I absolutely love the idea of DIY fashion kits — especially when they involve wearable technology. They are a sustainable means of production that involve and engage the creativity of the end-consumer. I first learned about Valérie Lamontagne’s DIY fashion kits at V2. I am so excited to see the final production pieces. The two lovely DIY fashion kits by Lamontagne’s company Electromode are LED dresses — modern and minimal in design — that respond to changes in light, temperature or acceleration. The kit includes: • Dress pattern and graphics printed on 100% cotton • Lining pattern and circuit guides printed on Polyester Blend • Conductive zipper • Programmed lilypad arduino • 15 LEDs • Conductive thread • Batteries and charger included You can purchase the assymentrical or symmetrical version for $250 Canadian dollars. For those of you who don’t want to labor over your fashion, a pre-assembled version can be purchased for $500.
I love the aesthetics of the garments themselves. The design of the garments are inspired “from the organic formations of patterns in nature, algorithmic structures and modernist design aesthetics.” For more information, visit Electromode.