I have always said that transhumanist fashion is focused around form and function. At times, this can be situational but is always dependent on the latest trends and the latest technological developments. Of course, necessity can be incorporated into style when the demand for it becomes prominent. For example, medical ports and implants may end up becoming a fashion accessory in the near future. In this case, the negative side of technological progress has spawned a new item that may be required where intense pollution is prevalent.

In china, oxygen masks are becoming a fashion trend in their own right. In early November, during the Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week in Beijing, the Qiaodan Yin Ping Sports Wear Collection models showed how respirators are becoming a trendy accessory. In Beijing, the pollution and smog affect the daily lives of Chinese citizens. Here, pragmatism takes hold within the fashion world. Whether or not it was a mere prop is immaterial. If this can allow for citizens to continue through their day without having to worry about inhaling harmful particulates, then it is worth looking into. This is especially useful in places like Mexico City or other heavily polluted areas in the world. Seeing myself as a former cyberpunk that still enjoys observing the futuristic aesthetics, making something like this into a practical accessory could become interesting.

While one side of the world is becoming practical, the other side is looking to see how many other ways can technology be infused into fashion. This is where we enter the world of augmented reality (AR) and cosmetics, the unlikeliest of combinations. ModiFace, a virtual cosmetic company, has begun creating apps that combine AR tech with cosmetics. With their ModiFace app and Beauty Mirror, they have developed a new AR platform called Looking Glass. “The Looking Glass platform will essentially allow every visual ad be capable of having a person’s own photo and simulating on top of that photo what they would look like with the product being advertised,” says Dr. Parham Aarabi. Dr. Aarabi, CEO of ModiFace, may be onto something. With this technology, women would be given the capability to view themselves wearing a specific product prior to buying it. This allows for a more convenient way for women to purchase the products they are interested in without having someone putting sample products on their face. This saves the patience and hassle of cleaning off samples that don’t look right.

With technology slowly being implemented within the fashion world, H+ couture is becoming a greater possibility. A person could simulate how they would look before walking out the door, choose the appropriate attire of their choice, and face the world with smart clothes donned on their bodies. It is only a matter of time for when we can see this becoming a reality.

 

*Hero image obtained from ChinaFashionWeek.org