Innovative fashion as a digital canvas
Kunihiko Morinaga’s latest collection, SCREEN, redefines the boundaries between fashion and technology, transforming garments into dynamic digital canvases. By integrating advanced photochromic and thermochromic materials, Morinaga has created clothing that responds to external stimuli, allowing wearers to alter their appearance in real time. This innovation challenges the traditional notion of static fashion, offering a glimpse into a future where clothing becomes an interactive medium for self-expression.
Unlike conventional textiles, the fabrics used in SCREEN react to changes in light and temperature, shifting colours and patterns instantaneously. This means that a single outfit can display multiple designs throughout the day, adapting to different environments and moods. The collection blurs the line between digital and physical aesthetics, mirroring the way screens—whether on smartphones, billboards, or televisions—constantly update and evolve.
“Fashion has always been a form of communication, but with SCREEN, it becomes a living, breathing interface,” Morinaga explains. “It’s about giving people the ability to express themselves in ways that were previously impossible.”
By embracing this fusion of fashion and technology, Morinaga is not only pushing creative boundaries but also questioning the sustainability of fast fashion. With garments capable of transforming their appearance, the need for excessive consumption could be reduced, as a single piece of clothing can serve multiple aesthetic purposes. This shift towards adaptable fashion aligns with growing global conversations about sustainability and responsible design.
The influence of sandwich boards on *SCREEN
Morinaga’s inspiration for SCREEN stems from an unexpected yet fitting source: the humble sandwich board. Traditionally used for advertising, sandwich boards allow businesses to display changing messages with ease, making them a dynamic tool for communication. Morinaga sees a parallel between this concept and his collection, envisioning clothing as a wearable billboard that can shift and adapt to reflect the wearer’s mood, identity, or even social commentary.
Much like sandwich boards, which have long been a staple of street marketing, the garments in SCREEN serve as a platform for visual storytelling. The ability to change colours and patterns in response to external stimuli means that wearers can curate their own evolving aesthetic, much like a business updating its signage to attract attention. This concept challenges the static nature of traditional fashion, offering a more fluid and interactive approach to personal style.
Morinaga’s reinterpretation of the sandwich board also raises questions about the role of fashion in communication. In an era where digital screens dominate public spaces, clothing that functions as a dynamic display blurs the boundaries between personal expression and public messaging. Whether used to make a bold statement, reflect an individual’s emotions, or simply experiment with aesthetics, SCREEN transforms garments into an extension of digital culture.
“I wanted to create clothing that speaks, that changes, that interacts with the world around it,” Morinaga says. “Just like a sandwich board, it’s about visibility and transformation, but in a way that is deeply personal.”
By drawing inspiration from such a utilitarian object, Morinaga challenges conventional ideas of fashion’s purpose. Rather than being a fixed representation of style, clothing becomes a tool for engagement, allowing individuals to participate in an ongoing visual dialogue with their surroundings. This shift not only redefines the relationship between fashion and technology but also opens up new possibilities for self-expression in an increasingly digital world.
A glimpse into the future of wearable expression
As technology continues to shape the way we interact with the world, Morinaga’s vision for SCREEN hints at a future where clothing becomes an even more integral part of digital communication. Imagine a world where garments function as real-time displays, responding to social movements, personal emotions, or even environmental conditions. With advancements in smart textiles and wearable technology, this concept is no longer confined to science fiction—it is rapidly becoming a tangible reality.
One of the most exciting possibilities of this innovation is the potential for personalised, on-demand fashion. Instead of purchasing multiple outfits for different occasions, individuals could own a single garment capable of transforming to suit their needs. Whether shifting from casual to formal wear or displaying a unique design for a special event, the adaptability of SCREEN challenges the traditional fashion cycle and offers a more sustainable alternative to mass production.
Beyond personal style, this technology could also revolutionise industries such as advertising, activism, and performance art. Wearers could use their clothing to display messages of support for social causes, showcase digital artwork, or even interact with augmented reality experiences. The ability to update and modify garments in real time opens up new avenues for creative expression, making fashion a more dynamic and responsive medium.
“The future of fashion is not just about aesthetics—it’s about interaction,” Morinaga states. “Clothing should be as fluid and adaptable as the digital world we live in.”
While the widespread adoption of this technology is still in its early stages, Morinaga’s work with SCREEN signals a shift towards a more interactive and immersive approach to fashion. As designers continue to explore the intersection of textiles and technology, the boundaries between clothing and digital media will only continue to blur, paving the way for a future where fashion is no longer static, but a constantly evolving form of self-expression.
Fashion as a dynamic canvas
Kunihiko Morinaga’s latest collection, SCREEN, redefines fashion as a living, breathing canvas. Known for his avant-garde approach, the Japanese designer has crafted garments that shift and transform, allowing wearers to project their individuality in real time. This collection isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about adaptability, where clothing becomes an interactive medium rather than a static statement.
Drawing inspiration from contemporary sandwich boards, Morinaga envisions a future where fashion is no longer confined to a single look. Instead, garments in the SCREEN collection function as digital displays, capable of showcasing any colour, message, or design at the wearer’s whim. This concept challenges the traditional notion of fashion as a fixed entity, offering a fluid, ever-changing form of self-expression.
“Fashion has always been a reflection of identity, but what if it could evolve in real time?”
With this collection, Morinaga pushes the boundaries of textile innovation, merging technology with design to create pieces that respond to their environment. The result is a wardrobe that adapts to mood, occasion, or even social commentary—an idea that resonates deeply in an era where personal branding is more important than ever.
For Australian fashion enthusiasts, this concept presents an exciting shift. Imagine a dress that transitions from day to night with a simple adjustment or a jacket that reflects the energy of a music festival. The possibilities are endless, and Morinaga’s vision suggests that the future of fashion is not just wearable—it’s dynamic, responsive, and deeply personal.
The future of wearable expression
Morinaga’s vision extends beyond aesthetics—it’s a glimpse into a future where fashion is as fluid as digital media. The SCREEN collection challenges the idea of permanence in clothing, offering a wardrobe that evolves with the wearer’s desires. In an era where self-expression is paramount, this innovation allows individuals to curate their look in real time, shifting between moods, messages, and aesthetics with ease.
At the heart of this concept is the fusion of technology and textile. The garments in SCREEN incorporate advanced materials that respond to external stimuli, creating a seamless blend of fashion and function. Whether through colour-changing fabrics or interactive surfaces, these pieces redefine what it means to dress with intention. For the modern Australian woman, this means a wardrobe that adapts to her lifestyle—whether she’s making a statement at a gallery opening or embracing minimalism at a coastal retreat.
“Clothing should be as expressive as the person wearing it,” Morinaga suggests. “Why settle for one look when you can have infinite possibilities?”
This shift towards wearable expression also speaks to the growing demand for sustainability in fashion. Instead of purchasing multiple garments for different occasions, a single piece from the SCREEN collection can transform to suit various needs. This approach not only reduces waste but also aligns with the conscious consumer’s desire for versatility and longevity in their wardrobe.
For Australia’s fashion-forward audience, Morinaga’s innovation signals a new era of personalisation. Imagine a blazer that shifts from corporate chic to streetwear cool with a simple adjustment, or a dress that reflects the hues of a sunset as the evening unfolds. The future of fashion is no longer just about what we wear—it’s about how we choose to present ourselves in an ever-changing world.