Anyone who even vaguely remembers the late 2000s remembers Aerogel, the ‘wonder material’ that was 99% air, and had the incredible ability to insulate against high heat or cold because of its thermal absorption properties. Aerogel got all the press back in the day, but didn’t really see much consumer application because of how difficult it was to produce. Cut to the year 2024 and a Tokyo-based company has managed to find a fitting application for Aerogel. Meet SpacePeak, an outdoor jacket that sits on the bleeding edge of technology with its own aerogel insulation layer that can protect you in temperatures as extreme as -40°C (-40°F). What’s more, it has a 3-in-1 design with removable inner layers, allowing you to wear it in regular weather too, and it has over 20 pockets for all your EDC and essentials.

Designer: Tatsuya Dobashi

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $479 ($180 off). Hurry, only 8/170 left! Raised over $115,000.

SpacePeak has perfected aerogel technology to retain the most heat from your body. From there, heat circulates throughout your whole jacket keeping you warm and dry even in the harshest conditions.

The SpacePeak comes with a two-part design that gives you 3 jackets in one. On the inside, it features a functional puffer jacket, insulated with Aerogel and a thermal layer that helps keep you warm and snug in pretty much any weather. The outer jacket is a waterproof wind-breaker with a hood that helps ensure you stay dry in the rain or during a blizzard. Wear them individually based on what the weather is, or combine them together to give you a jacket powerful enough to brave all the elements. The outer layer is rated 20,000mm waterproof and keeps you from succumbing to rain, storm, sleet, and snow, while the inner aerogel jacket helps build an impermeable barrier between your body temperature and outer temperature.

You can finally ditch your puffy jacket and start wearing something that keeps you warmer with less weight and fluff.

The jacket is rated to protect you in temperatures as low as -40°C (also -40°F), although lab tests show the SpacePeak can easily endure temperatures as low as -196°C (-320°F). While there’s really no place on Earth where humans would endure those temperatures, it’s good knowing that the jacket can handle pretty much the coldest weather possible without giving up. That being said, it’s worth noting that the aerogel doesn’t physically warm you – it creates a thermal barrier between the cold environment and your warm body, so you don’t lose any body heat to the cold outdoors.

Store your laptop or tablet in the back pocket to carry your valuables safely and efficiently.

Chances are that places that hit -40°C aren’t the kinds of places you want to be carrying massive backpacks to either, which is why the SpacePeak packs more than 20 pockets for pretty much all your gear. Strategically placed all across the jacket’s inner and outer surfaces, the SpacePeak has every slot imaginable, with large pockets big enough for iPads, protected pockets for gadgets like cameras and phones, waterproof pockets for bottles and food, and quick-access pockets for keys and money. The 20+ tactical pockets turn your jacket into a backpack of sorts, without all the bulkiness associated with backpacks. Your belongings are strategically placed across the jacket, making them A. accessible, but more importantly B. less likely to weigh your shoulders down because of the distributed weight. Besides, who wants to rummage through a backpack in sub-zero temperatures, right?!

The enhanced 20,000 mm waterproofing doesn’t just stop the rain from getting to you, Its waterproofing makes it wind resistant, and it easier to brush dirt, snow, mud and other muck off your jacket.

That being said, you’d expect a jacket with this laundry-list of features to be extremely bulky, but the implementation of aerogel allows the SpacePeak to be thinner and lighter than your average down jacket. Down (or feathers) works exactly like aerogel, using trapped air to create a thermal barrier – however, what down does with an inch of thickness, the Aerogel does with 1/10th the amount, giving you an extreme-weather jacket that doesn’t turn you into the Michelin man or a human marshmallow because of all that padding.

The aerogel used within the SpacePeak was developed by S. Kistler, a company founded after the American scientist and chemical engineer credited with inventing the material in the first place. The aerogel, despite being highly insulating, is breathable, durable, and will retain its thermal properties even after a 100 washes (even with regular use the jacket can probably use a wash once a year). The SpacePeak comes in 4 sizes, ranging from M to 4XL, with a starting price of $299 and global shipping – just in case you want your jacket dispatched to the Arctic Circle!

