We’re only in the beginning of the convergence of fashion and technology. What will the future look like?
(My) Definitions
Fashion is how we express ourselves to the outside world. Technology is using tools to improve the quality of life.
Technology becomes a utility when paired with fashion. Since many of the utilities in our life are used in public, why not look good doing it?
I agree with the notion that “things” (smoke detectors, sneakers, refrigerators, watches, wallets, etc.) will become connected devices.
Social Utilities
Before Apple came along, using your phone was just starting to become fashion. Apple accelerated that trend with the iPhone and is aiming to do the same with the Apple Watch.
The companies that perform best in the next decade will understand how to combine technology and fashion to create social utilities.
Update 10/10
BoF published a piece this morning on how the Apple Watch is being introduced in China; via a Vogue cover piece.
I wanted to highlight this quote from Angelica Cheung, Vogue China’s editor-in-chief, which touches on the concept of a social utility:
“…I saw the watches and thought they looked rather good; some are sporty and others are very classic and elegant. At the same time, they all have so many functions that would be useful in our daily life. I just thought that they combined technology, style and functionality and were very modern and, therefore, perfect accessories for the modern-day woman which is what the Vogue China woman is about.”
