‘Touched By Scent’ is an interdisciplinary pilot project that describes a collection of ‘holistic’ clothing and footwear, following on from my ‘SmartSecondSkin’ and ‘e.Scent’ projects, and experience in the fashion, fragrance and healthcare sectors.
This collection provides the foundation for the future development of wearable items that change with human emotion, by studying the mind, brain and immunology system, and advancing knowledge and understanding of ‘multi-sensory fashion’, and in particular fragrance ingredients and its impact on mental health.
My research seeks to combine applied theories about well-being with multi-sensory design, to create experimental strategies to improve self and social confidence for individuals suffering from depression. The range of methodologies employed extended the project’s relevance beyond the realm of fashion, to areas such as cognitive behavioural therapy, neuroscience, gerontology, human sensory systems, psychiatry and ‘alternative therapies’.
By analysing AromaChology (the science of fragrance) and ‘PsychoNeuroImmunology’, that explores the connection between emotional stress and the health of the physical body, my project was presented to the medical, wireless and textile industries to help them understand this ‘holistic’ approach to fashion, as a vehicle to treat psychological conditions.
By analysing Reflexology (a massage system to treat illness), I designed a pair of shoes that offered ‘emotional well-being’ once sensitive electronic pads were pressed that corresponded with reflexology points, causing a gentle glow from the underside of the sole. The foot touched on the solar plexus point, the centre of emotional energy, so that the act of walking is healing.