From its medieval advent when Roger Bacon suggested using convex glass to improve eyesight to the illuminated fashion label MOON Berlin, which debuted its inaugural line just this year, wearable technology is as much a part of the everyday as it is the “novel.” From a pair of glasses to interactive lamp dresses, such wearable innovations have made our lives that much easier and that much more exciting. As wearable technology is defined simply as “fashion that incorporates electronics and computerized devices,” Younghui Kim also jumps on the bandwagon. Yet with her wearables, there's a different sort of message.Body Graffiti is an ongoing project, developing through different wearable mediums, which takes wearable technology to a more outspoken level. Using a custom designed LED POV (Persistence of Vision) system, different text or graphics can be programmed. As the LEDs are sewn into wearable items like vests, pants, and even boots, this visual graffiti can be seen once in motion.
And what better way to unite a pillar of hip-hop like graffiti with another like that of the B-boy? As a research project with Dan Mikesell and Hyuns Hong, Kim has collaborated with Korean B-boy world champions Last For One to demonstrate how her innovation speaks to the rhythm of the beat.
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