​​The saying what goes around comes around not only applies to fashion and technology, but it expands. Inventors and fashion designers are one of the same. In the sense that they are creating something that will improve the betterment of life as we know it, even though we wear it. Like most current long lasting life essentials fashion is making the switch into being more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The future of fashion and technology are intertwined. Who knew fashion and technology would finally cross paths? But, hasn’t the future of fashion and technology already begun? Fashion brands and designers are joining the movement of wearable technology. Technology is evolving and designers are taking advantage of it. Designers are working with advanced technology to enhance clothing and the fashion industry. There have been many strives for fashion that can be both eco-friendly and a means of sustainability. Wearable technology will inform consumers on living a more “sustainable” life. 

These are the technologies, of the future today:

Photo: Wearable Solar

​So, you forgot your charger and your phone's dying. One day, we will be able to charge our electronics by our clothing. Solar powered clothing will be integrated into clothing as a means to power our electronics. ​

Photo: Rainbow Winters

Designers such as Amy Winters, are developing garments that respond to the environment, simply by reacting to their surroundings.  ​

Photo: Electrolux Design Lab

Polluted air will now be purified at our wrists. The Hand Tree designed by Alexander Kostin, filters polluted air and recycles it back into the atmosphere. 

Photo: Google Project Jacquard

Jacquard is a smart fabric that is being developed by Google’s Advanced Technology and Projects. The fabric will still look and feel just the same as any traditional fabric. However, this fabric will be able to interact with digital devices. Jacquard enables interactivity in two ways:
1) it allows simple gestures to be recognized with programming and,
2) it turns the surface of the garment into a touch screen.
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Imagine being able to make a phone call or reply to a text through clothing. Google is partnering with designers, textile mills, and iconic brands, such as Levi’s, to advance this project.

Photo: Pocket-lint

Victoria's Secret's new "Incredible" sports bra features detachable electrodes that monitor heart-rate. Available in two colors, Hello Lovely (pink) and Black Marl (grey), this is the epitome of combining fashion and technology. The Smart Bra also includes sweat absorbent fabric, supportable padding, and seamless technology.  Easy to care for, this bra is machine washable.

The future of fashion is here today. Designers are integrating advance technology in collections to become more environmentally friendly. The need for sustainability is a growing design philosophy and trend in the fashion industry. Fashion brands such as Helpsy, Master&Muse and ZADY are at the forefront of corporate social responsibility. A world with integrated fashion and technology can sound a little weird at the beginning, but beneficial in the long run.

Course Name: FSH 617 01: MS: Introduction to Fashion Journalism
Instructor: Stephan Rabimov

May 12, 2015