Click Here to Buy Now: $299 $479 ($180 off). Hurry, only 8/170 left! Raised over $115,000.

The post Remember Aerogel? This insulated outdoor jacket has an aerogel layer, giving you -40°F protection first appeared on Yanko Design.

Showcasing their tech at the Mobile World Congress, Everysight is riding the new AR (or should we call it Spatial) wave with the Maverick, their small, sleek, and stylish glasses that challenge the bulky mixed reality glasses and headsets we see today with something so close to regular glasses, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Designed with a projected display that lets you see data and metric overlaid on the existing world, the Maverick uses an entire slew of sensors to track position, orientation, and head-tilt to ensure that digital elements remain in your line of sight (LOS) and correctly oriented. In fact, the Maverick even bagged multiple awards last year, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award.

Designer: Everysight

Unlike most AR headsets that can make you look a little dystopian when walking down the streets or sitting in a subway (we’re looking at you, Vision Pro wearers), the Maverick stands at the intersection of great tech and fashion. Weighing in at under 47 grams, these glasses boast a sporty, ergonomic frame that promises comfort for all-day wear, a crucial consideration for devices intended to be part of our daily lives. This comfort does not come at the expense of durability or style, making them a versatile accessory suitable for any occasion.

AR glasses are only as good as their displays (something that most Vision Pro users will swiftly point out – which is why the Maverick impresses with its crisp, high-contrast visuals despite its tiny package. Utilizing a Sony Color microOLED display, it delivers stunning visuals characterized by vibrant colors and sharp details. The high-brightness display guarantees an optimal viewing experience in both indoor and outdoor settings, a testament to the glasses’ adaptability and user-centric design.

Ease of use is at the forefront of the Maverick design, with an intuitive interface that allows users to navigate and control features through simple gestures. This user-friendly approach is further enhanced by advanced sensors like a 3D accelerometer, gyro, and magnetometer, which provide accurate line-of-sight tracking for an immersive augmented reality experience.

Battery life is a perennial concern for wearable technologies, and here, Maverick impresses with over 8 hours of continuous operation. This endurance is complemented by efficient power management, ensuring that the glasses support a day’s worth of activities without needing a recharge. Such longevity is essential for users who demand reliability from their smart devices.

User interface and interaction are streamlined for ease of use. Maverick features an intuitive interface that allows for effortless navigation and control through simple gestures. This ease of use is further enhanced by the inclusion of a 3D accelerometer, gyro, and magnetometer, providing accurate line-of-sight tracking that enriches the augmented reality experience by aligning virtual objects with the real world seamlessly. Moreover, the Maverick glasses are designed with inclusivity in mind. They offer an RX solution with personalized lenses tailored to individual prescriptions, ensuring that users with varying visual needs can enjoy the benefits of smart eyewear without compromise.

Connectivity is robust, with Bluetooth 5.2 ensuring seamless pairing with a wide range of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, as well as Apple Watch and Android Wear. This connectivity underpins the Maverick’s versatility, making it a central hub for notifications and digital interactions on the go.

In the box, users will find everything needed to start their journey with Maverick: tinted removable visors, a charging cable, a carrying case, a pouch, a cleaning cloth, and interchangeable nose pieces. Everysight is selling a developer edition of the Maverick for $399, although it’s unclear when the public rollout will begin, and what the price will be for regular consumers.

Everysight’s Maverick glasses represent a significant advancement in smart eyewear, proving that it’s possible to stay stylish while benefiting from the latest in wearable technology. They set a new benchmark for combining practicality with elegance, ensuring users can stay connected in a visually compelling, productive, and convenient manner. If these glasses could brew coffee, we might never find a reason to take them off.

