CAPtured tech-art headpiece protects social media-shy wearers from unconsented content

Droga5 Dublin Introduces AI-Responsive Cap

Droga5 Dublin has unveiled CAPtured, a one-of-a-kind wearable designed in collaboration with fashion designer Ancuta Sarca. Presented during London Fashion Week, the piece functions as both a design object and a technology prototype, addressing issues around digital privacy in public space.

The cap integrates AI-powered vision technology capable of detecting when a smartphone camera is directed toward it. Once identified, a built-in mechanism deploys a cover that drops over the wearer’s face, concealing their identity and preventing unwanted appearance in social media content. Importantly, the system only interacts with mobile phone cameras and does not interfere with security infrastructure such as CCTV.

all images courtesy of Samuel McElwee

A Cap That Questions Social Media Consent

The exterior design was developed with fashion designer Ancuta Sarca, known for her hybrid footwear and accessories, while the technological framework was engineered by creative studio Droga5 Dublin to operate seamlessly within the compact format of a cap. Photographer Samuel McElwee documented the launch, highlighting the interaction between fashion, technology, and urban culture.

Beyond its immediate functionality, CAPtured is intended as a cultural statement, raising questions about consent and content creation in the age of pervasive social media. By combining responsive technology with fashion design, the project situates itself at the intersection of privacy, identity, and digital ethics.

Droga5 Dublin and Ancuta Sarca collaborated on CAPtured

the cap functions as both a design object and tech prototype

the system detects when a smartphone camera is aimed at the wearer

a built-in cover deploys to conceal the wearer’s face

the cap prevents unwanted appearances in social media content

project info:

name: CAPtured
manufacturer: Droga5 Dublin | @droga5dublin

designer: Ancuta Sarca | @ancutasarca

photographer: Samuel McElwee | @sam_mcelwee