A Fusion of Fashion, Technology, and Machines: ITB Library Hosts “Night of the Wearable Technology Presentation”
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – In the framework of the Women STEAMpowerment Series (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics), the American Corner of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) invited a Technofashion Designer, Amelinda Alysia Anette, a graduate of the FSRD (Faculty of Fine Arts and Design) ITB's craft bachelor's degree. She, who is also continuing her studies in the FSRD ITB master's degree, presented her work while studying as an undergraduate student. This project was carried out with her colleague from STEI, namely Yuswa (EL’12).
On Friday, March 23, 2018, at the Multipurpose Room of the ITB Central Library on the 1st floor, the Women STEAMpowerment event was titled “Night of the Wearable Technology Presentation.” Participants came from diverse academic backgrounds, including two fashion design students from State Vocational High School (SMKN) 9 Bandung and two supervising teachers.
The event began with remarks from the Head of the ITB Library Technical Implementation Unit (UPT), Dr.Eng.Yuli Setyo Indartono, and continued with remarks from the Deputy Head of the Library UPT, Lusia Marliana Nurani, Ph.D. "The idea of combining fashion with technology is a very brilliant idea because nowadays humans are very familiar with technology in everyday life and it just so happens that Amel's first work uses the concept of 'When Fashion Meets Technology'," said Yuli Setyo Indartono.
Inspired by the possible connection between fashion and machines, it triggered Amelinda Alysia Anette, or familiarly called Amel, to create a very unique work during her undergraduate studies. Amel's first work is a concrete form of collaboration between fashion, design, and technology. In collaboration with her colleagues from STEI (School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics) ITB, Amel created a dress that can light up with the help of LED lights and electricity from a battery. "The process of making this dress is quite difficult, because it must use a special fabric called Tyvek and the process of connecting the LEDs to the fabric also requires special threads with a silver base that are not produced in Indonesia," said Amel.
In addition to dresses, Amel created a casual outfit that can detect heart rate. Both of Amel's creations utilize electricity and LEDs. However, the differences lie in ease of storage and maintenance. The second piece, a casual outfit equipped with LED features, is removable, machine-washable, and foldable. The first, on the other hand, cannot be disassembled; it can only be wiped clean, and a special wooden box is provided for storage.
Another project Amel is currently developing involves creating a bag inspired by the unique, yet comfortable, style of the 60s. Beyond Amel's work, both past and future, she also has a personal clothing brand called "Senyawa." "This clothing is quite unique because the colors are produced from metal reactions," Amel said.
Amel's work demonstrates how technology and machines can be combined with fashion and art when viewed from a different perspective. At the end of the event, attendees were invited to examine the details of Amel's dresses and casual wear up close. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session followed by a group photo session.
Penulis: Qinthara Silmi Faizal (TPB SBM 2017)
Foto: Dokumentasi pribadi
via itb.ac.id