Power dressing: Fashion in a flap over solar power

Netherlands – Dutch fashion designer Pauline van Dongen has collaborated with Christiaan Holland from the HAN University of Applied Sciences and energy expert Gert Jan Jongerden to create a range of clothing featuring solar panels.

Pieces in the collection come with flaps on the shoulders and waist that open to reveal solar panels that enable the wearer to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones.

According to Van Dongen, if a garment is exposed directly to sunlight for an hour, it will capture enough energy to charge a standard smartphone to 50% capacity.

For more examples of wearable technology, see our coverage of the 2013 International CES trade show.