Textile Privacy Clothing to Thwart Facial Recognition

We are living in the future. I'm still not over internet on flights, and the world has moved on to AI, deep fakes, facial recognition software, and who knows what's next? Well actually... I do know. This Sunday in Philadelphia, a new functional clothing line will make it's brick and mortar debut. Cap_able textile privacy clothing.

Just as facial recognition technology is being rolled out at venues and becoming more common, now there is a clothing line being made and sold to stop it. Or at least make the technology more difficult.

Like it or not, facial recognition is here, but it isn't perfect. The use of facial recognition technology has resulted in inaccuracies, discriminatory practices and other negative outcomes. The technology though, continues to improve. Now, there's new technology rolling out to fool that technology. If you are wanted by the FBI, against facial recognition, or just want to stay incognito, shop for clothing at Trunc in Northern Liberties. Starting this Sunday, October 15th, the shop will become the first boutique and gift shop in the world to sell the Cap-able collection.

A line of clothing meant to confuse artificial intelligence cameras and stop them from recognizing the wearer. Cap_able's first project is the Manifesto Collection: the first collection of knitted garments that protect the wearer’s biometric data, without the need to cover the face.

Until now, the clothing was only available online. Trunc will be the first brick and mortar shop to carry textile privacy clothing pieces from the line for sale. Cap_able clothing will debut at Trunc during a special launch event this Sunday, October 15th at 4:00pm called Textile x Privacy.

Cap_able is female owned, and this weekend, Cap_able co-founder Rachele Didero will travel from Italy to Philadelphia for this unique event on Sunday.

Trunc in Northern Liberties. 929 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

Trunc is Black-owned, vet-owned, LGBT-owned and female-owned.  Trunc prides itself on using art for social change and raising up female makers and artisans.

The event is free and open to the public. For more about Trunc and the event, visit www.trunc.net and follow @truncartisans on social media.

According to Cap_able, "The technological innovation behind this project lies in the creation of a system capable of transposing images (called adversarial patches) onto a knitted fabric that can be used to deceive people detectors in real time. Basically, by wearing a garment in which an adversarial image is woven, one can protect the biometric data of their face, that either will not be detectable, or will be associated with an incorrect category such as "animal" rather than "person"."

Did you catch that? The technology will show animals instead. "People who wear Cap_able’s garments are not recognized as such by the software, which instead identifies dogs, zebras, or giraffes within the fabric."

Cap_able aims to set an example and be a leader in raising awareness on the importance of one's rights. To use this project to raise awareness on the right to privacy and the protection of biometric data.

We came, we strut (strutted?), we saw LOTS of dogs in costumes. All in all, a perfect day. The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society held their annual Mutt Strut on Sunday, October 8th, and the fundraising efforts, and doggie costumes did not disappoint.

This year was the 17th Annual PAWS Mutt Strut, down at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The event was pushed to Sunday's rain date, and it was a good call too, as yesterday was a perfect day for it. Clouds overhead, but sunshine peeking through, and the breeze kept things just cool enough to finally feel like fall.

If you've never attended the PAWS Mutt Strut, it's a little bit of everything. A paw-ty for humans and canines alike.

It's a family affair too, with kids and babies and group costumes and lots of smiles. The dogs too. Smiles all around, tongues hanging out, and the biggest fundraiser of the year for PAWS.

If you missed this year's Mutt Strut, be sure to keep a look out for the 18th Annual Mutt Strut, likely sometime in October, 2024. Next year's Mutt Strut is sure to be even better, as the organization continues to outdo itself every single year. It's also not too late to help this year. You can make a donation at any time to help this incredible non-profit continue in its mission to make Philadelphia a no-kill city. They've come so far in their efforts already, and they truly make every dollar count toward helping animals.

HERE's the link to make a donation. You can donate anonymously, and in honor or memory of a pet or favorite animal. Right now, the donations continue to be matched by an anonymous donor. Your donation will go twice as far!

To many of the Mutt Strut attendees, helping with the Mutt Strut is just a small way of repaying this organization for their part in bringing them true love. A way of thanking PAWS for connecting them with their dog or cat companions. Helping them find their furry family members, and more importantly, keep them. PAWS also helps folks all over the region by providing affordable to care for their animals year-round.

The doggie costumes at the Mutt Strut are a pretty big draw too. The PAWS community and their fur families bring it every year. Check out the photos below to see their costumes this year, and start planning next year's costumes now!