Tech, Please

Technology influences the way we share, the way we communicate, even the way we donate money. Now, it also plays a part in how we dress—and not just because Google has entered the fashion game. Whether it’s typing on our iPhone on a frigid winter day or turning music into an accessory, the line between chic and geek is getting increasingly thinner.

Trikoton: You’d never guess that the dots and stripes woven into Trikoton’s garments are based on vocal patterns. But that’s exactly how the creative minds behind the Berlin-based clothing line design their patterns. Trikoton was born at the 2007 ARS Electronica Festival as an art installation involving a hacked mechanical knitting machine from the ’70s. Today, the label uses similar technology to convert audio recordings (even that song you’ve got on repeat) into binary codes, which are then turned into knitting patterns. It’s not the first time that a fashion item has been inspired by noise—trashed cassette tapes are now getting second lives as ties and vests—but Trikoton is one of the few who are making it personal.

TouchTec: Every winter we’re reminded of the one major flaw of touchscreen phones: the screens aren’t exactly responsive to fuzzy mittens. TouchTec has found a way around that with nanotechnology gloves that allow wearers to text without risking frostbite. Though other brands promise gadget compatibility, they tend to look bland. TouchTec’s gloves, however, are real fashion statements. One pair has rhinestone and zipper detailing, another has yellow and black checkered stripes, and there’s even a pair of lilac driving gloves. For those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, British brand Etre’s new Fivepoint style is more Paddington Bear than Rihanna but, with them, you still may run the risk of frozen digits if you tap too long on your new Windows 7 phone.

Playbutton: A Playbutton might be about the size of an iPod Shuffle, but unlike the diminutive MP3 player, it actually looks cool attached to a jean jacket. The New York City-based company has been turning band pins into music devices since November, with albums preloaded and ready to be worn. Just hook up your headphones and press the control buttons on the back, and you’re ready to start jamming. Unlike an iPod, though, each pin’s playlist is set and can’t be downloaded or altered, just like a vinyl record. If you’re still not convinced that Playbutton’s roots lie in an earlier era, flip the pin over and check out the album art selected by the featured band.