Fabrics of the future - color-changing outfits at Paris Fashion Week

Japanese brand Anrealage showed a real fashion performance at Théâtre de la Madeleine during the Paris Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2023/24. The models took to the runway in white monochrome outfits. Under the influence of ultraviolet light their clothes made of faux fur, velvet, lace, knitwear, jacquard and satin began to rapidly change colors…the fabrics turned yellow, purple, and red. Vogue magazine noted that the most memorable part of the show was the visual effect of vertical green stripes on the yellow dress.

The creative director of the brand Anrealage Morinaga first used photochromic fabrics and materials ten years ago. In 2023 he was able to derive a formula for new bright colors. A similar technology is used in the production of some smartphones and allows gadgets to change their color under the sunlight. Few years ago Morinaga created pieces for Fendi with "fabrics of the future". 

The main idea of the most unusual collection of the fashion week was the connection between fashion and nature. Insects see our usual colors absolutely differently, depending on the conditions: time of day and location. The owner of this unusual outfit can change his or her look in a matter of seconds stepping out from the restaurant to the street.  

The trend quickly became popular on social networks. A large number of likes collected a video with a dress that changes colour under the sun from white to bright pink. 

Check the video

Fabrics and materials can change not only under the influence of ultraviolet light, but also with a change of temperature and after the touch. Another video has gone viral on the Web: the author holds a bag above a pot, and under the influence of steam, iridescent colors explode on it. Such an unusual coloring was ised by Stone Island and Nike x Civilist collaboration.