Pauline van dongen has designed a range of garments incorporating solar cells, to provide power to charge mobile phones. Although she is using thin-film solar cells there is still the considerable challenge of integrating stiff items within the dress while making it wearable. To this end the solar cells are added as strips or broken into more manageable sections. There is also an element of reveal and conceal, so that the cells can be hidden away. Many panels are used, as a substantial surface area is required to provide a practical level of charging.
In this garment there are stronger structural elements giving expansive shoulder pads
The following video discusses the develop of the garments, including a potential use-case for the garments – for use at a music festival.
While investigating Pauline’s work I came across this interesting video, showing more of her work and that of other Dutch designers
Source: Wired