Students aim for glowing response from fashion industry
A group of students from the University of Southampton and Winchester School of Art is hoping to take the fashion world by storm with innovative glowing jewellery, scarves and handbags.
Seven engineering students and one fashion student have worked together to make products which illuminate. Engineering student Daniel Goodliffe said: "The 'Nocturnalis' range is light years away from the 80's glow-in-the-dark craze. Our products use Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) and Electroluminescent Phosphors that give a more subtle look. The handbag lights up inside when opened, whilst the scarf incorporates fibre optics hidden within the material to produce an array of tiny lights. The necklace also features tiny lights, whilst the boa produces a bright glow."
The products have already been shown to buyers at Liberty, and this week will be shown to Harrods and Harvey Nichols. They are also being exhibited to fashion experts at London Fashion Week (which runs until 19 February).
The products are part of the students' fourth year project, which has been supported by two firms, Georgina Von Etzdorf and Anya Hindmarch. If the products prove to be a success, the students may consider going into business after they have completed their degrees.
Notes for editors
- Photos of the products are available contact Meline Burke in Press and Public Relations.
- The University of Southampton is a leading UK teaching and research institution with a global reputation for leading-edge research and scholarship. The University, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2002, has 20,000 students and over 4,500 staff and plays an important role in the City of Southampton. Its annual turnover is in the region of £235 million.