These tech-redefine the meaning of fashion forward
There’s growing pressure on designers to meld fashion and function. Charlene Co scours the market for wearables that will catch the eye of tech- loving fashionistas
Feeling a bit over the sporty black bands and glary screens of those clever bits of technology that monitor our fitness and wellness? Not everyone wants to step out looking as if they’re off to the gym or out for a run. Fortunately, wearable technology companies have recognised this and responded with a range of new products, so no longer does monitoring our fitness come at the expense of style.
Take Fitbit, for example. In a bid to appeal to more women, the tech giant partnered with Tory Burch in 2014 to dress up its Flex model, integrating Tory Burch’s signature open design with a goldplated bracelet and necklace, and its signature pattern with a silicon band. The product was such a hit that Fitbit last year partnered with fashion brands Public School and Simply Vera by Vera Wang to create chic versions of its Alta and Flex models. These tieups offer fashionand healthconscious individuals a good selection of Fitbits—an edgy Alta by Public School comes with a stainless steel band or a paracord bracelet, and Vera Wang’s stylish take on the Flex offers a choice of a chainlink bracelet, doubleleather strap, or a combination of both.
Another techfashion collaboration, the Apple Watch Hermès made waves when it debuted in 2015, attracting those looking for a more luxurious and exclusive version of the Apple watch. The latest version, the Apple Watch Hermès Series 2, was launched last year and displays three different faces representing Hermès’ Clipper, Cape Cod, and Espace timepieces. It’s matched with Hermès’
handcrafted leather bands and comes with a trendy double buckle cuff in Hermès’ Swift and Epsom calfskin leather.
Fashion brands Kate Spade and Michael Kors have also released activity trackers. Linked to their respective apps, the Kate Spade New York Scallop bracelet and Michael Kors Access Trackers not only monitor your sleep and keep a tally of your steps and calories burned, they also allow the user to set personal goals and count down to events or celebrations, as well as control music and help take selfies.
Not to be outdone, Swarovski partnered with tech company Misfit to develop a solar-powered Shine bracelet. The crystalencrusted piece doubles as a fitness tracker and a sleep monitor, and with two taps on the crystal, the bracelet turns into a watch.
Bellabeat and other tech companies are pushing the envelope in terms of designing jewellery-like health trackers that feature ingenious functions. Bellabeat launched Leaf in 2015, a leaf-shaped health and wellness tracker made in natural wood (Leaf Nature) or a composite that resembles stone (Leaf Urban). They can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or clip. Connected to the Leaf app, these devices monitor the wearer’s movements throughout the day and number of calories burned, and offer guided deep-breathing and meditation exercises. They also chart and analyse the wearer’s sleep cycle and, for those who want to conceive, monitor the menstrual cycle.
The Ela tracker bracelet by Richline Group and Ringly’s string of wellness products do their utmost to conceal— and beautifully—the technology that drives them. The Ela comes with a round or square faceted face and a choice of metal bracelet or leather strap, while Ringly’s bracelets, cocktail rings and pendants are gold-plated and set with gemstones. The gemstones give off a soft glow and the fitness tracker gently vibrates to notify you of events occurring on your phone, such as calls, messages and updates on social media.
Vinaya’s wearable technology, meanwhile, goes beyond physical wellness and helps the wearer discover how his or her habits and actions trigger stress and affect productivity. Launched last year, the Altruis X bracelet provides customised content and filtered notifications, as well as guided meditation, breathing exercises and “intention-setting” tools. The Altruis X collection features 10 designs with straps in metal mesh or sporty silicone, and a splash-proof zirconia ceramic stone that conceals the technology.
Now take your pick and thank your lucky stars that we need not choose between style and function.