Lumen Couture 2.0 is an update to Chelsea Klukas and Chris Corner’s first projection hat, which was acclaimed in the media (including Vice’s The Creator’s Project) as being the first of its kind. The team added designer Kyle Nylund, who was inspired by the flower projections on the first piece and created a pink and red themed gown. The new version of the hat for 2017 has entirely new hardware, software, and construction. The garment was created in Seattle and Vancouver.
The first version of the projector hat was static and powered by an iPhone. The original projector hat worked well when the model faced forward: but would shift and bump when she moved her head. For the second version of the dress, the team wanted to create a smaller, lighter hat and allow the model to turn her head and move without the position of the video changing.
Photo credits: Model: Elizabeth Gray | Hair and Makeup: Jason Mellor, Ivonne Arsenault and Jade Brunes | Photography: Edward Ross
The hat was entirely rebuilt with a PC instead of an iPhone. Using “TouchDesigner” software, a 3D model of the wearer is tracked with projection mapping software. The hat contains a camera on the inside of the rim, which tracks a red brooch on the shoulder. The software uses color recognition to recognize the pin, and uses it as an anchor to keep the projection stable. The end result is that the model’s head movements are tracked real-time, and the software adjusts the position of the video projection accordingly.
The dress and the projection were designed together, however the projection had can display any image or video on any garment.
Photo credits: Model: Elizabeth Gray | Hair and Makeup: Jason Mellor, Ivonne Arsenault and jade Brunes | Photography: Vian Esterhuizen
The Team: Lumen Couture
Chelsea Klukas
Team Lead, Hat Maker
chelscore.com
Chris Corner
Hat Engineer
OnConference Conference Calling
Kyle Nylund
Dress Design
kylenylund.com
Lumen Couture + MakeFashion
Before they were making projection hats, the Lumen Couture team has been a part of MakeFashion since day one. Chelsea Klukas is a Co-Founder and directs brand, marketing, web presence, and creative direction. Kyle Nylund has showcased at MakeFashion for the past 5 years, and has participated in early events and panel discussions. Chris Corner is the founding entrepreneur of OnConference International Conference Calling, which is one of MakeFashion’s earliest sponsors, providing funding for the first gala.
What’s Next?
The Lumen Couture team is exploring ways to expand the technology and utilize the hat’s camera to create augmented reality (AR) experiences.
Photo credits: Model: Elizabeth Gray | Hair and Makeup: Jason Mellor, Ivonne Arsenault and jade Brunes | Photography: Vian Esterhuizen
MakeFashion fuses wearable technology with high fashion. Interested in more information, showcasing this piece, or media images? Please contact info@makefashion.ca
