THIS SUMMER’S GIRL-IN-PV-BIKINI

Introducing the Bikini that Can Charge Your iPhone
Yelina Shuster, July 18, 2011 (The HighLow)

"Swimwear has come a long way…[and] current fashion designers are about to encounter a totally different kind of competition: Andrew Schneider, a multimedia designer, is bringing the art of swimwear into a new era…His bathing suit combines design with electronic engineering: thanks to 40 thin and flexible photovoltaic strips connected by conductive thread, his bikini can generate enough energy to charge your iPod or iPhone in the same amount of time your laptop could…"

Like July 4th, this story comes every summer. (click to enlarge)

The bikini, which also contains a USB port for easy plugging in, can still be used for swimming (though not while charging, and it must be completely dry before using as a charger)…Curious consumers can order a custom-made solar bikini on Solar Coterie for $500 – $1500…[A] pair of swim trunks [for men], called the iDrink, is in the works and should be able to chill a small cooler (filled with beer, naturally)…"