I should just use the Fibonacci sequence and see PCB Radio Jewelry (left), by Emily Albinski, is comprised
how that turns out.” of a handmade circuit board with FM radio, earrings
What’s next for Eng? She and Albinski have as speakers, and a connecting wire bracelet. When the
vacuum is activated, the Inflatable Dress (right) grows
formed Black Box Nation ( blackboxnation.com), to a bell-shape with tendril-like spikes on the back and
a new company forging ahead with their collective large pillows of air on the sides.
vision of fashion and technology. The line debuted
at the Maker Faire fashion show in April, along talking about their outfits, how they were made,
with their stylish collection of jewelry made from and the technologies behind them. Most asked
electronic parts. questions and seemed interested in learning more.
Eng describes the meaning behind the name: “We Show attendees oohed and aahed in unison as the
are using the term ‘black box,’ which is the technical stories behind the pieces unfolded.
term for electronics where you don’t know what’s Diana Eng’s dream of moving technology into
inside,” she says. “Nation is added because we feel the fashion mainstream is starting to happen, as
that, a lot of times in the United States, people we see her become one of the defining leaders in
don’t know what’s going on; they just know that this new realm of fashion technology. ×
such and such will happen, but they don’t know
what makes it work.”
The discourse has already begun. Models back- Natalie Zee is associate editor of CRAFT and writes for the
stage at her Maker Faire show were overheard craft blog at craftzine.com.
