A recent project, named Rain Palette, by Dahea Sun, a sustainable fashion innovator, was launched to focus not only on the aesthetic value of textiles, but also its functional value. Sun has created garments that are able to accurately measure the pH levels of rainwater, using nothing more than fabric and natural dyes. But why do we need clothing which can measure pH of the rain? During Sun’s visit to South Korea, she discovered that after a nuclear power plant explosion in 2011 in nearby Japan, the fear of acid rain became extensive and rampant. She discovered that rain’s acidity could be measured using anthocyanins, which change colour to red, purple or blue in accordance with the water’s acidity. Consequently, using plants that are rich in anthocyanins, Sun brewed up some natural dye baths to produce textiles which are hypersensitive to acidity and change colour into gorgeous soft hues as soon as they are rained on. Once tested, Sun teamed up with women’s wear designer Gayeon Lee to create a wearable collection.
