New Product Idea -- Transparency

If you've been keeping up with the news, you've probably been hearing quite alot about the massive airport backups occurring currently throughout Britain in lieu of the allegedly huge terrorist plot to bomb cross-Atlantic planes headed for the US. From a quick glance at the security restrictions and the various ridiculous stories that have come out of this issue, I think it's safe to say that airport security has reached an all time high of maximum impact to travelers with lowest efficacy to protection. (See Schneiers Analysis)

But probably the most amusing part of the story is the most recent demand that all airline travelers carry clear plastic bags to transport their belongings in. It's pretty striking that world paranoia has reached a high enough level to warrant those demands.

Fashion is interesting insofar as it, like art, usually comes to reflect in some way the larger social currents of the times. Clothing styles are a sign of identity -- a signaling to others of allegiance to a ideological construct. Or, more recently, a cynical, ironic comment in the finest indie-boy mode.

So it occured to me, why don't we manufacture a whole line of clear vinyl luggage with completely transparent hard plastic? Not only do I think it'd be aesthetically really cool, it would be a terrifically fun response to the current crisis. Handbags, suitcases, rolling-tote bags, completely done in clear plastic. The clothing would look like it was "floating" in this translucent baggage. Our deluxe editions could even have lights lines in 'em so as to better illuminate the contents of your bag to the Security Men.

You should also do clothing too, with the pockets done in clear plastic so as to clearly reveal all their contents, with the normal material underneath it so as to not reveal any skin. Pants, jackets, shirts, you name it. Practical AND Clever.

announcing "Surveillance/Movement: Clothing & Styles For the New American Century."