Fashion catching up to the 21st century

Angel Chang has just become one of my favorite designers. Why might you ask? Because she makes clothes that I theoretically never need to wash! Seriously, the wicking properties of some of the fabrics she uses removes odor and sweat.

Angel, an alum from both Barnard and Columbia has worked with notable designers, Donna Karan, Viktor & Rolf, and Marc Jacobs. She was recently awarded the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award and I can see why!

Her WWII military inspired looks are feminine and sophisticated. But more importantly, she's incorporated high tech fabrics and designs into her fashion projects making her outfits truly awesome.

Take this (pic left) Edwardian jacket with built-in Ipod controls from her Fall 07 collection for example. How great is it to be able to look stylish and control your music all in the piece?!

Or this heat-sensitive jacket (pic right) where the inner lining "disappears" when in contact with a warm body and reappears when the jacket is taken off.

But my absolute favorite has to be this coral ruffle dress from her Spring 08 collection. Currently on display at Ralph Pucci International in New York, a close inspection of the pattern on the dress reveals a map of Manhattan! Who would have thought that a grid of the city could look so fabulous.

(photos from Angel Chang and Fashion Wire Daily)