Personal Energy Travel Textile

Future Travel project sponsored by Samsonite 2008

Project Description:

"The greatest shift of the 21st century has been the rise in concern over environmental and social problems and the greatest rise in such concern is among the middle-class consumers....Luxury brands have the power to influence consumer aspiration and behaviour...they have both the opportunity and responsibility to promote sustainable consumption." (quote from : Deeper Luxury Report,WWF)

My textile collection will be aimed at the female fashion conscious but socially and environmentally aware consumer. The market for eco-responsible product is just beginning to take off and in my opinion has huge potential for ongoing research and development.

Inspiration and direction:

• 'Personal Energy' concept ;to harvest,store and manage energy during travel
• Mood enhancing lighting and colour effects
• Sustainable production and materials

Relevant technologies:

• Solar,kinetic and static personal energy harvesting,storage and management
• Photovoltaic textile development
• LED lights,beads and EL yarns
• Colour changing textiles ( e.g thermochromic,photochromic inks,Fabcell)
• Constructive Textiles and Lasercutting

The collection will be designed for the short term future (2010) but will also consider further development and concepts for a mid-term future (2015-20).

Intended Outcome

• Research,design and develop a collection of textiles for a sensory travel experience,that will take into consideration the need for more sustainable consumption and production
• Develop product that will actively involve the consumer in creating a sustainable present and future,whilst providing a rewarding and emotional experience
• Design and develop a collection for a short-term future (2010) as the first step,in view of further development and opportunities for a mid-term future (2015-2020),as relevant technologies improve and develop
• Inspire Samsonite to explore and develop the product potential and future opportunities based on my project and research

Images

Concept board

Final presentation

For further updated images please go to :

http://textilefutures.co.uk/exchange/bin/view/TextileFutures/AnnePrahl

Links

Cradle to cradle : remaking the way we make things / William Mc Donough & Michael Braungart

The Art of Travel : Alain de Botton

Emotional design : why we love (or hate) everyday things / Donald A.Norman. Imprint: New York : Basic Books, 2005.

Recycle : the essential guide / with an introduction by Lucy Siegle; [editor, Duncan Mc Corquodale and Cigalle Hanaor ; text by Cigalle Hanaor]. Imprint: [London] : Black Dog, c2006.

Massive change / Bruce Mau with Jennifer Leonard and the Institute Without Boundaries. Imprint: London : Phaidon, 2004.

Reports :

The : Future : Laboratory : The Futures Report http://www.thefuturelaboratory.com

Deeper Luxury Report by Jem Bendell & Anthony Kleanthous for WWF http://www.wwf.org.uk

BT 2005 technology timeline http://www.btplc.com/Innovation/News/timeline.htm

Contact

e-mail : anne.prahl@btinternet.com mobile : 07710-327797