Summary- Fashion and Technology

I'm very passionate about fashion and technology as they both play an extremely significant role in my life. I believe I have covered a wide range of topics relating the two key components, these include 'The Smart- Swim Bikini' with in-built UV monitor,' ' Recycled Fashion,' advertising, retouching, shoe design, fashionable accessories e.g. fashionable phones, television programmes and the technology involved in fashion shoots and parades. I hope you find the topics I covered as interesting as I did.

Dove- Campaign for Real Beauty

DOVE is a renowned brand, producing skin, body cleansing and hair care products. Their mission is to make more women feel beautiful everyday and to educate and inspire all young people on a wider definition of beauty. Dove's recent television advert depicts a young girl and the media and stereotypes surrounding her. We are provided with images from magazines and advertisements on billboards etc, diet pills, slogans reading 'transform your skin,''get the perfect body in ten days' The ad features women with 'ideal and unrealistic body shapes' and others on scales and undertaking surgery. The ad ends with the words featured across the screen 'talk to your daughter before the beauty industry does.' I think this ad is extremely clever and a lot of individuals can relate to it, knowing the pressures to conform to particular stereotypes, presented through the media. The fashion industry presents size six models and movie stars with this idealistic image, as they are responding to beauty pressures, which are everywhere. There are too many girls developing low self-esteem from hang-ups about their looks. This is an issue that affects all people, regardless of age or ethnicity, and it can lead to introversion, a withdrawal from normal life and a waste of potential. Once again I think this ad depicts reality and i'm glad people are trying to fix the problems in society.

Fashion images retouched

As we all know computer retouching is involved in every fashion and beauty image that we see. I found this clip extremely interesting to see what programs like photoshop can offer, made available through technology. Retouching is an industry standard in the world of fashion and consumers are becoming more aware of such technology. Retouching can fix anything from dark circles,to making an individuals complexion come across a few shades darker, it makes people believe there is a cure for acne and can alter the lighting if the photograph was taken from the wrong angle. Retouching can fix everything- don't believe everything you see!

Footloose- The High Low Heel Shoe

I'm constantly looking for new and innovative fashion designs and the most recent development I have found is The High Low Heel Show. This invention relates to shoes and more particularly to low heel shoes which may be quickly converted to high heel shoes and vice versa. Marte den Hollander has been recognized as 'Best Graduate 2006' at the Faculty of Industrial Design, for her project Footloose, which can convert from low to high with a simple switch. Marte den Hollander claims "I designed a shoe with a high heel, which can be changed into a shoe with a low heel. No more extra pairs of shoes in your bag, no more trouble driving a car or walking stairs, no more painful feet, no more knee and ankle damage, a practical shoe without even compromising on your looks. This design is a classic example of a no pain, no gain product. The question for the brief- Would it be possible to make a shoe having all advantages of high heels, just as well as the comfort of flats? The answer, yes, although for such a product to be a serious alternative for regular heels it has to be mechanically and ergonomically sound, and moreover: it has to have allure! The technology in the shoe is evident in the heel shape. It has separate tips for both positions. While being used in one position, the other heel tip is kept out of sight in and opening in the sole. The shoe is being transformed with a simple and quick movement: the individual must pull the heel downwards to release it, after which it can be folded in or out as preferred. The adjustment of the heel position automatically changes the curvature of the sole to fit the altered shape of the foot. The mechanism has been patented. I found this design extremely creative and resourceful as most girls, especially fashion conscious females love their high heel shoes, they are getting two shoes in one at their convenience.

Escalator technology and fashion precinct

I came across this modern fashion precinct catering for the young shoppers in the Siam Paragon, an upscale shopping mall in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the biggest shopping centers in Asia. Throughout the centre the theme was artistic and expressionistic grafitti and colour on walls, floors and escalators, which move people though the fashion floors. The escalators act as a canvas and blend into the tower while being a functional form of technology disguised as a large artwork. The paintings on the walls create a relaxed and comfortable environment for the teenage shoppers. The furniture was funky and modern, with designated seating areas for the consumers to meet and greet. The centre is young and modern and showcases trendy fashions in Thailand and their designers, including end of year textiles and fashion parades, which I was priviledged to observe.

