Fashion Exploring the limits of Machine Perception
How does the technology work?
The technological innovation behind Cap_able lies in translating AI-interfering patterns into knitted textiles that can influence how selected AI perception systems interpret visual information in real time.
When worn, the textile pattern may lead selected object detection systems to detect animals or other objects instead of a person, while remaining fully visible to human observers. Performance depends on the AI model, software version, and environmental conditions.
Unlike previous approaches, Cap_able's patented manufacturing method integrates the computationally designed pattern directly into the textile structure. This preserves the garment's fit, comfort, and aesthetic qualities while embedding the pattern seamlessly into the textile itself.
Where are the clothes made?
All the garments of the Manifesto Collection are designed and produced in Italy. We partnered up with textile factories that guarantee the highest standards of well-being for their workers as well as suppliers.
How was Cap_able born?
The project began in 2019 in New York, where a discussion on privacy and human rights inspired the founder and current CEO with a UC Berkeley engineer. Rachele developed the idea of combining fashion and computer science, and after months of research, the adversarial fabric with which the first Cap_able collection was designed and prototyped was born. When Rachele meets Federica Busani, a startup enthusiast, they decide to go further and found Cap_able srl, launching the Manifesto Collection commercially.
Is your technology patented?
Yes, we have patented our technology! We are working on other technologies and applications that we hope to release soon!
Can you show proof of the technology?
Yes! Whenever we participate in an event, we set up a real-time recognition system showing how our garments work. On our YouTube channel, you can find some videos about it, but make sure you join us in person so that you can see the demo live :)
Check out our technology page!
This reminds me of @BitcoinErrorLog's Glitch collection #987203
This is wild - adversarial knitting! So it's not just printed pattern, it's actually woven into textile structure, preserves fit/comfort.
Does it work against modern YOLOv8 / transformer detectors or only older models? Performance depends on AI model/version/environmental as you noted - would love to see real-world tests outside lab.
Where I am in Nigeria we don't have as much AI CCTV yet, but in US/UK this could be huge for privacy advocates. Price point though - Italian-made + patented, probably not cheap. Do you know cost?
Are we heading to future where you need special clothes to opt-out of being detected? Interesting rabbit hole.