GERALDINE WHARRY

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THE NOT SO WEEKLY EDIT: FROM SMARTPHONE ZOMBIES, DIGITAL COUTURE, SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS TO TECHNOLOGICAL HEALTH

Immerse yourself into our monthly edit, highlighting some of our latest research from smartphone zombies, digital couture, sustainable interiors to technological health. July you came by quickly, now let’s jump in 👇🏻

Credit image background: National Cancer Institute Unsplash

DESIGN | With the unprecedented events of 2020, we see events and exhibitions slowly migrate into the world of virtual reality. Recently, The Dutch Design week exhibited a series of presentations following the theme of ‘The New Intimacy’. We loved the Prosthetic X innovation, which investigates ‘how, why, and who gains insight into your health data’.

SUSTAINABILITY | A data report by the Changing Markets Foundation on greenwashing, highlighted in the Edie, puts some of the biggest names in fashion in the spotlight. The topic of greenwashing is complex and the report favoured transparency as one of the criteria, even for brands who still are not on target, but willing to fully disclose their use of materials. The article in the Edie goes on to highlight the inability of some leading brands to fully align with their statements when it comes to the protection of women in factories.

TECH | Are ‘smartphone zombies inevitable?’ South Korean designer, Miniwook Paeng, has engineered the most revolutionary piece of wearable tech in order for this generation to rethink about their behaviour with smartphones. The ‘third eye’ device was designed for people who may easily get themselves into accidents while using their mobile phones. It might not be the most fashionable accessory, but allows the wear to browse the internet injury-free whilst strolling the streets.

EXHIBITION | Get immersed into a futuristic, alien-like universe in this new exhibition at the Orange Garden London. With the rise of DNA research and bio technology, the process of Transgenesis introduces a ‘gene from an organism into the genome of another organism. The innovative ceramic visuals combined with ‘distinctive artwork’, creates an atmospheric and alluring experience with all senses engaged.

HEALTH | Melbourne based researcher, Leah Heiss designs for human health through developing technological health products such as ‘jewellery to administer insulin through the skin for diabetics; biosignal sensing emergency jewellery; and swallowable devices to detect disease’. One of the most advanced projects included the ‘Ether Beat’, that senses and transmits a heartbeat allowing the wearer to wear the Herbert of your remote friend/lover/relative, facilitating a sense of empathy between distant ones.

FASHION | Let’s jump into the world of celestial cyber couture. Digital tech house AUROBOROS, showcased at London Fashion Week for the first time. Inspired by biomimicry, creative directors Paula Sello and Alissa Aulbekova curated an ‘immersive universe’ ‘using AR technology and 3D scanning’, collaborating with IoDF The Institute of Digital Fashion. The London-based label is paving way for the new age of digital fashion with the coronavirus shifting the realms of fashion industry. 

INTERIORS | As humans we have the possibility to adapt to climate challenges however the challenge we currently face is of a great global housing emergency. TELCA was developed as the ‘first eco-sustainable housing model’, entirely 3D printed from ‘local raw earth’. The installation model encourages people to see how ‘waste from a discarded object becomes an object that regains value’ through recycling. The use of combining technology and natural local materials make it a ‘pioneering example of low-carbon housing’. 

ART | London based artist, Nicole Chui, is hosting a competition calling all embroidery creatives! Inspired by the theme of resilience, you will have the amazing chance to exhibit your work in London.

STYLE | Stella McCartney’s latest capsule collection is giving us a taste of youthful, gender fluid styles expressing ‘individuality, diversity and positivity in the face of climate change and social revolution’. The streetwear collection combines urban energy with soft tailoring and offers the potential of a reduction of SKUS and therefore pressure on the environment.