The future of fashion + technology, and why you should care even if you hate clothes

Disclaimer: The author is the founder of Mylo.

Although fashion and technology are often perceived as entirely distinct fields, the two have always intersected — generally to the betterment of both industries.

Take today’s ultimate staple: blue jeans. Originally manufactured for cowboys, miners and factory workers in the mid 1800s, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Rebel Without a Cause and its star James Dean sparked its popularity and widespread adoption — a perfect example of the influential scope that technology and fashion possess when they converge.

Now consider this.

As technology presses onward, each successive generation of computing becomes more personal, and wearable technology like the Apple Watch seems to be the next logical step.

That said, plenty of devices, past and present, are riddled with a nerdy stigma (cellphone belt clips, bluetooth earpieces anyone?). If technology is going to be attached to you, you don’t want to look like a cyborg.

Despite attempts at courting the fashion world, Google Glass’ futuristic appearance was widely panned as looking too ridiculous to be worn by anyone outside of a laboratory.

As a result of its slick design and promotional campaign, The Apple Watch has been a little more successful. A recent 15 second spot featuring Chloë Sevigny did an excellent job highlighting the watch’s customisable bands and faces, but the watch itself is not all that appealing as an accessory in a strict fashion sense. It still feels a little too much like a toy to be taken seriously.

So how do you take advantage of these innovations without looking like you walked out of a Star Trek convention? And what about the myriad ways that technology is improving the retail experience?

Here are 6 considerations that will help you take full advantage of the convenience, sartorial advice, and philanthropic benefits afforded by the marriage of fashion and technology.

Invisibility

Not the superpower, but close 😉 In this iteration, invisibility refers to technology that you can’t see or feel.

OMsignal, for example, is a next generation thread that’s woven into garments and has the ability to track your heart, breathing rate, count your steps and calories burned.

Jewelry

3D and 4D Printing

Social Responsibility

Sustainability

Smart Mirrors

Simplicity