Weaving Tech Into Your Wardrobe: The Age of Wearable Technology
As technology propels us all into the digitized age of the future, each realm of life gets a mechanized twist, including fashion. While the tech industry has been dominating headlines with advancements in fields such as medicine, transportation, and even space exploration, the fashion industry has also been reinventing itself with all the new resources technology has to offer.
Although it might sound like an exotic trend of the future, wearable tech is actually already very much in the mainstream. Devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit fall under this category, but it doesn’t stop at your wrist. At the 2016 Met Gala, where the night’s theme was “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology,” tech giant IBM Watson teamed up with designer Marchesa to create the world’s first “cognitive dress,” equipped with LED lights that react to Twitter mentions of the #metgala, even changing colors based on the nature of the reactions. This dress pairs social media with WiFi and weaves it into the Met Gala scene.
Off the red carpet, Snapchat has launched their newest product, “Spectacles” by Snap Inc. These glasses can record video and take photos from your exact perspective. The $129.99 glasses upload video to your Snapchat memories via Bluetooth or WiFi, and charge in their case.
One of the most unique and luxurious brands on the market comes out of London:
T H E U N S E E N, who have designed a collection of accessories that change color in reaction to body heat, air pressure, sunlight, and touch. The collection includes purses, backpacks, phone cases, and scarves. Think of it as a mood ring taken to a whole new level.
Ever been freezing in the winter no matter how many layers you put on? EMEL+ARIS, a crowdfunding project that started up in 2015, has got you covered with their new “Smart Coat.” The jackets contain Far Infrared (FIR) technology, which produces heat from panels in the coat lining to keep you warm.
The beauty industry is also starting to catch on to these high tech advancements: LED lashes add the right touch of tech to your look and can be ordered online for less than $5.
As technology advances all sectors of life, fashion is exceeding expectations keeping up with this trend as it modifies itself in the 21st century.
