At the Adobe MAX 2023 event in Los Angeles, researcher Christine Dierk showcased a groundbreaking creation that challenges the static nature of fashion.
Dierk, a research scientist, took the stage to introduce and model a digital, interactive dress known as Project Primrose during the “Sneaks” session of the conference.
Describing it as a “digital dress that brings fabric to life,” Dierk demonstrated the dress’s dynamic capabilities while wearing it herself. The knee-length, strapless dress was adorned with numerous small, scale-like screens that could change its appearance in an instant.
Unlike traditional clothing, Primrose offered the ability to refresh one’s look in a moment’s notice.
As Dierk uttered the word “moment,” the dress responded, undergoing a dramatic color transformation from cream to a stunning metallic silver. The audience erupted in gasps and cheers at the sight of the dress’s instantaneous metamorphosis.
This initial change was just the beginning, as the dress continued to evolve with various iterations.
The scales shifted to form different patterns, ranging from chevron-like stripes to intricate diamond designs.
Co-host Adam Devine lightheartedly commented, “Red carpets are going to be way sassy.” Dierk, who personally stitched the dress together, then revealed that its design could also be animated. With a simple activation, the dress showcased a mesmerizing moving pattern, further captivating the crowd.
Dierk highlighted the dress’s interactive features, explaining that it could be controlled by both buttons and embedded sensors. She emphasized that fashion should not be confined to a static state but should be dynamic and interactive.c
Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about a future where individuals have more avenues to express themselves through clothing.
The presentation of the interactive dress created quite a buzz, with a clip shared by CNET on TikTok amassing over 10 million views. Users in the comments section drew parallels between the dress and the futuristic fashion of the Hunger Games franchise, noting its shared name with one of the characters, Primrose.
Some viewers expressed their desire for the dress to possess more vibrant colors or perform additional functions.
The dress’s technology, known as “reflective light-diffuser modules for non-emissive flexible display systems,” was previously showcased by Adobe on a smaller scale, featuring canvas and a handbag. However, it is still in its early stages of development.
The unveiling of Project Primrose at Adobe MAX 2023 showcased the potential for fashion to transcend its static nature. With its ability to transform and adapt, this interactive dress represents a glimpse into an exciting future where self-expression through clothing knows no bounds.
