The medium is the message. Marshall McCluan’s famous words are indeed applicable to this information shared through fashion. The QR U? dress, worn by Icelandic artist Kali from the group Steed Lord, puts the Internet on her sleeve… literally. Designed by Royal College of Art graduate Thorunn Arnadottir, QR codes incorporate technology directly into the garment. In doing so elements of privacy are mixed into a public display of fashion.
An excellent way to display information in a small space, QR codes are often used in posters or stickers to redirect passer-bys to websites. Arnadottir incorporates 10 codes into the dress – all made from Swarovski crystals - linking to 10 different sites relating to the group.
This tribal inspired dress is definitely avant garde and not to mention, beautiful.
“QR U? explores the juxtaposition of self promotion and personal privacy in this new environment,” explains Arnadottir.
Private until opened by the scanner, these QR codes add another layer of intimacy to fashion, hiding a message on the wearer.
Will more fashion designers use QR codes in garments to get their message across? Only time will tell.
