The Intersection of Code and Creativity: A New Era in Fashion
In the heart of Chicago, a software engineer is redefining what it means to blend technology with art. Christina Ernst, a 28-year-old software engineer at Google’s West Loop office, has become a beacon for those interested in merging coding with fashion. Her unique approach, which she calls “fashioneering,” has captivated hundreds of thousands of followers online. Through her tutorial website and social media accounts under the handle @shebuildsrobots, she shares her journey of turning whimsical ideas into tangible creations.
Ernst’s projects often involve a mix of robotics, circuitry, and programming. One of her most notable creations was a self-twirling dress that used robotic arms to lift the hem of a romantic pink smock gown and spin it left and right. She also crafted a cathedral gown with stained-glass-like panels that could be illuminated like windows seen at night. These designs are not just about aesthetics; they are a testament to the power of technology when combined with creativity.
Breaking Barriers in STEM
Ernst’s work goes beyond just creating beautiful garments. She aims to inspire more young women to enter STEM fields by showcasing how technology can be both fun and accessible. During an interview at the Chicago Public Library’s Maker Lab, where she had a 12-week residency, she shared her vision of making tech more relatable to teenagers, especially girls.
“I loved all of these things, but never thought that they had any compatibility with the tech world,” she said. “It’s really important to me to center my tutorials on the interests that a lot of teen girls already have, to meet them where they are.”
Her projects often include elements of fantasy and whimsy, such as a Medusa dress adorned with undulating robotic serpents. One of her most popular videos featured a small, motorized 3D-printed replica of Remy from “Ratatouille” attached to a headband, pulling her hair up and down as she slices an onion in the kitchen. This project, which garnered nearly 45 million views across Instagram and TikTok, highlights the potential of combining storytelling with technology.
The Magic of Technology
For Ernst, technology is not just about functionality; it’s about the magic it brings to life. She emphasizes that her projects are meant to spark conversations and encourage experimentation rather than serve as a blueprint for the future of fashion or tech.
“Technology really is magical to me,” she explained. “When I say I make robotic dresses, I never want it to look like how people picture it. The wonder and the whimsy is very important to me.”
Her first fashion project during college was a Bluetooth-controlled color-changing LED dress created during a hackathon at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The success of this project led to a “lightbulb moment” for Ernst, as she realized that fashion could be a gateway into STEM studies.
Bridging the Gap Between Art and Science
Ernst’s journey has been marked by a deep appreciation for the historical connection between art and science. She points out that the history of computing is intertwined with textile history, citing the punch-card Jacquard loom as a precursor to modern computing. This realization has shaped her approach to teaching and mentoring others.
One of her beginner tutorials involves an embroidered Big Dipper constellation that can be coded through a small, sewn-in chip to flicker like the stars. This project not only introduces the basics of coding but also encourages participants to see the beauty in combining different disciplines.
Embracing Failure and Iteration
Ernst’s process is one of trial and error, often involving multiple prototypes before achieving a successful design. She believes that showing the unsuccessful versions of her projects can be just as valuable as the final product.
“I was surprised by how many people have commented that they like seeing the failures. They like seeing the prototypes that don’t work,” she said. “It helps them see that it is OK to fail and OK to iterate — nobody inherently knows how to do these things.”
This philosophy extends to her educational initiatives. In 2017, she received a small grant for her hackathon project to create introductory circuit projects with art and fashion in mind. She also provided educational kits to five public schools in Chicago from 2022 to 2023.
A Legacy of Innovation
During her residency at the Chicago Public Library, Ernst taught free classes at the Harold Washington Library branch while growing her online audience. She emphasized the importance of making technology accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background.
One of her most recent projects involved creating a new design for the library’s display window—a gold and blush Phoenix gown with feathers that rise and fall, activated by passersby who place their hands up to a panel on the window. This garment is a tribute to the Garden of the Phoenix, which was built in Jackson Park for the 1893 Chicago Fair as a symbol of US-Japanese friendship.
Despite the challenges, Ernst remains committed to her mission of inspiring the next generation of creators. Her work serves as a reminder that technology and creativity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary forces that can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
