• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Shine Bright in LED Firefly Cloak by Austin Bright Light Design

June 20, 2018 by Joleen Jernigan 1 Comment

Firefly Cloaks by Austin Bright Light Design

Firefly Cloaks by Austin Bright Light Design (Credit: George Trent Grogan/Mountain Trout Photography)

“What can we do to make you smile today?” Austin Bright Light Design founders, Gerry Gilligan and Jason Balcauski, asked themselves. The answer? Firefly Cloaks. These brightly lit garments bring smiles to faces, curiosity followed by intrigue, chased with a shot of glee. Austin loves its dance floors, festivals, and moments of abandonment. So what makes this local company so special?

Firefly Cloaks are a metaphor for Austin: they are festive and lively. I’ve seen this effect when someone first spots the cloak. There’s a widening of the eyes, followed by a huge smile. Within the first minute of my wearing one in public, someone delightedly demands to know, “Where did you get that?!”

When I first caught a glimpse of the Firefly Cloak on Instagram, I had to reach out to the creator, Austin Bright Light Design. This is the ultimate shiny object. I had visions of feasting my eyes on it in person and even wearing one. My dancing diva dreams came true last week at The Sahara Lounge Ladies’ Night, when co-founders Gilligan and Balcauski brought several of their shimmery wonders for a night of disco, funk, and soul sweating on the dance floor.

The Cloak Effect

Firefly Cloaks in Zilker Park

Dancers in Zilker Park (Credit: George Trent Grogan/Mountain Trout Photography)

We had a blast! Ms. Mack of soul band Ms. Mack and the Daddies loved dancing in a Firefly Cloak, exclaiming, “I feel like I can dance better in this cloak!” Another wearer simply beamed and smiled, then declared she felt like a queen. At each utterance of wonder and appreciation, Gilligan and Balcauski’s smiles grew wider. Seeing everyone love their cloaks brought them a lot of joy.

Local fans and early adopters include several EDM shufflers because Firefly Cloaks make dancing so fun. Gilligan noted several times that Firefly Cloaks are also perfect for the socially awkward or introverts among us. Even the shyest cloak wearer will have no problem meeting people, as the cloak works double time as a people magnet and conversation starter.

Festival-goer’s Fantasy

Syncing Firefly Cloaks Austin Texas

Firefly Cloaks can sync light programs within 40-50 feet of each other (Credit: Louie Ayuma Photography)

Back in 2013, Gilligan was playing around with making a brightly lighted outfit for Burning Man. Back then, there was barely anything on the market that would stand out in such an over-stimulated, wildly decorated gathering like Burning Man. The inventor never stopped thinking about this type of costume. He and Balcauski, a fellow frequent festival participant, kept talking about the concept. They  knew they wanted the wildest, most fun, most “obnoxious” (their words) outfits ever.

Fast forward to Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, and the prototype for Firefly Cloak was ready!

Find Your Inner Diva With Firefly Cloak

Kevin Russell of Shinyribs With Firefly Cloak at Austin City Limits TV Taping

Kevin Russell of Shinyribs wore his Firefly Cloak during his Austin City Limits TV taping (Credit: Jason Balcauski)

If you can’t let your hair down at a festival and channel your inner dance diva, then why even go? As Gilligan and Balcauski walked into Voodoo Fest, throngs of people ran up to them, wanting to ogle, touch, and wear the cloaks. Several people offered to buy them right off the guys’ backs. This was their “Aha!” moment.

So the duo launched a Kickstarter campaign to test the waters. They hit their goal and were off to the production line, ready to craft a super technical yet safe product for customers.

In 2017, Shinyribs lead singer and all-around Austin icon, Kevin Russell, wore a gold Firefly Cloak on stage at Blues on the Green. The Austin City Limits TV team caught the show and invited Shinyribs to a taping. ACL requested he bring his dancers, The Riblets, as well as the fabulous Firefly Cloak. Russell wore his cloak during the taping, boosting awareness for Austin Bright Light Design and the Firefly Cloak.

Technically Speaking

Firefly Cloak Invented in Austin

Firefly Cloaks beckon revelers to come closer (Credit: Jimmy Small Photography)

Gilligan and Balcauski spent the better part of three years tinkering, testing (live at festivals), and updating the cloaks. The lights don’t simply blink in a repeated motion. Gilligan sought out the most advanced, smart LED lights out there. These have an inline controller and 115 pixels in each cloak. (In non-techie terms, this means the cloaks are extra rad.)

Each Firefly Cloak has more than 300 light programs in it, so you can choose your favorite color scenario. You can choose one base color, a color scheme, or stick with the brightest option: white. Another unique coolness factor is that several cloaks can synchronize to run on the same lighting program. Firefly Cloaks within a 40-50 foot radius of each other can sync up. Plus, they have dance handles!

