IoT meets fashion
The world of connected wearables can often fall short when it comes to keeping up with the latest fashion trends, but as the “Internet of Things” evolves, so does the futuristic fashion scene.
At the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Intel showcased the Smart Spider Dress that is powered by Intel’s Edison. The 3D-printed dress, designed by Anouk Wipprecht, combines wearables, robotics, fashion and self-defense.
“Spider Dress acts as the interface between the body and the external world. It uses technology and the garment as a medium of interaction,” Wipprecht told Intel.
The self-defense mechanism kicks in when someone gets a little too close for comfort.
“Approach the wearer too aggressively and the mechanical limbs move up to an attack position. Approach the system under calmer circumstance and the dress just might beckon you to come closer with smooth, suggestive gestures,” writes Wipprecht.
As impressive as it is, the Smart Spider Dress may not be ready for everyday wear, but other fashion-forward IoT devices are designed for just that. The newly released Swarovski Shine Collection combines Swarovski’s signature crystal jewelry with Misfit’s wearable activity-tracking technology. The collection is designed to accessorize everything from gym clothes to evening gowns.
“My favorite part of this collection is that it’s truly modular. We have the Swarovski Shine piece, which is the activity tracker that works with nine different accessories, everything from a bracelet to something more casual, all the way to a really dressy necklace, something you could really wear out,” a Swarovski representative told RCR Wireless News.
A solar-powered version of the Swarovski Shine is also available. The device powers itself without the need for batteries or charging.
“It stores the power, so 15 minutes of sunlight gives about a day or two of power,” said the representative.
The trendy wearables are now available online and in Swarovski stores.
