A team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a programmable fiber with digital capabilities that can sense, store, analyze, and gather activities after it’s woven into fabric. Yoel Fink, professor and principal investigator at the Research Laboratory of Electronics and a senior author on the study, says that these digital fibers not only enhance the possibilities of uncovering the context of hidden patterns in a human body, but cna also be used to monitor physical performance, medical inference, as well as help detect diseases at an early stage. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Forget laces, the Nike GO FlyEase boasts an easy on, easy off hands-free design, thanks to a bi-stable hinge that enables the shoe to be secure in fully open as well as fully closed states. This shoe’s tensioner has the flexibility to supercharge the action of kicking-off a shoe, thus completely re-imagining this movement as basis for accessible and empowering design. There’s no word yet on pricing, but select Nike members will be able to get their hands on them in 2-weeks (Feb. 15). Read more for two videos and additional information.
Amazon Made for You is a new Fashion shop that lets users create custom tees tailored to their exact measurements and style preferences. Before starting, you’ll need to upload two photos to the app. This virtual tool is available directly on the Amazon app and lets users choose from a selection of two fabrics, eight different colors, preferred sleeve, shirt lengths and neckline. Shoppers must also input their height, weight and two photos of themselves to get measured for a “precise” fit. Read more for another picture and additional information.
Virgin Galactic officially unveils the spacesuits its pilots will wear as they fly private astronauts on their journeys. It was designed in collaboration with Under Armour, and the Virgin Galactic Pilot Corps will wear the gear on future flights, which includes the first human spaceflight from New Mexico set to take place this month with the flight window opening on December 11. The design team started with a non-pressurized spacesuit design that aesthetically conveyed the pilots’ role in Virgin Galactic’s mission as well as practically supporting their unique task of flying regularly at over three times the speed of sound into space. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
This isn’t your normal LEGO set, but rather sneakers that you can actually wear. Adidas Originals partnered with the LEGO Group for a playful take on the ZX8000 silhouette that lets you actually build on the shoe itself. Featuring a multicolor mesh and synthetic suede upper with a rubber outsole, complete with LEGO studs on the heels as well as the tongue tabs for easy building. Read more for two videos, including a hands-on, and additional information.
The Star Wars x Adidas Originals sneaker lineup has been expanded with the Rivalry Hi “Chewbacca”. These sport an over the top design, complete with leather, suede, and faux fur fabric that appears to be straight from a Wookiee. To give it a more authentic look, the “Raw Desert,” “Mesa,” and “Chalk White” colors were used. Yes, there appears to be a bandoleer strap that resembles the one Chewbacca wore in the movies. Read more for a video, additional pictures and information.
Sony has been known to release some unusual PlayStation-themed items in the past, but these new sneakers from Zara may not be for hypebeasts – those devoted to acquiring fashionable items. Inspired by the original PlayStation console, each shoe features a full-color logo, while the heels have PS1 “Power” buttons. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the laces have been replaced with an elastic band that stretches across the top. Read more for additional pictures and information.
Photo credit: Joe Doucet
Simply put, face masks are designed with function over form in mind, that is unless…you’re talking about Joe Doucet’s new creation. This stylish face shield comes with an integrate shield visor so you won’t have to worry about sunglasses. The minimalist design is basically a curved transparent guard fitted with dark sunglasses lenses and arms. Read more for additional pictures.
Apple created sneakers for their employees back during the 1990s, and some in decent condition have made their way to auctions today, like the example you see above, which just sold for $9,687. The iPhone maker actually had an entire line of clothing items in the 1980s, called “The Apple Collection” after Steve Jobs left the company. Read more for a video, another picture and additional information.
The experience of slipping into self-lacing sneakers, pressing a button, hearing the whirr of the power-lacing engine and sensing an unparalleled fit is like stepping into a time machine, or at least into Back to Future II. The refining of fit continues in the company’s new Nike Adapt BB 2.0, which evolves the design principles of its predecessor to improve on-court play, while retaining the spirit of the technology’s underlying magic. It hits stores on Feb. 16, priced at $400. Read more for a hands-on video review and additional information.