The post If the Apple Vision Pro and the Google Glass had a baby, these AR glasses would be it… first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Disassembly Lab is really one of those designs that doesn’t need much explaining. A lot of what makes this footwear great is clearly visible in its aesthetic itself, making it one of those shoes your eyes fall in love with LONG before your feet do. After all, isn’t that a hallmark of great design?!

What makes the Disassembly Lab footwear so great is its clever construction, featuring easy-to-disassemble parts that make the shoe simple to repair and even recycle. The shoe is characterized by two distinct halves, the upper body, and the outsole, with rivets/plugs that let you wind a piece of rubber band around. The rubber band holds the two halves together, also allowing for flexibility during movement. The result is a shoe that’s distinctly different, as the rubber band goes beyond being just a design feature – it becomes an iconic element of the Disassembly Lab’s design, turning sustainability into pretty much a visual motif!

Designer: Robin Luginbuhl

Chris Wawrousek, Innovation Studio Lead Designer at New Balance once said – “One day, laws are going to change, and brands will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products from beginning to end.” This phrase stuck with Robin as he designed the Disassembly Lab sneaker prototype. “Products can’t live on their own anymore; they have to be conditioned to a new system if they want to become more responsible,” Robin expanded. “Essentially, Disassembly extends the life of a shoe, making it repairable, restorable, replaceable, and recyclable.”

A major part of shoe assembly (and a major recyclability hassle) is the glue that’s used to hold components together. While fabric and leather elements can be stitched together, the upper half of a shoe is almost always glued to its outsole, giving it reliable durability during use, but becoming a big hassle when it comes to recycling because A. this glue can’t be ‘unglued’, and B. it’s almost always made of synthetic materials, so the shoes can’t be bio-degraded either. Robin’s alternative is simple, and frankly genius. Visually, it reminds me of the rubber bands used in braces, but technically, it’s an incredibly effective way to hold the shoe upper and sole together in a way that allows for flexibility without a hassle.

The result is a combination of iconic and genius. The shoes look great, with their patterned ‘belts’ that can be adjusted, customized, and even tightened or loosened depending on overall flexibility. The pegs on the upper and lower halves can be shaped in circular or rectangular designs, causing the rubber band to adopt different patterns, much like sound waves (sine, sawtooth, square, etc.) There’s even an experimental 3D-printed upper that has jigsaw-style pieces that plug into the sole (concept visible below).

“These shoes, with their TPU soles and 3D knitted upper, are reduced to the essentials, enabling simple, rapid production and assembly by hand, and easy recyclability,” Robin mentions in his project post on Instagram. The Disassembly Lab is currently just a concept, but even as a proof of concept, it’s rather remarkable. We could use a few wearability-test videos to really get a sense of the practicality of the design, but otherwise, both functionally and ecologically, we’re sold on the idea!

The post Sustainable canvas sneaker explores a unique design that lets you detach and repair your footwear first appeared on Yanko Design.

Famous for helping design the jewelry (including Queen Ramonda’s headgear) from the hit film Black Panther, award-winning Australian designer Julia Koerner relies on a combination of nature and computer algorithms to bring her creations to life. Her handbags, available on her website, follow a similar design route, with an aesthetic so out-of-this-world, chances are you’ll think the bags have a life of their own. Designed using algorithms and 3D printed to perfection, Koerner’s handbags are rigid, but visually lightweight, boasting a skeletal design that feels almost alien-like. However, Koerner takes inspiration from life around her, looking at nature for ideas. This particular bag draws from the shape of dried kelp found along the pacific coastline.

Designers: Julia Koerner, Kais Al-Rawi and Emma Sanson

The KELP MINI handbag was created using actual 3D scans of Kelp that were then edited, manipulated, and turned into a handbag-esque form. The handbag is almost entirely made out of 3D printed plastic, using resin-based printing techniques (which helps create flawless glossy surfaces with minimal print lines).

