accessories and also interior, medical or industrial end uses, according to a new book, 'Textile Innovation: traditional, modern and smart textiles'. Written by textile consultant, Ros Hibbert, 'Textile Innovation' gives an overview of some of the latest and most exciting developments in textiles for the 21st century. These include 'wearable electronics', like the electronically conductive textiles and garments developed by Philips for applications in 'intelligent' clothing, and 'biomimetics' which mimics nature's automatic responses - such as the way penguins' feathers keep them warm - and uses them in textile science. It also looks at innovations in technical textiles that ensure improved protective and well-being benefits.

It covers developments in traditional fibres, such as genetic modification of naturals like cotton and silk and looks at non-traditional fibres, which is where pineapple and peat come in. A leaf fibre, pineapple gives a fine, silk-like yarn while peat, which is produced from the organic remains of grass plants found in the peat bogs of Scandinavia, can make warm, woolly fabrics with a felted handle. An enjoyable and absorbing read, 'Textile Innovation' is full of fascinating facts. Although intended primarily for teachers and students of fashion and textiles it would be a useful source of information and reference for anyone involved in the textile industry.

Reviewer: Linda Foster