Squids are among the few animals in the world that can change the color of their skin in the blink of an eye. The remarkable transformation helps them to camouflage among their environment to become nearly invisible and safe from predators, but they can also make themselves bright and colorful to stand out when they need to. This is the concept behind the Black Squid Jacket by Vollebak—a futuristic, color-changing ski and snowboard jacket
based on millions of years of evolution.
“Over the last 500 million years [squids have] evolved the ability to change their color and appearance at high speed and with almost infinite variety to hide, attack, or communicate,” says Vollebak. “We’ve replicated elements of this biological survival mechanism using lasers, resin and over 2 billion disruptively-structured microscopic glass spheres.” When worn in low-lit conditions, the jacket appears like black oil or metal, but when exposed to light, it instantly reflects an entire spectrum of vivid color.
Just like the skin of a squid, the waterproof and windproof jacket looks different from every angle. The microscopic glass spheres on the fabric surface scatter light, resulting in ever-changing patterns and colors. Vollebak says, “This alien-like power is useful whether you want to be seen on the ski slopes or you’re a 20cm sea creature trying to avoid becoming someone’s dinner.”
You can find out even more about the incredible Black Squid Jacket on the Vollebak website.
The Black Squid Jacket by Vollebak mimics the color-changing skin of a squid.
It's made using using lasers, resin, and over 2 billion microscopic glass spheres that reflect light.
When exposed to light, it instantly reflects an entire spectrum of vivid color.
Vollebak: Website | Instagram
h/t: [designboom]
All images via Vollebak.
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