The bags are hinged at the base, with a cleverly detailed clasp on the top created using parts that snap to interlock when the bag is shut. The bag’s chain gets hooked onto details inside the bag, keeping the outer design clean, while allowing the chain to pass through one of the bag’s many openings.

Don’t expect the handbag to store much, given its compact, rigid design. Small items will easily fall out, but otherwise the KELP MINI is perfect for a coin purse, wallet, lipstick, and maybe a pair of sunglasses.

The bag’s immaculate designs are completely printed in sustainable plant based material, with the printers running entirely on solar energy. While Koerner takes heavy inspiration from nature, her reverence extends to protecting her source of inspiration too, ensuring that her products have minimal environmental impact. The handbags are printed in LA for shipping in America, and Vienna for Europe orders. For bags that have minor misprints, Koerner even sells them at a discount, ensuring nothing gets wasted.

The beauty of Koerner’s designs lie in the fact that they look so bizarrely different, you won’t be able to take your eyes off them. Whether it’s the jewlery from Black Panther or any of her other work, Koerner taps into an almost wild side of nature, relying on unconventional curves and organic geometry that bridges the lines between existing and impossible, and between design and art.

The post ‘Black Panther’ Costume Designer Launches Otherworldly 3D-Printed Handbags first appeared on Yanko Design.

The BTF Nixie Watch is a remarkable combination of history and modernity, blending the nostalgic glow of Soviet-era Nixie tubes with contemporary design and technology. More than a mere timepiece, it’s a statement of style and innovation, offering a unique blend of retro charm and modern functionality. In this exploration, we uncover the features that set the BTF Nixie Watch apart, from its distinctive aesthetic to its user-centric features, making it a standout accessory for those who value both form and function.

Designer: NeonWorks

Click Here to Buy Now: $289 $399 (28% off). Hurry, only 30 limited editions are available!

The design of this watch prominently features the iconic glow of the Nixie tube, recognized for its warm orange light that adds a retro yet futuristic charm. This aesthetic is a purposeful homage to an era when technology was valued for its form and function, starkly contrasting the often impersonal feel of contemporary digital devices. The use of genuine Soviet-era IN16 Nixie tubes not only lends authenticity to the watch but also makes it a unique collector’s item due to the rarity of these components, which were phased out for more efficient display technologies.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it incorporates advanced features like gesture-based activation, which lights up the Nixie display with a simple wrist lift, eliminating the need for manual operation and enhancing the user experience. This feature adds a layer of convenience and contributes to the watch’s energy efficiency by ensuring that the display is only activated when needed.

Lift the wrist to wake the watch

The charging experience marries convenience with aesthetic harmony, featuring a bespoke wireless charger designed to mirror the watch’s unique look while delivering efficient power. This tailored solution underscores the watch’s seamless blend of form and function. Further enhancing its user-friendly appeal, the watch is fully compatible with all Qi-standard wireless chargers, ensuring you can keep your timepiece powered using any Qi-certified charging pad. Whether at home, in the office, or on the move, this universal compatibility ensures that your BTF Nixie Watch remains charged and ready, embodying the perfect fusion of retro design and modern convenience.

Easily recharge using any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad

Another cool feature is the timer, which combines the nostalgic charm of Nixie tubes with the practicality of modern technology. Initiating the timer is effortlessly intuitive; a quick double-tap on the watch’s lower button engages the timer mode, priming it for use with just a simple gesture. To start the timer, a single tap suffices, setting it in motion from zero and allowing for precise tracking up to 99 seconds. This feature proves invaluable for a myriad of everyday tasks and moments where precision is crucial, such as timing exercises during a workout or monitoring short intervals while cooking, showcasing the watch’s blend of vintage charm and modern utility.

Double-tap tap lower button to activate the timer feature

The BTF Nixie Watch offers flexibility in time display, allowing users to easily switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats to suit personal preferences or cultural norms. This feature enhances the watch’s versatility, catering to a global audience and diverse user needs.