StellaLuna Advertising- 'Refrigerated Shoes'

On a recent holiday to Bangkok, I came across a visual display in The BMK Fashion building depicting the new StellaLuna range of shoes (Spring/ Summer 2007). The display included 3 large refrigerators covered extrenally with silver metallic fabric and filled with the new range of the labels current silver and gold high heels, also displaying advertising posters for the brand. This was an eye- catching display- innovative, creative and visually appealing. As I am extremely interested in art and fashion I filmed the display (although not very well as you can see from the above clip). I'm always on the lookout for unusual, artistic and ingenious ideas and when looking through my holiday photos I realised the image incorporated both fashion and technology, with the white goods of the fridge and the inclusion of shoes and fabric as the fashion. I didn't know until I further researched the brand and its advertising, which is one of the most innovative marketing and advertising brands throughout Thailand and Asia.

Below are a few links showing the brand's creativity in advertising

http://www.10ad.org/stella-shoes-ads/

http://www.10ad.org/stella-luna-ad-prints/

The Inflatable Dress- Fashion and technology united!

Fashion designers Diana Eng, who many of you might remember from 'Project Runway' on Fox8 and Emily Albinski first made headlines when their 'Inflatable Dress' made the cover of ID Magazine last fall. The duo aim to push forward technology in the fashion world. The designers are including biological and technological concepts with fashion, which is giving them a great edge in the fashion world. The 'Inflatable Dress' is designed to incorporate a hacked vacuum cleaner to inflate the dress and give it volume. A plastic cast corset with lots of switches embedded in it completes the look. The gown fits closely to the body but inflates to become bell shaped with tendril-like spikes on the back and large pillows of air on the sides. The silhouette of the gown can be changed by varying the amount of air. ID Magazine included the caption "never has a vacuum cleaner looked so sexy!" Personally, I think the dress is extremely creative and think it would look great in an exhibition or museum, although I can't see this dress being worn on a night out, although I think that the designers achieved their goal in making 'the fashion-minded more interested in the research process, and the scientifically minded more interested in fashion as a form of self-expression.' The often disparate worlds of fashion and technology are being united to create an artform which will resonate appreciation and innovation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI6WwpH4sQw Fashion Meets Technology- This is the YouTube video of the fashion parade of these two designers and if you fast forward to 7:41- 8:26 you will se 'The Inflatable Dress' being modelled.

Eighties Fashion makes a Comeback!

Ever wished you were a teenager in the eighties? A time of lycra, leg warmers, catsuits and big hair? Well never mind, because 80's fashion has made a comeback, what's old is new again. Turn the clock back a good 20 years or so and you're back on the cutting edge. Fashion trendsetters have rediscovered the looks of the 1980s. We are re-visiting the dolman sleeve, leggings, the mod mini dress, the bubble ruffle dress, Chanel, the oversized dress sweater, catsuits, jumpsuits, fluoro and wedge high heels. We all wish our mum's hung onto their old clothes, although no-one knew the trends were going to move in a circular motion. Every season some fashion trend collecting dust in our parents closets emerges once again as the height of fashion. When we think of our favourite movies such as Flashdance and Dirty Dancing we are taken back in time and although now in a more modern context we envisage leggings worn for both day and night occasions. The fashions from the past are re- emerging and through modern technologies a modern take has been introduced. Also through technology we are able to consult the media for the past looks and history of our culture.

Related websites-

80's Fashion Strikes Back

http://media.www.qcknightnews.com/media/storage/paper564/news/2006/10/19/Features/80s-Fashion.Strikes.Back-2383472.shtml

Get a leg up on this '80s fashion comeback!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13047651/

Eighties Fashion File

http://www.prebble.com/80sFashionFile.html

'Smart- Swim Bikini' with in-built UV monitor to prevent sunbathers from skin cancer...

