The Spray-on Dress

London designer Manel Torres came up with the ingenious idea of the “Spray-on Dress”. His company, FabriCan has literally created fabric in a can. The aerosol can holds enough ‘spray-on non-woven fabric’ to create an item of clothing on one’s body. The aerosol can disperse a fine fibrous cloud that adheres to the surface of the skin, which ultimately creates a non-woven body covering (i.e. dress). As stated in the book, “this is fashion without the need for patterns and toiles or seams and fastenings”. This fashion could also achieve a desired shape, collar, or sleeve detail just by simply creating a cardboard or plastic guide. Also stated in the book that, “with spray-on fabric all the conventions of garment construction would become obsolete”. The spray-on clothing would most likely be disposable, however, if the wearer so chooses, he or she could preserve their garment by simply cutting the fabric and then sealing the opening with more spray-on fabric.
Not only did Torres come up with the idea, but also made it environmentally friendly. The material itself is biodegradable, and the cans are recyclable. Forecasters believe that due to the stretch and elasticity of the fabric, one day, Olympic swimmers may use only spray fabric to cover their modesty. The spray allows for the control of thickness and density. This product can also be applied “on demand”, as Torres stated. By using multiple cans, one could use complex layers of color and three-dimensional shapes.
The spray-on fabric is not limited to only clothing; it could also be applied as the upholstery of a sofa or the skin of an airplane. “Surfaces could be applied at will; you could peel off the existing color, texture or scent and apply a new one”. Forecasters believe that in the future, we could begin to see brands becoming no more than “liquid-packaging”- which could ultimately mean the demise of branding as a physical product and rather take on a spray-on form. However, a consumer could create his or her own logos- for example, as stated in the book, one could have a Louis Vuitton laptop or a Gucci sofa.
The book also states that Torres sees his product entering the medical and healthcare industry as well. The textile could provide a biodegradable and sterilized instant covering for wounds and could potentially be used at the scene of an accident or even in a war zone. Not to exclude the fashion aspect- the bandages could be a special Burberry spray, which would be sold at a premium.
Torres also envisions a brick and mortar retail store in which he would sell his spray-on creations. The first option would be the customer purchasing the aerosol cans themselves to make their own creations, while the second option would be an in-house designer that could create an “on-the-spot spray-on outfit”.
“Spray-on fabric is such a creatively liberating concept that there appears no end to possible applications”.
This seems to be a very innovative product that is forecasted to be huge in the coming future.

Source: Fashioning the Future: Tomorrow's Wardrobe by Suzanne Lee