The designer combines ergonomic design with an intuitive user interface, ensuring comfortable wear and ease of use. Its thoughtful layout elements cater to user comfort, while the seamless interaction between its vintage and modern components provides a straightforward, enjoyable experience. This approach underscores the watch’s commitment to making advanced technology accessible and delightful to use.

The sapphire glass on the watch’s face ensures durability and clarity

Worn on the wrist, the watch transforms the concept of timekeeping into an art form, blending technological innovation with unparalleled craftsmanship. Including a sapphire surface on the watch’s face is an aesthetic enhancement that ensures durability and clarity. Known for its scratch resistance and hardness, sapphire glass protects the watch while offering a crystal-clear view of the Nixie tubes’ captivating glow, ensuring the time is always visible in its full, luminous splendor.

The sapphire glass is durable and scratch-resistance

The watch comes with two unique case options to cater to different tastes and needs. The 7-series aluminum variant, commonly used in aerospace and military applications, provides an excellent balance of durability and lightness. As a result, the watch can withstand daily wear and tear while remaining comfortable and unnoticeable on the wrist.

For those seeking an extra touch of elegance and resilience, the titanium frame is an ideal choice, offering high strength and corrosion resistance, which keeps the watch looking sleek and new over time, regardless of the environment. These carefully selected materials and customization options reflect the watch’s blend of luxury, functionality, and personal expression, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion.

Besides its technical specifications and customization options, the BTF Nixie Watch provides a distinct identity. Unlike a traditional watch, this timepiece stands out and speaks volumes of individuality, offering wearers the chance to express themselves through a piece that is as rare as it is handsome.

The BTF Nixie Watch combines style, engineering, and history that goes beyond telling time. It invites wearers to appreciate the precision and functionality of a high-quality timepiece and connect with the aesthetic and emotional resonance of a bygone era while enjoying the comforts and conveniences of contemporary technology.

Click Here to Buy Now: $289 $399 (28% off). Hurry, only 30 limited editions are available!

The post A Timelessly Captivating Retro Yet High-Tech Watch first appeared on Yanko Design.

When people talk about wearables or wearable tech, they are mostly thinking of smartwatches and fitness trackers, basically those that are worn on your wrist. Technically speaking, however, any kind of technology that can be worn on your body would qualify as wearables, hence the name, but we have been restrained by the limits of current technologies and design trends. Fortunately, it isn’t a dead end yet, and smart rings are starting to become a viable alternative, allowing some people to still keep track of their health while finally being able to wear their favorite classic watches again. These rings reveal the potential of jewelry that could deliver those same features while allowing you to maintain your fashion sense, like this earring that can read your body temperature, something that is still uncommon even on smartwatches today.

Designers: Qiuyue (Shirley) Xue, Yujia (Nancy) Liu, Joseph Breda, Vikram Iyer, Shwetak Patel, Mastafa Springston (University of Washington)

Our bodies are a treasure trove of data, depending on which part you are observing. Smartwatches try to shed light on our health by literally shining light through the skin on our wrists and down to blood vessels. Smart rings largely do the same, though on your finger, of course. While much of your body’s state can be calculated from these areas, some body parts give more accurate biometrics than others. There might still be some debate about it, but some researchers believe that the ears, particularly our earlobes, are a better source for that kind of information.

That’s the medical foundation that the Thermal Earrings are based on, a research project that is attempting to create a new wearable that is both functional and potentially fashionable, especially for women. The device uses two sensors, one that magnetically clips to the earlobe and measures body temperature, while another dangles an inch below it to measure room temperature. Comparing data from these two sources yields a more accurate body temperature reading compared to smartwatches that can’t properly differentiate ambient temperature. This accurate reading is crucial not just for knowing your body’s temperature but, for women, also for keeping track of their ovulation and periods.