Technology, culture, fashion and the media all collide with the inreoduction of a bikini with an in- built UV meter. Concern about rising skin cancer rates especially in Australia with our beach culture have led swimwear company 'Solestrom' to design a bikini with this UV monitor to tell you 'when you're done!' "Every year around 8,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed in the UK, causing almost 1800 deaths" (Cancer Research UK). Solestrom spokeswoman, Emily Garassa stated, "there's so much concern about sun exposure and skin cancer that we saw the demand and designed something to be safe for the wearer," The $190 Solestrom SmartSwim UV Meter Bikini sports a built in waterproof UV meter that monitors the amount of skin-damaging rays you're exposed to, letting you know when you're 'medium rare.' This 'Smart- Swim Bikini' includes technological aspects- the UV intensity is measured and displayed on a level between 0 and 20, with anything above 11, considered 'extreme,' and a reading between 3 and 5 a 'moderate' level of risk. When the reading reaches a level that is regarded as 'too high,' the bikini alerts the individual with a beeping alarm, warning the sunbather to 'cover up.' The bikini pictured is just one of the designs by Solestrom and as you can see they are fashionable while also offering this sun- safe and technological device.

A few websites with information on the Solestrom bikin's and in- built UV monitor-

www.thisnext.com/item/5750758D/Oregon-Scientific-Personal-UV

http://www.therawfeed.com/2006/07/uv-monitor-bikini-tells-you-when-youre.html

blogofwishes.com/trendy-clothes/solestrom-smartswim-uv-intensity-bikini/

A jacket that turns into a backpack and pillow!

A jacket that turns into a backpack and pillow? Is there such a thing? Yes! Xip3 hybrid revolution gear have designed this three function form of technology, perfect for any individual travelling as it is versatile, functional and climate friendly. This servicable 'jack pack' converts from a jacket into a backpack by flipping straps out from a pocket in the liner and folding the body inside. Also, Zippered compartments provide a fairly reasonable amount of space, equivalent to a small daypack. This jacket will be retailed at $500. The advanced technology includes a water repellent, fast drying shell made with 'Schoeller's 3XDRY' which repels moisture and is highly breathable. Uses 'EcoSmart' fleece lining, a silky-soft 100% recycled polyester providing outstanding warmth & breathability. This versatile jacket is available in a variety of fashionable colours- Black with orange trim, orange with black trim, black with red trim and red with black trim. This functional item includes various practical devices. The jacket includes: A two way zipper, zippered and cargo sleeve pockets, chest pocket with mp3 player outlet, reflective piping, velcro cuffs and a stow- away hood. The backpack shows reflective piping, reflective logo, mesh bottle pocket, main compartment, front pocket and collar stow away flap. Finally, the pillow reveals a waterproof stain resistant side and soft super stretch material. Fashion and technology are definately being incorporated in this concept. A practical and fashionable item in one, what more can we ask for?

Check out the site and view all of the latest technologies, even if it is just to see how advanced technology is becoming. From the Xip3 'Jack Pack' to 'The Towel-Matic Touch-less Paper towel dispenser', to the 'Mini Kitchen.'

digitalgraffiti.typepad.com/.../06/index.html

'Fashion TV- Fashion and technology united!'

An example of a segment from Fashion TV.

'Fashion TV- Fashion and technology united!'

'Fashion TV' is an international TV channel dedicated to fashion, broadcasts 24 hours a day on satellites and cable systems. FTV is the only 24 hours / 7 days fashion, beauty and style TV station worldwide and provides glamorous entertainment with emphasis on the latest trends. "
FTV is the first global media vehicle to deliver the latest fashion trends, models, events, news and gossip. FTV is first in information - when it happens, where it happens."
This Beauty and Fashion Channel has access to all of the latest Fashion TV programming from which it cultivates a daily six-hour block of haute couture programming and trend-setting style videos, including video diaries of top designers, interviews with leading models and an insider's view of style at the most glamorous parties and fashion shows on the planet. Fashion and technology interlinked once again and within the television we are presented with parades, shoots and launches which all emcompass other significant items of technology e.g. cameras, lighting, styling tools etc. Another form of technology makes Fashion TV available worldwide-broadcasts in 202 countries to over 300 million households. Based in Paris, France, since 1997, Fashion TV is broadcast on 38 satellites and over thousands of cable operators.

