‘My heat-changing dress puts the drama into fashion’: Yorkshire designer showcases colour-shifting style - with video
Yorkshire designer Hollie Lesley Haughin has created a dress that changes colour from black to pink, using a thermochromic fabric that reacts when exposed to heat, to showcase the transformative storytelling power of fashion.
West Yorkshire Fashion Week founder Hollie, from Cleckheaton, presented the transformation before an audience in a performance collaboration with model Emily Foley showcasing the garment.
“I love exploring new possibilities and challenging what people traditionally expect from fashion,” says Hollie. “The fabric starts off completely black. When its surface temperature rises above approximately 31°C (87.8°F), the thermochromic coating reacts and the fabric transforms from black to a vibrant pink.”
Colour-changing technology in fashion became popular in the early 1990s with brands such as Stone Island creating jackets and other clothes with colour-transforming capabilities.
Now the trend is red-hot for 2026 with Stone Island showcasing its Metal Lamina Ripstop Heat Reactive Jacket which changes from a deep green to a yellowish-green hue when exposed to body heat.
Lyle & Scott has expanded its Reactive Series for AW26 with a range of clothes that change in appearance in response to body heat, temperature shifts, water, UV light, or low-light conditions.
Now Hollie brings a Yorkshire twist to the trend. “I am passionate about bringing something different to the fashion industry and showcasing the creativity and talent we have here in Yorkshire,” she says.
“I've always wanted to create a transformation garment that changes appearance through heat or water.
“I've spent a lot of time researching, experimenting, and trialling different materials to find the right fabric that could bring this idea to life as a live performance for an audience.
“I eventually discovered and ordered a specialist heat-reactive PU fabric featuring a thermochromic coating.
“The transformation is temporary. Once the fabric cools down, it gradually returns to its original black colour. Depending on the surrounding temperature and how much heat is applied, the pink effect can last for several minutes.
“I've discovered that ordinary hand warmth isn't always sufficient, particularly in colder conditions. However, hot water and warm air from a hairdryer work very effectively to activate the colour change.
“I've worked with Emily from day one, and I knew I needed someone as amazing as her to pull off such a special showcase. Her confidence, presence and ability to bring the garment to life have been absolutely fantastic.
“We also put in a lot of rehearsals to get the performance just right.
“It was important that the colour change worked effectively and looked as striking as possible on the runway.
“What's particularly exciting is the potential to use this material in performance: the garment itself becomes part of the visual storytelling, with the audience witnessing the transformation in real time.”
Model Emily Foley says: “Wearing the garment felt so empowering. I loved the concept of the piece and being able to showcase Hollie’s talents was a privilege, I feel extremely grateful to have been chosen to perform this showcase and be trusted with such a big responsibility.”
Hollie adds: “I've also been exploring other interesting materials, including holographic laser polyester and sheer mesh fabrics.
“My philosophy is that every fabric has its own character and personality. I believe the right material can make a design much more distinctive and help bring an artistic vision to life.”