ex-Valentino) and Ryan Genz (interaction design & anthropology) hold multiple patents across wearable tech, including 3D Augmented Reality Audio and sensor-enhanced fabric constructions. From the Hug Shirt®—which pioneered internet-connected, haptic telecommunication—to the Galaxy Dress (the world’s largest wearable luminous display), our innovations have consistently pushed the boundaries of what clothing can do. We brought social media to couture with the first Twitter Dress (2012), put wearable tech on the red carpet (Katy Perry, Met Gala 2010), launched the first tech-enhanced ready-to-wear line at Selfridges, created the world’s first Graphene Dress (2017), and introduced SoundShirt®, enabling deaf audiences to feel music and live sports through touch. Our work is exhibited globally, including the Barbican, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, the Museum at FIT, and the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Collaborations include Chanel and Converse, and our connected apparel—like the infini-Tshirt (formerly tshirtOS)—continues to redefine expressive, programmable fashion.

Spin-off: SoundShirt® SoundShirt® has evolved into a dedicated spin-off product line and platform for inclusive, multisensory experiences across live sports, concerts, and performing arts. The system combines low-latency wireless infrastructure, multi-channel haptics, and creator tools to translate real-time audio and event data into rich tactile sensations mapped across the body.

Selected Deployments Newcastle United FC (Premier League, UK) — inclusive matchday experiences at St James’ Park.

Stadio Olimpico, Rome (Serie A) — live football deployment for deaf fans.

Ministry of Sport, Saudi Arabia — stadium activations in Jeddah and Riyadh.

Lyric Opera of Chicago — opera performances augmented with haptic scoring.

Wuppertal Opera (Germany) — classical productions with tactile accompaniment.

Navy Pier (Chicago) — public programming and showcases.

Omaha Performing Arts (USA) — orchestral and venue deployments.

…and additional pilots and installations with orchestras, festivals, and stadiums worldwide.

Recent Highlights Webby Award 2025 — Best Wearable & Connected Device (SoundShirt®) TIME Best Invention 2020 (SoundShirt®) and earlier TIME Best Invention recognition for the Hug Shirt®

Selected Awards & Recognition Webby Awards (2025) – Best Wearable & Connected Device (SoundShirt®)

TIME Best Inventions – 2020 (SoundShirt®); TIME Best Invention 2006 for the Hug Shirt®

Fast Company Innovation by Design (2018) – SoundShirt® in Experimental, Fashion & Beauty, and Social Good

UNESCO Netexplo Innovation Award – Digital inclusion & social impact

Everywoman in Technology Innovator Award (2023) – Francesca Rosella

Visit the CuteCircuit website to explore our latest products, projects, and research, and see the SoundShirt® haptic system in action.

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