My Top 5 #FASHTECH Innovations
Just recently I’ve noticed the increased popularity of the #fashtech movement, which charts and celebrates the convergence of fashion and technology. When you think about it, the two have much in common; both constantly reinventing themselves to stay relevant, desirable and innovative.
Only last month an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston called #techstyle included a comprehensive representation of all that falls under this union of innovation in fashion and technology, from production to performance, and ultimately, visibility.
Technology has made fashion more accessible and brands are also embracing this opportunity. Wearables, retail tech apps, interactive shopping websites, social-only fashion publications; these interpretations and more fall under the Fashion Technology umbrella. So, strut with me down the catwalk, as I reveal my 5 favourite fabulous #fashtech innovations:
1. Obsessee.com — A paperless, websiteless ‘fashion magazine’.
LA based publisher, Clique Media Group’s latest property, Obsessee.com was launched in March 2016. No luxurious paper magazine, not even a glossy website, Obsessee.com is a simple landing pagethat directs today’s fashionistas to 10 different social-media platforms, ranging from Snapchat to Spotify.
2. Ted Baker — Shoppable, intelligent video.
Ted Baker created an interactive film which offers viewers the ability to click hotspots embedded into the video content and view an item without it ruining the narrative of what they were otherwise watching. Their aim is to connect online video to the real world of people, information and products.
3. “Full Circle” — The first 360-degree VR fashion editorial ever made.
Happy Finish worked with director Norbert Schoerner to deliver “Full Circle”; the first 360-degree VR fashion editorial ever made, for Garage Magazine. Readers simply download and use the Garage Magazine app on their mobile device. By placing the device over the page as if to take a picture, the app automatically launches the 360° film, which can be experienced in VR using Google Cardboard. It positions the viewer at the centre of the content, editing their own viewpoint on what has been choreographed.
4. Leoht Tote — A beautiful bag with technical swag.
The Leoht is an entirely new handbag experience combining chic, savvy design with sleek tech features. Designed with a 6000 mAh rechargeable battery hidden inside that last up to 30 days on standby, the Leoht recharges wirelessly by placing it on its charging plate or via the micro USB port while on the go.
The Leoht Tote shines brilliantly with interior and exterior LEDs controlled with a simple click. With two USB ports, the Leoht can conveniently charge multiple devices simultaneously.
5. Project September — “The world’s first visual shopping app”.
Until now, we’ve had to search blindly for items that catch our eye on social media, often never discovering where we can actually make the purchase online. No more! Project September is a platform that combines social browsing with easy, click-to-buy shopping.
When you download the app, you can follow and browse pictures posted by editors, stylists, and other influencers. When you see something you like, an easy-to-spot green dot over the item indicates that it’s available to purchase. Even better, users can upload their own images and transform them into shoppable inspiration boards to earn commission on the sales!
So in conclusion, it’s been difficult to choose my favourite five! From design and concept, to production, performance, promotion and consumption: technology is finding its path along all the steps of the way.
It was only in 2010 that Alexander McQueen first digitally live-streamed to a wide audience a couture fashion show, so successfully that the streaming site crashed. Technology has gone a long way since that first streaming; Smartphones, Social Media, Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality…With all these new opportunities on the table fashion brands should ask themselves; What technology can do for us?
This blog first appeared on the Happy Finish website, HERE. I am Creative Evangelist with Happy Finish. If you would like to know more, please get in touch: simon.gosling@happyfinish.com.