'Fashion shoots and technology'

Fashion photo shoots involve a lot of background work and lots of technological equipment, have a look...

'Mercedes- Benz CLK Giorgrio Armani Design Car'

Fashion is apparent not only in clothes, but also in accessories, shoes and even hairstyles. It can be applied to people, as well as to architecture, car design and works of art. In fact, practically anything can fashionable. Car design is a form of fashion, always changing, it can never be predicted, and often looks to the past for answers to the future. Luxury auto makers are paying attention to high fashion. Throughout the decades of car design there have been many events and technological advances which have helped bring about major design trend changes. New technologies have made it possible for more complicated compound curves and forms of a cars body to be built at a speedier rate. Although, advances in non- automotive technology and lifestyle have also had their impact on car design.

Mercedes-Benz and Giorgio Armani announced the start of a new joint cooperative venture, the first initiative being the creation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Giorgio Armani Design Car. Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President, Mercedes Car Group said "Giorgio Armani’s philosophy of style, elegance, innovation and quality resonate strongly with our own brand strategy." Design and style clearly dominateo our world, which and in this situation provide a fundamental and inspiring basis for promising collaborative initiatives. Dr Schmidt also states,"we are happy to be able to share our ’Passion for Design & Style’ with one of the most important fashion designers of our time." Giorgio Armani's concept in designing the color and material for the car was inspired by fashion history, aiming to bring back that sense of handcraftsmanship that one associates with vintage cars, thereby creating a modern, timeless and ultra-elegant feeling. Fashion and technology are definately interlinkeed in this case and even more as I note that the display of the Mercedes-Benz CLK Giorgio Armani Design Car will be introduced and presented during Milan Fashion Week.

The reason I decided to write about car design and how it has become both fashionable and an important element of technology is because I just recently got a new BMW and I can't believe how advanced the technology is and how great the car looks.

Fashion internships only available via The Internet

As we all know, Myspace is an extremely popular social networking site, offering an interactive, user-submitted network of friends, personal profiles, blogs, groups, photos, music, fashion and videos internationally. Fashion labels are easy to access and recently through Myspace, 'V- raw' have launched a site as a hub for design, fashion and music. They are offering to make dream jobs become reality through internships. They are Australia's most creative minds helping you get your foot in the door. The Myspace site shows a video of the fashion editor for Cosmopolitan magazine, Nicole Adolphe and she states 'this internship is a great opportunity, these job opportunities aren't included in newspapers or magazines, this is the only way to get your foot in the door.' I thought this was amazing, especially as it highlights the links between our modern culture, fasion, the media and technology.

Check out the site http://www.myspace.com/vraw

Mobile phone design and merchandising

Mobile phones are more than just a communication device, they can echo your personal style. The public presentation of the mobile phone has been carefully crafted, typical of all commercialised products. In the past 2 years, a couture collection of phones has been unveiled. LG have produced the 'Prada' phone and if you are not really a labels type of person you might not be familiar with the brand. Prada is a well- known Italian fashion companywith retail outlets world-wide. Consumer electronics brand, Motorola, have also released a mobile phone, teaming up with another high-end fashion house 'Dolce and Gabbana.' These phones have brought a new level to the mobile phone arena. We must note that fashion is not only interlinked with the mobile phone product itself but its advertising too.

A modern, futuristic design impulse is strongly articulated in advertising campaigns for mobile communication, evident in numerous mobile phone ads. The emphasis on stylish design, elite status and fashion appears to have a central part of marketing. Recent mobile phone ads underscore the continuing importance of fashion in the public presentation of the technology. One of the adverts is a photograph, set in Budapest airport, taken in 2004. It shows a pedestrian passing in front of a lit billboard style ad. The ad depicts two high fashion items: a luxury watch and a designer purse, accompanied by a siemens phone. The equivalence is clear. As the photograph was being taken, a stylish lady, engaged with her own mobile phone, passed in front of the billboard ad and is captured in the foreground. The lateral space of an airport can provide a unique environment within which to promote mobile phones. The long corridors can be used to project extended images of mobile phones as statements of fashion and lifestyle. Fashion remains then an important aspect to mobile phone design and merchandising.