How Technology Has Disrupted Fashion
Fashion and tech are a match made for each other. Both industries are always on the cusp of what’s next and innovative. what better way to show off the latest in fashion than with incorporating the latest technologies. Changing consumer behavior is reshaping the fashion industry and even moreso now with the Covid-19 pandemic, fashion companies will have to think quick on how incorporating technology can ensure their brands make it through these uncertain times.
If traditional fashion companies and brands want to survive, they will have to integrate new technologies, invest in adopting innovative business models, and engage consumers through different digital channels to keep them coming back. Let’s take a look at some of the ways technology is reshaping fashion.
Wearable tech
Wearable tech adds computing functions to the fibers of clothing, making our interaction with tech even more mobile and effortless.
Examples of that include color changing “smart” fabrics, such as the case with Chromorphus where users can change the colors of the fabric via their smartphone app.
Retractable heels: Ladies, if you’ve ever came across the perfect pair of heels that were just a little too high, then you’re in luck. Brands such as Runway heels are changing the game with heels where with the click of a button you heels can become flats or even shorter in length.
LED incorporated into garments is something we’ve seen quite a few times on red carpets and on-stage performances with stars including Ariana Grande, Clare Danes, and Katy Perry.
3-D printing is another form of technology that the fashion industry has taken a liking to, designers such as Iris Van Herpen has really established herself as the master of this craft, take a look at her designs below
Burlesque legend Dita Von Teese also made headlines when she wore this fully 3-d printed dress
In addition to the numerous products that have developed as a result of the merge of fashion and technology, brick and mortar stores are having to take a good look at themselves and decide on ways to draw customers back into stores. One of the leaders taking the reigns on this is LA-based brand, Reformation.
CEO of Reformation, Yael Aflalo aims to make shopping less stressful with touch screens where users are able to select a style and their size which would then alert an associate in the backroom and it would be ready for them in the dressing room. She was inspired by a visit to one of Tesla showroom’s as well as her experiences at the Apple Store: busy, yet efficient.
Ralph Lauren has also taken note by introducing interactive screens with changing images in New York city stores, allowing people to make purchases right from their smartphones without having to enter the store!
Huge tech brands such as Microsoft have also dipped their feet into the waters of fashion by collaborating with department store Bloomingdales and setting up virtual fitting rooms where users can “try" on” clothing without actually trying them on. The future of fashion is tech and we can’t wait to see what these brands come up with next!