Waterproof and windproof seem like small bonus features next to the dazzling look of this jacket design, the shell of which is covered in microscopic spheres that mimic the adaptive camouflage of squids.

Developed by Vollebak, this high-tech creation used lasers to embed these tiny balls into resin along the triple-layered surface of the garment, creating a slick metallic oil-like effect by day and then a dazzling spectrum of reflective wonder at night.

“The Black Squid Jacket focuses on replicating the elements of squid skin that make it hyper-visible,” explains the designer. Whereas “a squid uses microscopic plate-like structures on the surface of its skin to change color, our jacket uses disruptively-structured microscopic glass spheres.’

“When light hits the jacket, it travels through the curved surface of these black glass spheres and strikes the back of them, before being reflected back at the original light source and scattered away from it simultaneously, so that the fabric looks like it’s emitting light.”

Designers are always trying to reinvent the chair or improve the shoe, but zippers have stayed largely the same for a long time, which begs the question: is there room to innovate on this simple fastener?

Nendo has designed a series of alternatives titled Zippppper for manufacturer YKK. Their work challenges the notion that a traditional set of interlocking teeth is all zippers have to offer a piece of apparel or other material product.

The team wanted to do more than change the color, size or handle. “In lieu of focusing on superficial finishings or decorations, it was important to take a step back and delve into the fundamental question, ‘what exactly is a zipper?'”

They are made to close gaps and open easily, but beyond that there are a lot of possibilities. Their solutions include: (1) a three-way zipper that could be used for things like interior tent partitions, (2) a version with a gap to let through headphones or cords, (3) a one-handed variant with a rotating easy-grip clip, (4) a right-angled set of intersecting zippers and (5) a self-connected loop (purpose unknown).

“The basic concept of a zipper is to open and close the opening between two pieces of material without any gaps,” explain the designers, “but by thoroughly assessing each component individually and through further reassessment – five new zippers were created.” Really, though: any zipper that doesn’t stick would be an improvement.

In countries where walking barefoot is the norm, these durable shoes that grow with a child’s feet can improve health, confidence, even school attendance, according to The Shoe That Grows project from Because International.

Fast-growing feet have always been a problem for children, and is even more challenging in places where families can’t afford frequently purchasing pairs. A combination of velcro and fasteners helps allow these shoes to expand on demand — each pair can shift between five sizes (with three different starter sizes).

The group works with non-profits, schools, churches and individuals to bring this adaptable footwear to kids in need around the world. So far the organization has distributed 120,000 pairs in 91 countries.

“Without shoes, children are especially vulnerable to soil-transmitted diseases and parasites that can cause illness and even death. Children who get sick miss school, can’t help their families, and suffer needlessly.

“And since children’s feet grow so quickly, they often outgrow donated shoes within a year, leaving them once again exposed to illness and disease.”

These kinds of clothing innovations are also not limited to shoes. Ryan Yasin, at the time a master’s student in London’s Royal College of Art’s Innovation Design Engineering program, was likewise inspired to create outfits that would grow with a child. He started experimenting and realized that by pleating synthetic fabric in a particular pattern, it was possible for a piece of clothing to stretch in both directions. One of his early prototypes was able to be used from the age of 6 months up to 36 months, saving parents the cost and hassle of forever buying new jackets.