By Spooky on May 20th, 2013 Category: News

Spanish fashion designer Manel Torres is the man behind the world’s first spray-on clothing, which is applied directly on the body and can be washed and worn again just like your regular clothes.

It may sound like something out of a futuristic film, but Manel Torres actually patented his amazing spray-on clothing back in the year 2000. He came up with this original idea while studying for his MA in Fashion Women’s Wear, at the Royal College of Art, London. Torres was aware of the slow process of creating regular garments, from weaving the actual fabric to dyeing it and tailoring the clothing items, so he tried to come up with “a futuristic, seamless, quick and comfortable material.” I’m sure most of you can come up with even more outrageous concepts than a spray-on fabric, but the Spanish designer was determined to make his a reality. Since he had no real knowledge of chemistry he sought the help of scientists at the London Imperial College, and after years of research and testing, Manel invented the spray that turns into a wearable second skin in contact with the human body.



The sprayable fabric envisioned by Manel Torres consists of short fibers mixed with a solvent, which allows them to be applied from a can or a high-pressure spray gun. The spray also contains polymers that bind the fibers together forming a wearable material. Its texture can vary depending on the type of fibers used (wool, acrylic, linen, etc.). Some of you may be put off by the fact that the fabric is very cold when sprayed on the body, but the fact that it hardens almost instantly forming a brand new t-shirt of a pair of pants, makes it all bearable. Another thing many people have been wondering ever since the designer showcased his spray-on clothing is weather it works for hairy people. During a presentation for TEDx Talks, he assured everyone that hair doesn’t stick to his wonder material.



In most video reports on this revolutionary clothing-i-a-can, Manel gives every item a unique look, by spraying it with various colors, but in reality, it’s a lot more versatile. Apart from the different possible textures, these sprayed-on clothes can be embossed, stenciled or decorated with all kinds of patterns. You can basically create your own clothes and accessories in just a few moments. And you don’t have to throw them away after a single use, either. Torres’ durable fabric can be washed and worn again just like traditional garments.



Although it’s been a reality for 13 years now, sprayable clothes are not yet commercially available. Manel teamed up with chemical engineer Paul Luckham to create Fabrican Ltd., a company which is now working on ways of making this amazing material more sustainable and cheaper to produce, so it can one day become a truly viable alternative to conventional clothing.

 
 
 
 
Splatter nails are super cool and easy to do, but they make a huge mess! I didn't tape my nails for this tutorial, and I really regretted it while I was doing the clean up. If you want a tutorial for how to tape off nails check out this one. Aside from the mess, this tutorial is a breeze and I got so many compliments on them. Play around with your color choices and make something beautiful!

In this tutorial I used Tip Top Nail Chic in Twilight for the base and splattered Beauty UK polish in Black and Lilac Girl, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Mint Sprint and Wet and Wild in Tickled Pink.

TIPS & TRICKS
Lay out newspaper to work over. Put out more than you think you need....the polish is going to splatter everywhere!
  • Experiment with how high or low you hold the straw over your nail to get different effects.
  • When you dip the straw, try to get polish all across the opening of the straw, not just a ring of polish. It will splatter better.
  • If you're using a bendy straw, cut the bendy bit off.
  • Make your blows short and sharp. One quick little puff will splatter it better.
  • Be patient! This one takes some practise!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Written by Johanna Björk, EcoSalon

If you’re anything like me, you have tons of old T-shirts laying around in your drawers collecting dust. Instead of dumping them all in a collection bin, turn them into something useful. You’ll be amazed at how many things you could actually make from a humble tee. Here are ten of our favorites.

1. Wrapped Bracelets
Photo: cfabbridesigns.com via EcoSalon


You can never have enough bracelets, and there are so many great ones you can make yourself. All you need to create these wrapped bracelets are some old tees and bangles you no longer use (or look in the thrift stores for them). Follow thesesimple instructions by Camilla Fabbri and start wrapping.

 
 
MOST POPULAR POSTS

  • How To: Soft Flat Iron Curls
    Recently I've had a lot of requests for a step-by-step on these curls - So, for all of you who have asked,  here it is! These c...


  • Ten Ways to Dress Up a Ponytail
    Sometimes I'm just not in the mood to spend a lot of time on my hair.  But at the same time, I don't want to look like a homeless h...


  • Fifteen Ways to Pin Back your Bangs
    We all have those days when our bangs drive us crazy!  Sometimes we blow dry them wrong, sometimes we don't have time to wash and style...


  • How To: Hair Bow
    A few weeks ago I posted a picture of a hair bow I did on a bride.  After I posted the picture I got a lot of emails requesting a step-by-st...


  • How to Make Your Curls Stay
    Often I have clients who sit down in my chair and say "Good luck with my hair.  It's stick straight and won't hold a curl for ...
 
 
 
 
JUST CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO GO STRAIGHT THERE!!!