At times, it feels like technology is leading us toward a future in which our identities start and stop with a designated number. No more birth names, just usernames and passwords that define our entire identity. Realistically, the future of fashion technology may be the only possibility for expressing yourself in this dark future.
Shows like Star Trek and movies like The Giver paint a picture where everyone wears the exact same clothing, with minimal differences in shade or color.
But, I just can’t see this future playing out since most of us will spend a lifetime creating our identity. Naturally, we want to be seen and to restrict clothing is to oppress self-expression.
Ironically, the last company you’d expect to fulfill this expressive future of fashion technology, Google, is helping define digital fashion. With New York Fashion Week in full-swing, Google has launched Coded Couture – an app that’ll help users create a one-of-a-kind dress for a gala, party, or work.
What do Google’s stained sweatshirt-wearing computer programmers know about fashion? Still nothing. But, they teamed up with H&M Group’s digital fashion house Ivyrevel to take care of the aesthetic part of Coded Couture.
Google isn’t showing up empty-handed, though. The app collects data on a user’s location and physical activity to help Ivyrevel create custom designs for every individual. Literally, a user’s weekly routine influences the dress design. Maps cover the dress.
Ivyrevel believes that a single article of clothing can weave together a story about someone. With Google’s help, they are creating a future where we visually represent our identities.
What’s next for the future of fashion technology?
Google and Ivyrevel show us how technology empowers fashion. But, soon technology and fashion will be one in the same.
For instance, Kanye West at the 50th Grammy Awards wore a suit jacket with LED panels on the front. The Vixole Matrix shoe, an e-sneaker with built in LED screens, allows the wearer to change the shoe’s outsole display with an app.
LED screens may not be the most reliable or safest way of putting technology in clothing, but designers are beginning to create new technology-infused materials.
We are entering a future where your clothing will be a blank canvas for technology to synchronously change on command.
Expressing yourself: Use it or lose it
A dystopian future like The Giver where expressing yourself is forbidden might be unlikely…unless you choose to stop expressing yourself.
Art of all forms is how we deal with our emotions. Some choose to create artwork, music, or films when their emotions are heightened. But, most of us choose to consume other’s art instead.
Unfortunately, there isn’t always going to be a song to listen to or a TV show to watch that resonates with exactly what you are feeling. But, creating art yourself allows you to target the emotions you are actually feeling and cope with them.
Creativity has no boundaries. It’s not reserved for a select, talented few.
So, next time a friend angers you or you are just feeling sad about your situation, don’t ruminate on the hate. Instead, try expressing yourself.
Go buy a paint brush, paint, and a canvas and see what you can put together (or doodle with some colored pens). Get your electric keyboard out of storage and make a few beats. Personally, I choose to pick up a pen and paper, and write out everything that comes to mind, which is another great option.
You don’t have to be a professional to create art. You just have to start. Don’t pressure yourself with perfection. Nobody ever has to see your work if you don’t want them to.
Pick a form of art you enjoy and LET LOOSE!
Believe it or not, Quick Theories and the article you are reading right now were born out of self-expression. Now, Quick Theories has become a weekly exercise for me in documenting the future of technology. If you enjoyed reading this article and want to receive Quick Theories every week, sign up here: quicktheories.com.
