In The Mode

By Maryanne Murray Buechner; Lev Grossman; Anita Hamilton

IL-LOOM-INATION

If only this stuff had been around in the disco era. Luminex is a new kind of fabric that glows--literally. It's not shiny, it's not glow in the dark; it actually gives off its own light. Designers took tiny, flexible optical fibers developed for high-energy physics experiments and wove them into ordinary fabric. Power comes from an ordinary battery sewn into the cloth. Luminex is being used in stage costumes, handbags and curtains as well as clothing. The makers are even talking about adding smart chips to the fabric that could make it glow in flashing patterns. Look for a line of silver Luminex pillows from DKNY next year. INVENTOR Luminex AVAILABILITY Now, $330 per yd. TO LEARN MORE luminex.it

LOOKS FISHY TO ME

Leave it to the fashion world to make bikinis out of leather. But these sexy little swimsuits are cut from a material that's more apropos for water wear than you might think: tanned, dyed salmon skin. Soft, smooth and lightweight, this particular form of "sea leather" has a natural elasticity that won't sag after a dip. It also gets the green seal of approval; it's made from commercial fish skins that usually get tossed or turned into chicken feed. The suits are part of a full line of fish-leather apparel (including jackets, skirts and sandals) introduced by a London company this year. And, you'll be happy to learn, there's no fishy smell. INVENTOR Claudia Escobar, Skini AVAILABILITY Now, $335 and up TO LEARN MORE skinilondon.com

IF THE SHOE FITS...

Kids who wear tight shoes are more likely to have foot problems later on. But what's the parent of a squirmy, toe-curling toddler to do? Preschoolians shoes look like ordinary children's footwear except for one thing: they have see-through bottoms to help ensure proper fit. Like the rest of the sole, the viewing window is made of durable polyvinyl acetate (think kickballs and teething rings), and the parts are heat fused to prevent cracks or splits. Your child may still trip over his own feet now and then, and let's face it, a hammertoe is often hereditary. At least you'll know you did all you could. INVENTOR Jeff Silverman, Preschoolians AVAILABILITY Now, $25 to $60 a pair TO LEARN MORE preschoolians.com

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

The fashion and high-tech industries rarely see eye to eye. But if the future of technology is in wearable computers, as some believe, then the Offspring Wearable prototypes are a step in the right direction. These sunglasses don't just look cool--they also house a tiny digital camera lens (which peeks out from a pinhole opening above the right lens) as well as a miniature display inside the left lens for reading e-mail or looking up information online. An earpiece for your cell phone pops out from the side of the glasses. It's all part of a wearable wireless system that includes a two-way-radio watch, a PDA and other add-ons. INVENTORS Motorola and Frog Design AVAILABILITY In 2006 TO LEARN MORE motorola.com/iden