It was obvious that the eyewear fashion business would have to participate in this revolutionary evolution given the rapid pace at which technology is offering sophisticated answers to the problems of the human experience.
Virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are going to significantly alter the way that people choose and purchase eyewear in stores. They are inevitably going to every aspect of innovation and disruption of future businesses.
Recent product releases have demonstrated how smart glasses have the potential to quickly replace eyeglasses as the industry standard for consumers. Eyewear fashion is going to change the way we do business, as it will be one of the major enablers of an improved shopping experience.
Here are several ways in which technology is impacting eyewear fashion:
Smart glasses
The development of smart glasses, like Google Glass and Snapchat Spectacles, has combined fashion with technology. These glasses can display information, capture photos and videos, and even provide augmented reality experiences.
3D Printing
3D printing technology has allowed for the customization of eyeglass frames. Customers can have frames tailored to their facial features and style preferences, resulting in unique and fashionable eyewear.
Virtual Try-On
Many eyewear retailers now offer virtual try-on apps and platforms. These applications use augmented reality to allow customers to see how different frames will look on their faces before making a purchase.
Wearable health tech
Eyewear is increasingly being integrated with health monitoring technologies. Some smart glasses can track eye movement, monitor health metrics, and provide real-time feedback to the wearer. This convergence of health and fashion is influencing eyewear design.
Audio integration
Some eyewear companies are incorporating high-quality audio components into their frames. These audio-integrated glasses can function as headphones, making them both fashionable and functional.
Sustainable design
Environmental consciousness is influencing the eyewear industry. Many companies are adopting sustainable materials and production methods to create eco-friendly eyewear.
Augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is also playing a significant role in shaping the future of eyewear fashion. AR technology allows consumers to try on different eyewear styles and customize their frames.
AR is also enhancing the online shopping experience for eyewear. Virtual try-on apps and websites use AR to create realistic simulations of eyeglasses on the user’s face, helping them visualize how a pair of glasses will look before making a purchase. This technology reduces uncertainty when shopping online and promotes a seamless connection between the digital and physical retail spaces.
Some smart glasses are equipped with AR displays that can overlay information onto the wearer’s field of view. This technology can be used for navigation, real-time translation, or even displaying contextual information about objects or locations. These AR features are integrated into the design of the glasses, adding a futuristic and functional element to eyewear fashion.
Prescription lens technology
Advancements in prescription lens technology have made it possible to produce thinner, lighter, and more aesthetically appealing lenses. High-index materials and coatings are increasingly popular, allowing for improved vision and better aesthetics.
Connectivity and communication
Smart eyewear also facilitates communication and connectivity through features like Bluetooth connectivity and built-in microphones and speakers. This aspect of technology not only adds functionality but also influences the aesthetics of eyewear design.
Fashion-tech collaborations
Fashion-tech collaborations are a notable trend in the eyewear industry and represent a fusion of fashion and technology expertise.
Collaborations between fashion brands and technology companies result in innovative eyewear designs. These partnerships often lead to the creation of unique, stylish frames that incorporate the latest technological features seamlessly. The fusion of fashion and tech can yield eyewear that not only looks good but also offers enhanced functionality.
Fashion brands are experts at understanding consumer preferences, trends, and aesthetics. By partnering with tech companies, they can ensure that the technology integrated into eyewear aligns with the desired style and design elements. This ensures that smart glasses, for example, are not only functional but also fashionable.
