This Is What the Future of Fashion Tech Looks Like
Whether it’s the latest smartwatch, “smart” wearables, or new portable charging concepts, it feels like we’re constantly inundated with the latest products claiming to revolutionize the way we connect with technology. In the fashion world, we’re generally increasing our tech savvy while on the tech side of the industry, innovations are ever more developed with fashion and style in mind. If you’re already on the forefront of the tech sphere, you might have an idea of what will come next. To find out exactly what the future of fashion tech holds, we went straight to the source of the newest product releases.
CES is a conference produced by the Consumer Technology Association and is at the forefront of innovation in the consumer products space. The conference “has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years,” reads the CES website, “the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.” So, naturally, this was where we looked for the most exciting developments in fashion tech.
What we saw was a major trend in activewear designed with the technology to monitor data like heart-rate levels during a workout. Whether thanks to an external accessory like Spire or built-in garment features à la Xenoma, workouts will never be the same after these products are introduced to the market. Alongside innovations in activewear, we saw name brands like Kate Spade New York and Fossil introducing smartwatches to their collections, making these wearables chicer than ever, and even a line of purses that come with built-in phone chargers so you never have to worry about carrying a heavy portable with you again. Curious to know what else is in store in the near future? We’re breaking down every cool fashion product we saw at the conference below.
Xenoma's E-Skin activewear tops come with 14-strain sensor strategically built into the shirt to monitor movement like bending, stretching, and twisting joints, meaning the data it collects is a major step forward from fitness-tracking bracelets. Plus, it's designed to be machine washable for everyday use. Simply put: Workouts will never be the same.
Easily attached to the sleeves, waistbands, or collars of your garments, this wearable accessory syncs with your mind and body by measuring your breath all day and alerting you to sudden changes.
Sleek design and Italian craftsmanship come together in Smartline Jewelry's Electio hybrid bracelet. The buttons and LED lights subtly blend into the band while the battery and Bluetooth antenna are tailored to integrate into the design, tracking your health and activity in the chicest way possible. This product hasn't hit the market just yet, but we're waiting patiently until the moment we can get one of these stylish bracelets on our wrists.
The Fossil-designed shell features a touchscreen powered by Android Wear 2.0, which keeps track of every facet of daily activity from steps to calories and connects with Android and iPhone devices. In gold and rose gold, the chain-link design has a classic feel.
With a crystal dial and star-studded mother-of-pearl face, Kate Spade New York's hybrid watch is Bluetooth enabled to track activity and sleep, connecting to your iPhone or Android device.
In a structured design with classic hardware, Mighty Purse's top-handle bag is a perfect choice for women on the go, featuring a concealed slimline battery to charge your micro-USB smartphone or iPhone. Plus, you can also shop the rest of the portable charging bags, clutches, and pouches in the collection.
While these sneakers' LED soles catch your eye, their built-in motion sensor works to detect movement. It gathers and analyzes your health data in real time. By connecting to your smartphone and computer, Orphe may turn into a musical instrument and controller as well. Now here's a sneaker that does it all.Opening Image: Style du Monde
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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