Osram Presents: The World’s First "Light Dirndl"
Osram Press ReleaseFlashlightNews.org - 09/20/2006
Joint project of Munich Dirndl designer Lola Paltinger and Osram incorporates LEDs
The World’s First Light Dirndl
MUNICH, De. - Oktoberfest time is Dirndl time. In time for the 'Wiesn' 2006, Germany’s most renowned Dirndl designer Lola Paltinger and lighting manufacturer Osram are adding a special touch to the traditional Bavarian Dirndl: The world's first Light Dirndl will celebrate its premiere. The “Light-Dirndl” shines with the subtle light of 100 LEDs, no bigger than a pinhead and sewed onto the Dirndl by hand.
More than five meters of fine wire connect the LEDs with each other and deliver the necessary electricity via batteries. This fresh and unique dress will be worn by the well-known german TV host Eva Grünbauer, who is closely associated with the Oktoberfest, having covered the “Wiesn” on television since 1997. The lights accentuate Lola Paltinger’s Dirndl's designs, which stand out through the finest fabrics, feminine and dazzling puff sleeves and airy aprons with elaborate embroidery – a real eye-catcher.
In early June, Lola Paltinger and the light experts came together to develop the optimal technical solution. They decided to sew tiny lights into the seams of the sleeves, the apron and the heart shaped décolleté. After many days of detailed work, 100 mini-LEDs were attached first to a wafer-thin strap and then to an adhesive tape and soldered onto an almost five meters long wire. This construction was then sewed onto the Dirndl by hand. A special cable duct leading to discretely attached batteries under the Dirndl provide an uninterrupted and safe power supply.
Dirndl-Designer Lola Paltinger: "I like to work with airy fabrics like precious silk or tender organza. Hence, we had to build a wafer-thin LED light frame that could easily disappear in the Dirndl's seams. A lot of care was demanded. But the result is even more glamorous than I had expected. The LED light spots set luminous accents and make the light-Dirndl an unprecedented Dirndl creation."
Juliane Braun, head of Corporate Communications Osram: "We have been thinking of creating a light Dirndl for a long time now. With Lola Paltinger, we finally found the adequate partner for this project. Her unique Dirndl creations captivate celebrities and Oktoberfest visitors alike. And for our engineers the Osram Dirndl was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the performance of our LEDs as well as their own expertise in coping with the most exceptional of tasks.“