircuit’s creations. Francesca says “Fashion has always been the interface between a person and their peers, the colour we wear represents our mood, the garments we wear give onlookers a glimpse into our personality. But while the whole world has become digital, fashion has lagged behind, seducing consumers with cheaply manufactured goods. At CuteCircuit we are changing this. Our tailors manufacture garments, that are beautiful and magical and give the wearer a feeling of empowerment and connectedness.”

CuteCircuit comes with a host of celebrity fans. Nicole Scherzinger debuted the world’s first haute couture dress to feature live Tweets, designed and created by CuteCircuit. The label is also the designer of choice for Katy Perry, who has worn their dramatic creations for her stage shows and red carpet appearances. They have recently been commissioned by Easyjet to design the uniforms their staff wear incorporating innovative technologies and fabrics. CuteCircuit’s  designs are on display at museums across the globe giving recognition to their achievement in the field, including the Museum of Science & Technology in Chicago and their iMiniSkirt is part of the Barbican’s touring Digital Revolution Exhibition.

Hands-On Wearble Tech Workshop

Always keen to give local entrepreneurs a shop window, Bath in Fashion 2016 is also working with local Wearable Tech expert, Bonnie Binary AKA Annie Lywood.  Annie is staging a workshop to introduce the concept of Wearable Tech, demystifying this fast-moving area of fashion design.  Participants have the opportunity to embed a circuit within a brooch or bracelet and create their very own wearable tech project.

Based in Bath, Bonnie Binary is an e-textile consultancy and makery. Recently established by Annie Lywood MA, the business brings together expert associates in software, hardware and textiles to research and develop new products, and make prototypes for wearable tech (WT) applications. www.bonniebinary.co.uk

“Bonnie Binary’s designs are the friendly face of wearable tech (WT), and we see great potential for our interfaces in all manner of fashion, entertainment, active-wear and well-being products and applications,” said Annie Lywood, founder of Bonnie Binary. “Our first products are intuitive, decorative, colourful and fun-to-use.”

Annie will be sharing some of her colourful creations. Probably the most exciting development is Bonnie Binary’s illuminated Valkerie Jacket, designed for Valkerie, a kickass, sci-fi character with superpowers. The light pattern on the back of the digitally-embroidered jacket is controlled from a mobile phone specially developed by Bonnie Binary.

Bath in Fashion is managed and funded by the Bath Business Improvement District supported by with SouthGate Bath and more than 120 Bath businesses to put the city in the fashion spotlight.

Tickets are now on sale, please visit bathinfashion.co.uk.

For media enquiries and images please contact Nicky Hancock on 01225 332299 or e-mail: [email protected]