How Wearable Tech Is Taking The Fashion Industry By Storm

The fashion industry has taken a new turn and this time it’s not just the clothes that are getting all the attention. Attracting the notice of the crowds and the critics are wearable

technology accessories, which have just hit the catwalks in a big way thanks to designers such as Ralph Lauren, Rebecca Minkoff, and Tory Burch. These industry leaders are taking their companies into the 21st century by adding ‘smart’ accessories to their wardrobe repertoire.

Smart accessories are tech-enabled articles of clothing that allow the wearer access to a whole range of futuristic features, such as notifications whenever one receives an email or text message. What people are now contemplating is whether this craze will go beyond the early adopters and be a new opportunity for the tech industry, or is this merely a fad. Experts are of the view that for this new craze of wearable tech to be accepted by the market at a mass level, it should have a combination of something that is fashionable as well as highly functional. The design should be fitting while at the same time the tech should provide value, and thus not be a gimmick. For example, many of the recently released pieces revolve around the fitness and health industry and have been well received.

Ralph Lauren has designed a line of smart shirts for use by athletes, these have a silver-coated thread that monitors the wearer’s breathing, heart rate, steps taken as well as much more. The stats are tracked using a mobile app that communicates with the shirt’s technology. The fashion design genius also plans to use the same technology in a line of classic dress shirts.

(Dress: long homecoming dresses)

Tory Burch is another designer who has forayed into the fitness and tech aspects of the fashion industry. Tory Burch has teamed up with Fitbit and released a line of three accessories that are compatible with the Fitbit Flex device, a monitor which track’s one’s fitness. These new items include a brass necklace, a cheaper silicone band, as well as a brass bracelet.

Rebecca Minkoff is considered one of the designers who has given the right combination of functionality as well as attractiveness in her wearable technology. Two of the pieces she will be introducing include a leather bracelet that doubles as a USB cable, allowing one to charge their cell phone on the go, as well as a gold chain link studded bracelet that through a Bluetooth connection would notify the wearer of any calls and texts that they may receive on their phone.

Incidentally, there is also Apple’s new watch to look forward to. From Apple you can expect mass adoption as they have always been able to ensure that and have their own dedicated fan base. Apple are known for their sleek design with their products and the Apple Watch is shaping up to be no different. With expected functionality not dissimilar to that of the iPhone and iPad products, the Apple Watch could revolutionize wearable technology thanks to the Apple brand-awareness.

So is this going to be how the fashion design world evolves? Though it may seem that wearable technology is becoming more and more popular, many are still skeptical towards the long-term popularity and the real benefits of such technology. Nobody really knows what will happen, but we’re sure going to find out in the upcoming weeks, months and years. Expectations are certainly high and with the release of huge new products from some of the biggest industry leaders, tech and clothing are set to collide in spectacular fashion.