fashion x technology: new developments

To me, there's nothing cooler than how far advanced we have become technologically. I absolutely love and support any and all technological innovations that have an aim to enrich our lives. When it comes to fashion, I've noticed some absolutely jaw-dropping creations that have come about within the last year or so. I couldn't be happier to see this type of technological advancement in the fashion industry and in my opinion, it's long overdue.

One in particular that initially brought my attention to this was the whole concept of wearable technology. If you're not too familiar, there's a whole movement of brands working with technological engineers to create clothing that is interactive, which currently consists of a large market of athletic wear.

None other than Diane Von Furstenberg was one of the first fashion designers to bring wearable tech to the forefront, by including Google Glass in her NYFW collection in 2012. Her models sported the new technology on the catwalk and thus set a precedent when it comes to wearable technology being featured in actual collections on the runway.

The Levi’s Commuter x Jacquard by Google Trucker Jacket is a piece of wearable technology designed specifically for urban cyclists. Conductive yarn is weaved into the left cuff of the jacket enabling touch interactivity so users can tap, swipe or hold to complete simple tasks like changing music tracks, blocking or answering calls or accessing navigation information (voice activated). This is a significant development because not only does the functionality answer an actual need for cyclists, but it genuinely looks fashionable while doing so.

One of my favorite moments EVER in the history of the Met Gala definitely has to be Claire Danes' iconic dress designed by Zac Posen. It essentially was a 21st century version of a Cinderella ball gown. The dress literally lit up with fiberoptic technology that was embedded in the organza dress. It was perfect for the theme of the Met Gala earlier this year, which was "Manus x Machina: Fashion in An Age of Technology."

XO Creative Director Nancy Tilbury teamed up with VFiles to launch a collection in New York back in February that used similar fiberoptic technology that catered towards Generation Z. A cap and rucksack will retail later this year, enabling the wearer to change the surface colors and patterns in response to music via an accompanying app.

As I was scrolling through twitter the other day, I stumbled upon something that was way too cool to ignore. Although it's not too recent, the indescribable and innovative designs that stem from the brain of designer Hussein Chalayan are absolutely revolutionary when it comes to technology being integrated in fashion. Take a look at his creations in 2008, that combined Swarovski crystals and laser beams.

He's created several different designs and even entire collections that are completely technologically driven and composed. Take a look at this video of his transformer dress in 2013:

Technology that is seen in brands such as The Unseen is simply remarkable. Their collaboration with Selfridges is a prime example of the direction that fashion is heading in upcoming years, and they have actually launched to market. Founder and material alchemist Lauren Bowker described this start-up business as one that has captured the simple concept of colors that alter on a fabric based on user interaction and their surrounding environment. They launched the collection in late 2015 which featured a line including backpacks, scarves, phone cases and more that were responsive to air pressure, body temperature, touch, wind, and sunlight. Environmentally-responsive ink can transform an Italian alligator-skin from black in the winter, to red in the spring, blue in the summer, and green fading to red in the fall.

It's amazing to see the talent that conspires new thoughts and ideas when it comes to combining technology with actual fashion design. I am so excited to see what develops and comes about in the coming years through innovative designers and brands such as these.