Smart Home Lifestyle

Techno Fashion; You Wear it Well

"Electronics envy" is as prevalent today as "shoe envy" was in my time.  Little girls, once dressed in pearls, now adorn outfits with pastel pink iPods and patent leather jeweled cell phones.  It's no longer just sugar and spice; it's more about staying connected while looking just right.  Has style become more important than the technology itself?  And who's leading whom in this classic game of “opposites attract?”  Pioneer, meet Prada.  And Chanel, this is Crestron.

"Lately, I think the designs are more of a hippie-casual, but dressy, wear-to work style," said Rachael Lyon, Express Assistant Manager.  "That goes along with the technology of cell phones, they're very sleek, but casual. With fashion, designers make slender cuts on shirts and pants and small pockets, so you've got to have smaller electronics."  

These days, technology is the sidekick to any outfit, like a purse, tie, scarf, interchangeable depending on trend, budget and mood.  And while cell phones are the hottest of the tech trends, it’s the iPod that took “color blending” to the next level.  Apple Computers set the stage, mixing fanciful and sexy to create a softer, more approachable side to technology’s “cold” edge.  Apple’s unique approach brings out the child in all of us.  Apple’s the “Willy Wonka” of techno fashion.

"With technology, it all starts out with the basics; white, black and brown.  And now they're going to more funky colors," said Lyon.  "You kind of see that here (Express) too.  Before we were just kind of black, white, brown and green.   Now we've got all different shades of color.  We evolved along with technology."

So which did come first, the fashion or the tech?  TV and movies provide a clue.  Who can forget Carrie Bradshaw's laptop "purse" on "Sex and the City," that took the spotlight from her Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals for an entire episode?  Or the way Elle Wood's colorful Mac computer clashed with the painfully beige Harvard Law School walls in the movie "Legally Blonde?”  It’s all about color and even more about personalization.  Technology is no longer for boy’s night out.

"We’re looking for things that stands out more, things that match and go together.  For example, the silver iPods are very popular with my guy friends because they go with everything,” said Amber Amburn, Abercrombie & Fitch Store Manager.  “But we like the pink ones, because they're 'girly',"

Techno fashion isn't just a mall kiosk phenomenon; it's made a name for itself with the fashion elite.  Top fashion designers partner with electronics manufacturers, turning the catwalk into the tech-walk.  On September 10, the premier of Pret a PSP (PlayStation Portable) made its debut at NY fashion week.  Top designers including Christian Louboutin, Tommy Hilfiger and Anna Sui revealed exclusive PSP accessories, as modeled by celebrities and supermodels such as Nicky Hilton. 

"We are pleased to be working with these elite designers as they showcase the true portability of PSP and establish it as a must-have accessory for today's mobile lifestyle where fashion and technology go hand-in-hand." said Molly Smith, senior director, communications and brand development, Sony Computer Entertainment America.

So for the rest of us, what's the real appeal of these aesthetically pleasing gadgets?  Simple- affordability mixed with high-fashion design.  Not many can spare the cash for this season's hottest runway trends, but most can afford a designer cell phone case, or laptop sleeve. 

"I think it's fun to have one or two pieces small designer pieces," said Amburn.  "They're not as expensive as an actual Kate Spade purse.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec