Model-actor Vivian Dawson (front) at a promotional event for Mis-fit in Beijing.(Photo provided to China Daily)
With the technology-themed Met Gala red carpet held in New York earlier this week, "smart tech" has become a buzzword in the fashion industry.
The two worlds, which rarely interacted with each other a few years ago, are now integrating seamlessly.
Leading the trend is American wearable technology company Misfit, which recently held a fashion show in Beijing, showcasing its latest product Ray, a wrist fitness and sleep monitor.
The runway show presented 12 looks styled around the product.
Ray follows Shine－Misfit's first wearable fitness and sleep monitor.
Designed as a band, Ray can work with watches as an accessory.
"We want to make wearable technology that does not look like wearable technology. We want to make products that are indistinguishable from jewelry," says Sonny Vu, co-founder of Misfit, who is also president and chief technology officer of Connected Devices at Fossil Group.
The company was recently acquired by Fossil Group, which makes watches for brands like Michael Kors, Diesel, Adidas, Karl Lagerfeld and Burberry.
The move will take the brand closer to the fashion world, says Vu.
"Both of us (the two companies) care about design and fashion. We have a common vision of combining fashion and technology. So it's a good match," he says, adding that the brand will be even more fashion focused in the future.
While wearable devices have been in the market for a few years now, Vu says people are now expecting more things from them－like good design, fashion elements, customizability and the ability to remotely control things.
While wearable technology is now mainly focused on tracking and notification, Vu says that in the coming years it will blend more invisibly into people's lives.
"Instead of checking the phone all the time, hopefully I can just check my watch and get the information right away."
China is now one of the fastest-growing markets for Misfit, outside the United States.
And Ray, priced from about 800 yuan ($123), is now being sold in China through online retailers JD and Tmall, and Apple's physical stores.
"China is interesting not just because there are a lot of people here, but because people here are open to technology."
Misfit has also worked with Swarovski on a crystal-studded collection.
It is now open to all brands that focus on fashion and design, says Vu.
