The Tech Mode - When Fashion Partners with Technology

Technology to fashion poses two extremes where either technology or fashion dominates the counterpart. Sometimes technology creates "usable fashion", such as Tommy Hilfiger’s attempt at taking the concept of recharging phones to the next level by using solar power. In late 2014, Hilfiger developed two solar – powered jackets designed with wool tartan, for both men and women to wear. Accompanied with light weight solar panels that could be snapped on and off at the wearer’s will, makes the jacket fashionable and yet offers a solution to the individual wearing the jacket.

Hilfiger's Solar Powered Jacket

The other extreme allows technology to provide an aesthetic appeal to fashion. Mainly to create drama in the eyes of the spectator. Fashion is a platform, where followers yearn to BE SEEN. Technology in the recent past has helped project fashion in that very direction.

"Francesca Rosella of interactive fashion brand CuteCircuit claims advances in digital "smart" fabrics will revolutionize the fashion industry, allowing us to download new styles for our clothes rather than buying new garments." [1]

CuteCircuit's "Hug Shirt", that can send hugs virtually (top) and their Autumn/Winter Ready-to-Wear 2014/15 collection (bottom)

On the other hand, technology has long evolved from being a source of external assistance (such as chargers and LED search lights) and is now becoming one and apart of everyone's lives, improving the quality of living in terms of health and personal safety. Similar to biometric smart wear, wearable technology now aims to moderate one's mood during the day. The new device called "Thync", introduced this month, that could be attached to the wearer's temple alternates subliminal jolts of electricity via a smart phone app, resulting in curbing/boosting the attitude of the user between two modes, namely "calm" and "energetic".

Thync device (top) and the app (bottom)

Although, unlike the initial two examples, Thync is a gamble according to reviews stating that the effects weren't long lasting and the product itself didn't seem like a fashionable thing to wear. Also, points of concern were the long term side effects of the said product. This shows that wearable technology still has a long way to go in terms of factors beyond aesthetics, because once a product hits the utility bar, the commercial market determines its success purely on how effective the product is in addition to the way it looks.

Sources -

Arthur, Rachel; "Tommy Hilfiger's Solar-Powered Jacket - Wearable Tech in Review"; 20 Nov, 2014; Forbes.com; Web; 7 Oct, 2015; http://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelarthur/2014/11/20/tommy-hilfigers-solar-powered-jacket-wearable-tech-in-review/

[1] Hobson, Ben; "With smart textiles we can 'download new colours or patterns' to our clothes"; 29 Aug, 2014; Dezeen.com; Web; 7 Oct, 2015; http://www.dezeen.com/2014/08/29/movie-francesca-rosella-cutecircuit-digital-fashion-smart-textiles/

n.a; "Wearable tech aims to give you a jolt - or help you relax"; 6 Oct 2015; cbsnews.com; Web; 7 Oct, 2015; http://www.cbsnews.com/news/wearable-device-thync-helps-change-mood-says-ceo/