A Lenticular Mini-Dress: Exploring the Colors of the Deep Sea

Unveiling the Beauty of Plankton through Fashion

Inspired by lenticular printing, a technology that produces printed images with the ability to change as they are viewed from different angles, Kyung-Hee Choi designed a garment that captures the essence of plankton, the microscopic organisms found in the ocean. The dress features plankton-shaped modules made from flexible blue and black lenticular fabrics, joined together seamlessly without any sewing.

The main focus of this design was to create a module-based textile design with iridescent color changes. To achieve this, Choi designed textile motifs with two different shapes based on a plankton image. These motifs were then transformed into origami modules, creating a dynamic impression of lenticular fabric sheets. The result is a mini-dress that beautifully represents the aquatic color changes of the deep sea and resembles a school of microscopic plankton organisms.

The lenticular dress showcases the versatility and variability of colors and textile motifs. The plankton motifs, printed on clear fluorescent blue vinyl, are placed randomly on the skirt part and regularly on both the neckline and the hemline using the modular textile. The dress itself is a simple A-line mini-dress with a halter neck, emphasizing the modular technique and the mesmerizing 3D lenticular effect. The iridescent colors, based on blue and black, add depth and intrigue to the design.

Interacting with the lenticular dress is a visual delight. Viewers are encouraged to observe it from different angles to fully appreciate the dynamic color changes and the illusion of depth created by the lenticular fabric. The dress becomes a living artwork, transforming static images into dynamic motions, captivating the audience with its flip and animation effects.

The creation of this lenticular mini-dress was not without its challenges. Finding the right material to realize the dynamic color and pattern changes was a hurdle that Choi had to overcome. However, the ongoing development of optimal materials continues to enhance the design and push the boundaries of fashion innovation.

This groundbreaking design by Kyung-Hee Choi has garnered recognition and acclaim. In 2019, it was awarded the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in the Fashion, Apparel, and Garment Design category. This award recognizes designs that are well-designed, practical, and innovative, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The lenticular mini-dress exemplifies these qualities, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to those who experience its beauty.

The lenticular mini-dress by Kyung-Hee Choi is a testament to the endless possibilities that digital technology brings to the world of fashion. Through the fusion of art, architecture, design, and technology, this dress showcases the beauty of the deep sea and invites us to explore the wonders of the ocean through the lens of fashion.

Image Credits: BYUN SOON CHOEL