High fashion is embracing the tech industry out of necessity
Implications - Whereas once technology's function-over-form gimmicks were deemed below the realm of high fashion, today it's impossible to ignore the ubiquity of tech in daily life of all classes. Rather than continuing to spurn tech, fashion brands have responded by redesigning devices and gadgets that better mesh with contemporary styles. This shows the importance of brands recognizing the realities of daily life for their target consumers and leaning into those factors (instead of pushing them aside in the name of brand image).
Workshop Question - What aspect of your target consumers' daily life is out of sync with your brand's image? How could you restructure part of your brand's offering to fit with that aspect?
Trend Themes
1. Fashion-tech Integration - Recognizing the ubiquity of tech in daily life, fashion brands have responded by redesigning devices and gadgets that better mesh with contemporary styles.
2. Stylistic Technology - Consumers are demanding technology that is both functional and aesthetically fashionable, creating opportunities for the design of high-end home security cameras, virtual reality headsets, and headphones.
3. Smartwatch and Wearable Tech - With traditional watches no longer competing with smartphones, Louis Vuitton has released a smartwatch, and other designers are creating fashionable smartwatch bands.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - The fashion industry has embraced technology, leading to collaborations with technology brands and the creation of tech-inspired fashion accessories.
2. Technology Industry - The technology industry has responded to the demand for fashionable devices with the creation of aesthetically pleasing home security equipment and high-end virtual reality headsets.
3. Consumer Electronics Industry - The demand for fashionable technology has created opportunities for the design of trendy smartwatches and other wearable technology.
