From Runway to DIY: The Story Behind Our Kits

Wearable Tutorials exists because of a problem I kept running into backstage.

Through MakeFashion, I co-produced over 100 wearable tech garments for 80+ runway shows across North America and internationally. Every show, the same thing happened: someone in the audience would come up afterward and ask where they could buy the components. They wanted to build their own.

The answer was always complicated. The LEDs we used were sourced from specialty suppliers. The controllers required programming knowledge. The battery solutions were cobbled together from parts never designed for clothing. Even experienced makers struggled to put together a reliable kit.

So I started making kits.

The Same Components, Two Different Products

Here's something most people don't realize: the components sold on Wearable Tutorials are the exact same parts inside the finished garments at Lumen Couture.

There are two families of components, and they map directly to the two main Lumen Couture collections.

Flex LED Strands = The Stardust and Ethereal Collections

The DIY Wearable Technology Starter Kit contains our custom-designed flexible LED strands. These are the same strands sewn into every piece in Lumen Couture's Stardust and Ethereal collections:

• The Stardust Jumpsuit ($200) uses flex strands across the arms and torso
• The Ethereal Tulle Skirt ($150) uses them concentrated at the front
• The Long LED Sequin Dress ($200) weaves them through sequin fabric
• The Dark Power Bodysuit ($180) runs them across the front panel
• The Stardust Sequin Belt ($43) packs them into a compact wearable accessory

When you buy the starter kit for $17.50, you're getting the same LED technology. The difference is that Lumen Couture garments come finished with professional construction, custom fabric, and refined fit. The kit gives you the raw materials to integrate into your own designs.

The Stardust Jumpsuit from Lumen Couture, built with the same flex LED strands in our starter kit.

The flex LED strands from the DIY Starter Kit in action.

Paper Thin LED Matrix Panels = The Matrix Collection

The Paper Thin LED Matrix and Large Square LED Matrix panels are the same technology inside Lumen Couture's Matrix Collection:

• The LED Matrix LBD ($225) uses the large panel on the front of the dress
• The LED Matrix Hoodie uses it on the chest
• The LED Matrix Belt integrates the small panel into a belt form
• The LED Matrix Choker uses the small panel as a necklace
• The LED Face Masks are built around these same panels

These panels connect to your phone via Bluetooth. You can draw on them, display text, show GIFs, or visualize music in real time. On Wearable Tutorials, you buy the panel alone. On Lumen Couture, it comes integrated into a finished garment with professional construction and a polished look.

The LED Matrix Belt from Lumen Couture, powered by the same panel sold on this site.

An LED Matrix mask built from the panels available in our shop.

Why This Matters for Your Project

Understanding the connection between the kits and the finished products is useful for two reasons.

First, it tells you the components are proven. These aren't hobby-grade parts that fall apart after one wear. They've survived runway shows, press events, NBA appearances, festivals, and years of real-world use.

Second, it gives you a reference for what's possible. If you're building a light-up costume with our flex strands, look at the Stardust Jumpsuit for inspiration on placement and density. If you're integrating a matrix panel into a jacket, the Matrix Hoodie shows one approach to mounting and battery placement.

The Dark Power Bodysuit from Lumen Couture, showing professional flex strand integration.

Start Building

If you want to start with the flex strands, the DIY Starter Kit ($17.50) is the entry point. It includes everything you need for a first project, and our tutorials walk you through it step by step. No soldering. No coding.

If you want to work with the matrix panels, the Paper Thin LED Matrix starts at $25, and our LED Mask tutorial shows you how to build your first panel project.

And if you don't want to DIY at all? Lumen Couture sells the finished versions, ready to wear.