Gilligan and Balcauski officially launched the glittery, fest-worthy Firefly Cloak for public consumption in March 2018.

Cloak Responsibly

Colorful Firefly Cloak Invented in Austin Texas

You won’t NOT get noticed in a Firefly Cloak (Credit: Jimmy Small Photography)

Gilligan and I gave the cloaks a whirl at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, as he animatedly showed me all of the features. Before we moved inside with our cloaks on, we dimmed them to the lowest setting and put them on the lowest speed, so as not to be too distracting to the band or other clubgoers. “Cloak responsibly,” he said.

The cloaks are thoroughly tested for safety and wearability, and each one can be worn for around three hardcore days of fests. The battery pack (that fits in a small pocket in the back of the cape) can also charge your phone!

The cloaks have a zip-out liner, pockets, and come with their own baby backpack. The holographic sequins add to the over-the-topness, with current colors including pink, turquoise, silver, gold, and a dark purple.

Due to all of the comfort, safety, and fashion features, production costs are high. The cloaks currently run around $300. However, if you stalk them on Instagram, you’ll likely see a discount code come up via Austin Bright Light Design or Firefly Cloak. The team recently shipped out its first large production order, another step forward.

If you need to test drive one before you buy, Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds has partnered with Austin Bright Light Designs to rent out Firefly Cloaks. Plan in advance if you want to rent for a special occasion because they ran out within a single day as soon as the cloaks hit the floor.

Future’s So Bright

Keep your eye on Austin Bright Light Design. With Gilligan and Balcauski’s bottomless curiosity, constant experimenting, dedication to building the perfect experience, and commitment to making us all smile more, the Austin community can expect truly brilliant things from them!

Website

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

Where would you twirl in a Firefly Cloak?

Filed Under: Discoveries, Local Business

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Comments

  1. BuffyT says

    August 26, 2020 at 9:34 pm

    Long live Shiny Ribs.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 8, 2023 include Illumaverse, Austin Trail of Lights, and More!

12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 8, 2023 include Illumaverse, Austin Trail of Lights, and More!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin this Weekend of December 8 which include the Illumaverse, Austin Trail of Lights, Peppermint Parkway, Broadway in Austin: My Fair Lady, and more! Whether you’re planning a date or having fun with friends, these events and things to do in Austin this weekend may be right for […]

Ice Skating Austin

Ice Skating Austin Guide – Explore the City’s Best and Coolest Rinks!

Looking for ways to create more winter memories? Then ice skating in Austin might be just what you need to feel like you’re experiencing a winter in the city! The city offers a variety of venues for those looking to enjoy ice skating Austin TX style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater, there’s […]

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – A Guide to the City’s Brightest Displays

As we tick closer to Christmas, amidst the rush of holiday markets, the hunt for the perfect presents, and squeezing in those festive parties into our busy schedules, it’s crucial to find time to unwind and enjoy the season. If you’re looking to step back and indulge in a delightful activity with your loved ones, […]

Austin Christmas Lights 2023

Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Hear, hear, the sparkly season is near! From now through the end of the season, festive holiday light trails adorn the Texas Hill Country, and we’ve discovered the best and brightest dazzlers around. Everyone loves the Zilker Park lights, yet if you want to set forth on an illuminated adventure beyond these famous Austin holiday lights, read […]

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events

Thanksgiving 2023 Austin Events – Enjoy These 10 Things to Do, Activities, & More!

Thanksgiving 2023 is just around the corner, and Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a season brimming with festivities, warmth, and community spirit. As we anticipate the joyous celebrations, let’s embrace the essence of Thanksgiving in Austin – a blend of traditional feasts, holiday cheer, and memorable moments with loved ones. Whether you’re a local […]

Recent Posts

  • 12 Fun Things to do in Austin this weekend of December 8, 2023 include Illumaverse, Austin Trail of Lights, and More!
  • Ice Skating Austin Guide – Explore the City’s Best and Coolest Rinks!
  • Santa Pictures Austin – Your 2023 Holiday Guide to the Best Santa Photo Opportunities in the City!
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – A Guide to the City’s Brightest Displays
  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • Austin Christmas Lights 2023 – Your Guide to Dazzling Holiday Displays in the City and Beyond!
  • Winter Camp Austin 2023 – Find the Perfect Camps for Your Child This Holiday Season!
  • Austin’s Speakeasy Secrets (Shhh): Floppy Disk Repair Co.
  • Birthday Freebies Austin 2023 – List of Over 45 Best Restaurants, Food Places, & Stores with Birthday Month Deals Near You
  • Shop Local at 10 Trend-setting Menswear Clothing Stores in Austin

Copyright © 2023 · Log in