The Thermal Earrings’ diminutive design presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It uses up very little power and uses low-power Bluetooth to transmit its data to a paired smartphone. In theory, it can be charged with solar or kinetic energy, but implementing a charging system for that is proving to be a bit tricky. And since only one earring is enough to read the wearer’s body temperature, it raises the question of what the other earring would do. Should it be a simple non-smart decoy to pair with the smart earring or can it also be used to read some other biometric as well?

More importantly, however, the Thermal Earrings open the doors to another kind of wearable accessory. Although the current prototype is largely limited by the electronics it uses, it can already be customized with charms and gemstones. More research into different materials and forms can hopefully lead to more chic styles, ones that ladies won’t be embarrassed to be seen wearing.

The post Smart earrings can read your temperature, paving the way for new wearables first appeared on Yanko Design.

Most regular sunglasses only block UV rays, but not infrared rays from damaging your eyes. Kolari hopes to change that with their cutting-edge IR-blocking sunglasses that protect your eyes from the sun, and your face from unwanted facial recognition systems. Pretty cool, right?

When you wear regular sunglasses, the tinted lenses help cut the bright glare of the daytime sun. This does two things – it helps you see clearly without needing to half-shut your eyes, but it also makes your pupils dilate to let more light information in. Conventional sunglasses don’t do much to protect your eyes while they’re dilated in the daytime. The most glasses will ever do is block UV, blue light, and glare… but there’s one culprit that nobody focuses on, infrared. Humans don’t see infrared rays, but they can have long-term effects on your eyes. Sure, one can argue that you’d need high exposure to infrared rays, but think about how often you step out into the sun on a daily basis and all that begins adding up. While your regular Sunglass Hut shades won’t do much about IR rays, one company’s trying to make sunglasses safer for your eyes. Kolari Vision started its journey designing IR-protective accessories for cameras, but is now looking at the bigger picture by designing protective eyewear for everyone. The Kolari Shades are made from actual glass, and can block UV and up to 99% of infrared light from making its way into your eyes. This doesn’t impact the clarity with which you see, but it does help protect your vision… just like any sunglass should!

Designer: Ilija Melentijevic, PhD (founder of Kolari Vision)

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, less than 72-hours to go!

Styled to look like a stylish pair of sunglasses, the Kolari Shades give your eyes the comfort and protection they need in the outdoors. “Our goal was to maximize clarity, eliminate color shifts, and block all unwanted wavelengths in order to give your eyes the most rested, neutral experience possible to minimize eye fatigue. Our beta testers are calling the result a breath of fresh air for your eyes,” say the folks at Kolari Vision. Originally founded as a photography company, the folks at Kolari realized that the gear made for cameras seemed to be better in quality than anything the eyewear industry produced. The irony being that your eyes are so much more precious than a $500 camera… so why is it that only camera sensors get taken such good care of, but not the original human cameras – our eyes??

Bridging that gap, the Kolari Shades offer a one-of-a-kind IR and UV protection to your eyes. The sunglasses are fitted with lenses that look just like your average tinted lenses, but they possess the unique ability to block anywhere between 90-99% of all infrared rays and 100% of all UV rays shining through the glass and into your eyes. The benefits of this are two-fold – there’s an obvious health benefit, given how eyes (just like skin) can respond adversely to excessive exposure to certain wavelengths of infrared light. However, a second benefit comes in the form of privacy protection. Most cameras rely on capturing some form of IR to ‘see’, and the shades can effectively block this ability. This prevents unwanted cameras from capturing facial recognition information without your consent. In fact, the iPhone relies on an IR blaster to power its FaceID unlocking feature – which can be disabled with the Kolari Shades. Sure, that means you need to either take off your sunglasses to unlock your phone (or just use the pattern lock instead), but the privacy implications are far-reaching too, as people like law enforcement can’t maliciously unlock your phone by holding it up to your face.

Kolari Shades are truly color-neutral and protect your eyes from all damaging wavelengths of light.

