New Zealand scientists are using the country's annual fashion festival to show off breakthrough fabrics including flame-proof, anti-piracy and stab-resistant materials.
A host of new fabrics developed by New Zealand's government-owned research group AgResearch was on show at a media conference on Monday.
AgResearch manager Dr Robert Finch demonstrated a device that can identify a distinct tracer fibre added into fabric or yarn during manufacturing to help tell genuine clothing from cheap knock-offs.
"The actual verification process is quite simple. It is done with a handheld electronic scanner. You could envisage it would be at a point of sale," Finch said.
Finch also took a blowtorch to a male model wearing a top made from a new stab-resistant and flame-proof material.
The clothing will not tear even when stabbed by a screwdriver and is produced by combining wool with Vectran, an ultra-high-strength polymer.
Also revealed was a fabric to be used in woollen shirts, suits and dresses that can be thrown in the washing machine and tumble-dried.
Senior textile scientist at AgResearch Dr Surinder Tandon said the material was three years in development and relied on new spinning technology.
"It is made machine-washable and shrink-resistant without any chemicals ... It is environmentally friendly," he said.
A windproof fleece that carries moisture out of the fabric but blocks wind was also unveiled.
Tandon said the material's secret was a membrane coating that transported moisture like sweat away from the body to the outside.
He said the garments, which felt similar to regular woollen tops, were also windproof and could be used by hikers or sportspeople.
Air New Zealand Fashion Week begins on Tuesday and ends on Sunday.
