Paparazzi-Fighting Fashion

New Flashback Collection from Betabrand & DJ Chris Holmes flummoxes photographers with flash-reflecting technology.

Photobombers, showoffs, and general mischief-makers will delight in Betabrand's latest creations: clothing that toys with camera light meters, turning wearers into specters of style.

Chris Holmes, a DJ who tours with Paul McCartney, recently approached the online clothier with an idea for garments he and his famous friends could wear to prank fans and frustrate paparazzi.

“After wearing reflective fabric to several performances, I noticed that photos from the shows always looked odd because the flash that bounced off my clothing would wash out everything else,” Chris says. “It gave me the epiphany that perhaps I could use this technology for a greater purpose.”

Within weeks, the Flashback Collection -- hoodie, suit, hat, and scarf -- was launched into crowdfunding.

Flashback fabric is embedded with microscopic glass bubbles that reflect light. Originally designed for safety products like firemen's suits, a quirk of camera design makes the fabric perfectly suited for brilliant photos.

Snap a shot of someone in a Flashback garment and the wearer is rendered anonymous -- essentially, a glowing ghost.

According to Betabrand founder Chris Lindland, "These products are made for crowdfunding, because we're not entirely sure which crowd they’ll appeal to most: celebrities, clubbers, pranksters, or safety-conscious cyclists. All of them, we hope."

Will the Flashback Collection light up the Internet? You can track the progress of these prototypes toward their funding goals on Betabrand’s crowdfunding page.