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In the wake of Apple finally revealing all the details about the new Apple Watch the Internet went sort of crazy. For many it’s the dawn of a new era not only for wearable tech, but also for Apple, which appears to be re-positioning itself as a luxury brand that happens to be a tech giant. The watch itself may leave a little to be desired looks-wise, but that hasn't slowed down the hype train at all.
The list of celebrities sporting the wrist piece isn’t extensive but is lengthening. Pharrell, Katy Perry and Drake are amongst the top names but fashion industry luminaries like Karl Lagerfeld, Christy Turlington and Anna Wintour also copped ones of their own. But what about designers who don’t have that sort of cachet? The kind that would have to stand on line just like the rest of us if they wanted something?
With the Apple Watch releasing today, we asked seven designers whether they preordered it, if they think it's the newest must-have style accessory, and the future relationship of wearable tech and fashion.
Robert Geller
What he designs: Robert Geller
Did you order the Apple Watch?
Not yet. Just like I did with the IPad, I don't see the need. Now I own 2 IPads. Let's see.
Have you, or do you plan on incorporating ‘wearable tech’ into your business and how?
I think that the integration of tech and fashion has not been very successful. It always ends up being very gadget-y. Maybe it is more about getting designers and their taste and aesthetic involved in the beginning of the development process.
Most of the time the designer is brought in to develop a beautiful skin for an existing product. I don't have much of an interest in bringing tech into my collection, but I would love to work with a company to bring my sensibility to their products. That interests me.
Ryan Babenzien
What he designs: Greats
Did you order the Apple Watch?
I haven't ordered one. I'm not entirely sold on the idea just yet since you need your phone with you to make the watch function in a real way.
Do you want one?
Carrying a device to make another one work to it's full capacity seems like a hassle to me. I'm going to wait and see how this might enhance one's life for the better and if it does, I'll get one.
What does wearable tech mean to you?
It's got to offer function first and enhance my life. I think there are some interesting applications for the Apple Watch at the retail level that we at Greats are keen to see happen.
Do you plan on incorporating wearable tech into your business?
Apple Pay and Apple Watch make a ton of sense to me. As Greats looks to build it's first retail experience, checking out with a wave of your watch would save a slight fraction of time bringing real meaning to every second counts.
Josh Cooper and Laurence Chandler
What they design: Rochambeau
Did you pre-order the Apple Watch?
Nope, with a growing design schedule and constant travel, we find ourselves looking at ways to disconnect, rather than being connected even more.
Do you plan on incorporating wearable tech into your business?
We created a 3M infused "Paparazzi Blocker" for Cara Delevingne after having a conversation on ways to throw off photogs. This has led to a lot of brands running with this idea. We were approached by 3M and are pushing them for alternative materials that don't need a flash to expand on this idea.
We've had tech companies approach us about using their tech and our design but have been in no rush to do anything that feels forced. There's potential but I don't think we're The Jetsons just yet.
Kerby Jean-Raymond
What he designs: Pyer Moss
Did you pre-order the Apple Watch? Hell no. I’m desperately trying to unplug. The last thing I want is a watch that connects to my phone which connects to my iPad that connects to my computer that airplays to my TV. Do you see the Apple Watch as more a tech gadget or style accessory? It’s a gadget right now. I’ll see style value in it once brands and jewelers start making cool wristbands and straps for it. I still won’t get one.
Shimon Ovadia
What he designs: Ovadia & Sons
Did you pre-order the Apple Watch?
No I did not. We're already so connected with our computers and phones throughout the day. Although the watch looks cool and the technology is impressive and groundbreaking these days I'm personally more interested in disconnecting a little more.
Do you see the Apple Watch as more a tech gadget or style accessory?
Apple is so great with their branding and marketing that the products appeal to both the tech geeks and someone who just wants to say they have the latest hot gadget. I think you'll see both of those types of people wearing it.
Jason Geter
What he designs: Strivers Row
Did you pre-order the Apple Watch?
No, I didn't pre order the Apple watch, although I'm sure I'll get one at some point.
Do you see the Apple Watch as more a tech gadget or style accessory?
I certainly see it as more of a tech gadget versus style. I've worn classic watches such as Rolexes, Grahams, Audemars, etc. For quite some time. But, I can see rocking the Apple watch on certain days, during travel or on vacation.
Scott Sasso
Designs: 10.DEEP
Did you pre-order the Apple Watch?
No.
Do you want one?
Not really. I'm trying to reduce the tech in my life right now.
Do you see the Apple Watch as more a tech gadget or style accessory?
It's a tech gadget. Maybe one day it—or something like it—will become a style accessory, but it's too soon to call it a style accessory. We don't even know if the thing is useful yet, to know if it will be adapted widely enough to become a style accessory. I don't know of anyone who has one yet.