The Record Breaking Speedo LZR Racer Swimsuit (and Copycats)
Jeremy Gutsche — April 13, 2008 — Fashion
References: theaustralian.news.au & gizmodo
Speedo's LZR Racer Swimsuit is already invoked controversy, with critics believing that the swimsuit is, "Too slippery when wet." In fact, officials at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) have already contemplated banning the suit.
However, FINA made the decision to allow the LZR Racer under the condition that other swimsuit makers were allowed to copy the design without risk or challenge of infringing Speedo patents.
With the Beijing Olympics just around the corner, it should come as no surprise that rival manufactures are responding with copycat swimsuits. One company, Arena International, has launched their 'very similar' swimsuit. Gizmodo is calling it a 'swimsuit arms race'.
How much does the suit really make a difference? Put it this way: since the LZR Racer was launched, 33 world records have fallen. The Australian notes that swimmers are calling the suit, "Doping on a hanger."
The cost: $800.
However, FINA made the decision to allow the LZR Racer under the condition that other swimsuit makers were allowed to copy the design without risk or challenge of infringing Speedo patents.
With the Beijing Olympics just around the corner, it should come as no surprise that rival manufactures are responding with copycat swimsuits. One company, Arena International, has launched their 'very similar' swimsuit. Gizmodo is calling it a 'swimsuit arms race'.
How much does the suit really make a difference? Put it this way: since the LZR Racer was launched, 33 world records have fallen. The Australian notes that swimmers are calling the suit, "Doping on a hanger."
The cost: $800.
Trend Themes
1. Advanced Performance Swimsuits - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an advanced performance swimsuit that rivals the Speedo LZR Racer and offers unique features to enhance swimmer performance.
2. Fast Fashion Swimwear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a line of affordable swimwear inspired by the high-performance design of the LZR Racer, making advanced swimwear accessible to a wider audience.
3. Sustainable Swimwear - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design eco-friendly swimwear that combines advanced performance features with sustainable materials and production methods, meeting the rising demand for environmentally conscious products.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Apparel - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop high-tech, performance-focused swimwear that pushes the boundaries of athletic clothing and enhances athletes' capabilities.
2. E-commerce - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online platform that offers a wide range of swimwear options, including advanced performance swimsuits and affordable alternatives, catering to the growing demand for convenient and accessible shopping experiences.
3. Sustainable Fashion - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a sustainable fashion brand that specializes in eco-friendly swimwear, providing consumers with ethical and stylish options in the swimwear market.
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