Art by Physicist, a Silicon Valley-based high-tech fashion start-up specialising in sustainable and smart women's clothing, designs and manufactures jackets and dresses that can charge electronic devices (up to 5 V). The incorporated flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules ASCA have the shape of lotus leaves and supply both garments with energy. Production and delivery of the jacket and dress are scheduled to begin in October 2021.
"When I designed the Lotus coat and the Guilin dress, I already knew what technologies I wanted to integrate. I came across ASCA OPV film in the shape of lotus leaves and thought they would be a perfect fit for my nature-inspired designs. The ASCA team first presented me with a prototype of the dress with the OPV modules and then determined the connection solutions that would best suit my requirements. I was thrilled with how naturally the collaboration worked," says Dr Kitty Yeung, founder of Art by Physicist.
Sustainable and smart fashion
"Thanks to our expertise in integration and the properties of ASCA solar film - lightness, flexibility, semi-transparency - it is ideally suited for textile applications. Especially when a design-oriented, aesthetic integration is required. The ASCA film in the shape of lotus leaves is an excellent example of what we can offer the design industry," says Mathilde Berger, project manager at Armor ASCA.
The environmentally conscious company Art by Physicist relies on on-demand digital printing for its creations. This uses environmentally friendly digital printing processes that avoid excess production and reduce water consumption. The ASCA film integrated into the clothing is 100% recyclable and free of toxic substances. It can also be easily removed, replaced and disposed of, just like all other electronics.
See also: Organic solar cell are catching up
Art by Physicist
"This collection is directly inspired by the beauty of nature and science. For this reason, I am keen that 5% of the proceeds raised on Kickstarter go to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) and environmental charities," explains Dr Kitty Yeung.
Limitless possibilities thanks to innovative technologies
The jacket and dress are part of an innovative smart textile collection that also includes a self-warming double-sided wearable coat, a dress with programmable WiFi, personalisable LED fabrics and Bluetooth accessories.
"The next step for Art by Physicist will be to expand 'on-demand' production through personalisation offerings. I want my customers to be able to integrate the technology they want into the garment of their choice," explains Dr Kitty Yeung. "We are very excited to be working with Art by Physicist on this project, which demonstrates the limitless possibilities of our OPV technology," concludes Mathilde Berger. (mfo)
