We do not need to fear the future. We simply need to stride boldly down the runway with it. Technology will soon be available to create masterpieces of all types, and high fashion will find itself with magical new abilities and design powers. A garment no longer need be made of earthly materials but can now become a highly complex interactive electronic device, or a biochemical machine responsive to subtle triggers like sensuality, affection, mood and sensation. Amazing photos.

The SKIN fashion range of dynamic garments developed by the far-future research program at Philips Design came from ongoing research into emerging trends and societal shifts in the area of ‘emotional sensing’ and demonstrate several possibilities in the way electronics can be incorporated into fabrics and garments to express the emotions and personality of the wearer. The marvellously intricate and quite eye catching wearable prototypes include ‘Bubelle’, a dress surrounded by a delicate ‘bubble’ illuminated by patterns that changed dependent on skin contact- and ‘Frison’, a body suit that reacts to being blown on by igniting a private constellation of tiny LEDs. The SKIN research project challenges the notion that our lives are automatically better because they are more digital. It looks at more ‘analog’ phenomena like emotional sensing and explores technologies that are ’sensitive’ rather than ‘intelligent’.