Abbey Liebman, a senior from Cornell University came up with a solar powered dress. The dress has flexible, tiny solar panel cells to generate power for small electronic devices, such as iPods, BlackBerrys, and other cell phones. The USB charger is located on the waist of the dress, making it easy and accesible to charge the devices. From what I've read online, it seems like the technology has been in the works for a while, which doesn't surprise me since we rely on our gadgets more and more everyday. It's also a great idea since many of us are always on the go, and maybe out of our apartments or offices for hours at a time. So how does it actually work? In simple terms, the fabric's fibers (cotton) are coated with solar-absorbing nanoparticles that are less than 100 nanometers thin (small small small!!!!!) Because of this, the cottom remains flexible, allowing the dress to drape and fall naturally. Cornell University has filed to patent this technology.
I love the idea of using solar power for anything. I'm a big supporter of the green movement, and believe we must make small changed to make a difference. I really think Abbey's idea is quite a breakthrough, and although it sounds silly to a lot of people, I think it could go on to become a big hit. Many of us forget to charge our phones, or ipods, and many times we get stuck with a cell phone that has no battery. I know I'm guilty of it...My boyfriend consistently nags me about charging my cell phone, yet I refuse to do it regularly. It's simply ridiculous. The idea of being able to simply plug in my phone to my tshirt, jacket, or pants makes me happy. I would totally wear a solar powered outfit, as long as I didn't look like I came out of an episode of "The Jetsons". (No offense to you "Jetsons" fans!)
Abbey’s professors from Cornell invented the technology, and Abbey innovated the design. The actual design of the dress is very fashion forward, and probably too fashion forward for the everyday woman. I think if she makes her designs more simple and easier to wear, it can work for everyday wear. She is supposed to expand her line and add other types of garments. I'm really excited to see what they will look like and if people will be open to wearing them.
Would you wear solar powered clothing? Why or why not?
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