Reactive Garments

Jo has been experimenting with innovative technology, recycled materials, and unusual forms, to create interactive garments that ignite conversations, body awareness and intimate touch. These magical colour-changing garments invite verbal and social interactions, in our ever-changing disconnected and digital world.

By the process of printing heat-reactive dyes onto garments which highlight areas of the body that are more intimate and rarely touched Jo’s pieces show to the world, by a simple colour change reaction, where there has been contact, if only for a fleeting moment. Parts of a garment that do not normally see sunlight, such as linings, underskirts and insides of pockets are printed with light reactive inks. It is exciting to see the print glow brilliantly and turn deep hues but for this to occur the wearer has to lift up or open the garment, revealing more of themselves than they might normally feel comfortable with. Jo’s pieces make us more aware of our actions and the actions of others. Can this awareness and short-lived record create a bond between garment and wearer, or will the garment’s ability to adapt to movements and touch, displaying certain emotions, alienate the wearer from the garment? Please click on the links below to find out more about my reactive garments.

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Shirt Skirt

The Shirt Skirt intends to make people aware of their body language, how they move and intimate touch by an outward display of colour change on the fabric.

Shirt Collar Top

The Shirt Collar Top aims to make people aware of their body language and intimate touch by an outward display of colour change on the fabric.

Reveal and explore Micro-Organism dress

Hints of who we are and how we are constructed seem to appear from nowhere on the outer garment as the wearer comes into contact with sunlight or any source of UV light.

Touch me Luggage tag dress

“Touch can produce delightful sensations or uncomfortable reactions. The right touch can make us feel secure, happy, loved. But social taboos and new technologies often seem to get in the way of human contact.” (Touch Me Exhibition, V&A, 2005)

Multifunctional Bed Spread Top

“Physical objects are not the focus of our deep desires; they are merely tangible entities, which transport various meanings perceivable.” (Champ¬man, 2005)