Darker Than Black

When I read this article I immediately thought of the wisecrack that when a color darker than black is invented, New Yorkers will wear that:

A British company has produced a “strange, alien” material so black that it absorbs all but 0.035 per cent of visual light, setting a new world record. To stare at the “super black” coating made of carbon nanotubes – each 10,000 times thinner than a human hair – is an odd experience. It is so dark that the human eye cannot understand what it is seeing. Shapes and contours are lost, leaving nothing but an apparent abyss.

Sadly, the cost of a fabric made along these lines would probably be high enough that its use in apparel is unlikely for some time. Not that that will stop some people.

5 comments… add one
  • .... Link

    The expense will be part of the appeal to the elites.

  • .... Link

    Also? Spinal Tap should be alerted.

  • CStanley Link

    Invisibility cloaks! Cool!

    But of course, not really. The contours of the covered object (body) would be obscured, but the outline would surely be clearly visible. I would think that might actually be an unflattering feature for women’s clothing.

  • .... Link

    I would think that might actually be an unflattering feature for women’s clothing.

    That would depend entirely on the woman. I’m sure Kate Upton would wear it quite well.

  • mike shupp Link

    CStanley — unflattering? I can visualize costumes already — mostly ultrablack with say silvery arcs to highlight shoulders and calves, a dusting of gold or silver over breasts and groin areas …..

    Think of Seven of Nine, from the old Star Trek voyager series. We can rebuild her now, faster, fleeter, even sexier, and so what if it costs six million dollars?

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