Oddity Central

Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 06:26 AM PDT

A team from the University of Western Australia have added a bacteria to red wine and managed to create a cotton-like fabric that can be used to make anything from dresses to t-shirts and swimwear.

Although still in the early stages of development, this technique of making clothes from wine could one day become mainstream, at least according to the people who came up with the idea. ’This project redefines the production of woven materials. ’By combining art and science knowledge and with a little inventiveness, the ultimate goal will be to produce a bacterial fermented seamless garment that forms without a single stitch,’ lead researcher Gary Cass said. Still, the technology is far from perfect, and there will probably be a long time before people will be wearing casual clothes made from Pinot Noir or Merlot.

fabric from wine 550x473 Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time

The process of creating wearable fabric from wine starts by adding a bacteria called acetobacter to batches of red wine, to convert it into vinegar. A scum-like layer forms on the surface of the wine, in the process, which is harvested and dried on an inflatable mannequin to get the desired shape. After it has dried, the mannequin is deflated, but the fabric retains its shape. Sounds pretty simple so far, but there is one major downside to this wine-made clothing. When it dries, the fabric becomes as fragile as tissue paper and tears very easily, so the clothes have to be kept damp when worn. That’s not going to be a problem on hot summer days, but during the winter…

fabric from wine2 550x410 Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time

Scientists behind the project hope to team up with other experts, in order to make their red wine fabric tougher. Although they look pretty cool, wine clothes are nowhere near as advanced as Anke Domaske’s milk garments. Those look like actual clothes and have already went into mainstream production. Still, with time, we might just see people wearing wine on the streets some day.

fabric from wine3 Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time

fabric from wine4 550x309 Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time

Dresses Made from Red Wine Probably Look Better with Time was originally posted at OddityCentral.com

Airline Offers Wealthy Passengers Luxury Suites Complete with Double Beds and Armchairs

Posted: 12 Jun 2012 01:59 AM PDT

Even when you’re in business class, long flights can get pretty uncomfortable. For some it’s the leg space, others are annoyed by noisy passengers, but now Singapore Airways offers a very simple-yet-expensive solution to any problem – luxury private suites.

That’s right, from now on, wealthy passengers flying on the company’s A380 jets will be able to relax in their very own cabins in the sky, complete with double beds and comfy Italian-stitched armchairs. No more having your legs squashed in that tiny space between chairs, or having to endure a total stranger’s snoring or loud obnoxious voice. Instead of trying to watch the in-flight movie on a tiny screen, with a headset in your ears, you can sit back and enjoy whatever film you like on your private 23-inch TV. From now on, rich business types will have their own little oasis of privacy and luxury even when they’re flying.

A380 cabins 550x361 Airline Offers Wealthy Passengers Luxury Suites Complete with Double Beds and Armchairs

And just in case your very own private cabin, complete with a large double bed, reclining leather seat and window blinds isn’t enough, Singapore Airlines also offers a gourmet menu and a selection of fine wines. It all sounds like a dream, but wait till you her the price. If you want to book one of these private suites, you’ll have to fork out some serious cash. For example, a round flight from New York to Singapore costs $15,750 per person. And these luxurious cabins don’t even have their own bathrooms.

A380 cabins2 550x362 Airline Offers Wealthy Passengers Luxury Suites Complete with Double Beds and Armchairs