Fashion Week Part 1: Our Favourite FashTech Moments

So being a digital agency writing about fashion week, there was an obvious topic: technology.

Over the years technology has played a bigger and bigger role in over lives, so much so that it influences pretty much all aspects of our world. So now that we’re part of this digital age, what better thing to do than embrace it.

Fashion has always pushed the boundaries, challenging what it means to wear clothes, what they look, feel and move like. New designers especially have been a driving force behind innovation.

Over the last few years, technology has become a medium that designers are experimenting more and more with. Opening up our minds to new ideas and increasing the theatrical nature and impact of their shows.

Love or loath, if nothing else these wondrous creations act as a talking point and a sure fire way to boost our social likes. After all, everyone loves something kitsch they can post on Instagram…!

So in the run up to LFW SS17, here are a few of our favourite “FashTech” moments:

During his Spring Summer collection in 2007, Chalayan created dresses that changed shape through the use of microchips and animatronics. By building a hidden electronic infrastructure beneath the garments, Chalayan created pieces that transformed through fashion periods – from 20s through to the new millenia.

At this year’s Met Gala, the theme was technology and among a throw of ‘cyber’ inspired outfits, Zac Posen actually succeeded in creating something inspired using technology. Teaming up with Google, he created a stunning illuminated ball gown showcased by Claire Danes.

This was not Zac’s first foray into LED clothing, having already sent Coco Rocha down the runway for his SS16 show, closing the collection with a black dress ‘embellished’ with 500 LED lights which glowed in a variety of colours and patterns. The dress was later worn IRL by Lupita Nyong’o for a premier of Star Wars.

Ahead of his time as always, back in 1999, McQueen closed his Spring Summer presentation with a model whose dress was spray painted by robots. Shalom Harlow stood on a spinning circular platform wearing a dress which had previously been shown in the collection whilst two robots on either side ‘decorated’ the dress with an abstract design.

Never one to shy away from something new, Diane von Furstenberg sent her models down the runway sporting Google Glass to film her Spring 2013 runway show at New York Fashion Week. She also used the gadget to film backstage, before ending the event wearing the glasses herself – showing just how blurred the lines between technology and fashion can be.

Iris Van Herpen definitely deserves a mention for her incredible use of 3D printing throughout her career. Starting with her first 3D printed dresses in 2009, Van Herpen has created an extensive portfolio of unique pieces using a combination of technology and conventional techniques such as draping, moulding and craftsmanship. Continuing to explore the boundaries of innovation.