Chic Without The Geek

There’s growing pressure on designers to meld fashion and function. Charlene Co scours the market for wearables that will catch the eye of tech-loving fashionistas

- Charlene Co

Feeling a bit over the sporty black bands and glary screens of those clever bits of technology that monitor our fitness and wellness? Not everyone wants to step out looking as if they’re off to the gym or out for a run. Fortunately, wearable technology companies have recognised this and responded with a range of new products, so no longer does monitoring our fitness come at the expense of style.

Take Fitbit, for example. In a bid to appeal to more women, the tech giant partnered with Tory Burch in 2014 to dress up its Flex model, integrating Tory Burch’s signature open design with a gold-plated bracelet and necklace, and its signature pattern with a silicon band. The product was such a hit that Fitbit last year partnered with fashion brands Public School and Simply Vera by Vera Wang to create chic versions of its Alta and Flex models. These tie-ups offer fashion- and health-conscious individuals a good selection of Fitbits—an edgy Alta by Public School comes with a stainless steel band or a paracord bracelet, and Vera Wang’s stylish take on the Flex offers a choice of a chain-link bracelet, double-leather strap, or a combination of both.