The beauty of the Kolari Shades is that their spectacles are made from actual glass – a distinction that sets it apart from even luxury eyewear. Most eyewear companies use a form of clear plastic for their lenses; a sensible choice because they’re scratch-resistant and they don’t shatter… but the one big caveat with these lenses lies their imperfections. Micro-imperfections in these lenses (even in the ones found in high-end tinted eyewear) can warp the way you see the world, which is why glass offers a MUCH better alternative. Kolari Vision’s lenses rely on industry-leading Corning Gorilla Glass (yes, the same durable one used in your phone) coupled with 51 layers of anti-reflective and anti-smudge coating. While Gorilla Glass can often be 10x more expensive than your standard plastic lenses, Kolari Vision’s still managed to keep their costs competitive, offering cutting-edge materials for the same price you’d pay for a pair of Ray-Bans.

Preserve your anonymity — Kolari Shades block infrared-based facial recognition systems.

Corning Gorilla Glass and titanium frames make the Kolari Shades extra tough.

The glasses aren’t the only durable part of the Kolari Shades either. The aviator-inspired eyewear sport frames are made from titanium, enhancing the overall durability to a level you’d probably find in smartphones (hint: the titanium iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra). You can choose between silver or gold-plated frames, while Kolari offers three lens options – a basic tinted-black (90% IR blocking), a bronze-tinted ultra lens (99% IR blocking), and an ultra gradient lens (with the same 99% IR blocking). The company’s working on newer frame designs and even plans on offering mirror-finish lenses that should take your eyewear’s swag to an entirely new level!

Click Here to Buy Now: $169. Hurry, less than 72-hours to go!

The post These IR-blocking sunglasses are great for your eyes as well as for your privacy first appeared on Yanko Design.

There was a time when smartwatches were seen as geeky trinkets that had no place on ordinary people’s wrists. It took the success of the Apple Watch and the collaboration of fashion brands to bring this piece of wearable technology to the masses. But while smartwatches have finally found their legs, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been a profitable business either. It seems that those brands that have made smartwatches literally fashionable are starting to reconsider their strategies, especially with only a few successful products that are unsurprisingly still dominated by consumer electronics companies. Fossil has apparently decided to just pull the plug and call it quits on the smartwatch market, preferring to focus its resources on the designer products that actually bring in the money.

Designer: Fossil (via The Verge)

When smartwatches first came to the market, it was smartphone manufacturers that took the lead. Compared to the selection we have today, it’s not surprising why most people shied away from having them on their wrists. They were large, clunky, and visually unappealing. And they required charging almost every night.

While the Apple Watch would always be an exception, it took negotiations with brands like Fossil, TAG Heuer, Mont Blanc, and Michael Kors, just to name a few, to really bring smartwatch designs to the same level as traditional timepieces, at least on the outside. To some extent, there was a successful push to turn these pieces of wearable technology into true fashion accessories and, given some of the prices, luxury items. Now smartwatches are more or less more common, but that doesn’t mean the market for the more fashionable smartwatches is actually growing. In fact, you could almost say that the top smartwatch vendors are Apple, Samsung, and Google on the higher end, and Xiaomi, Mobvoi, and smaller manufacturers on the opposite end.

Confirming rumors that were already going around the Internet, Fossil announced that it was exiting the smartwatch business. It was a “strategic decision” and would focus on the “core segments of our business that continue to provide strong growth,” namely traditional watches, jewelry, and leather goods. Reading between the lines, it means that its line of smartwatches isn’t providing that kind of growth and it doesn’t foresee that changing in the future.

This makes the Fossil Gen 6 that was launched in 2021 the last smartwatch the marque will ever make. Fossil does promise to continue supporting its existing smartwatches for the next few years, though it probably really means only one or two years moving forward. Fossil is the first brand to make this big announcement, but it probably won’t be the last as the designer smartwatch market continues to stagnate or even shrink, leaving smartphone manufacturers to take the helm once more.

The post Fossil will no longer make smartwatches, implies weak market for designer wearables first appeared on Yanko Design.

One aspect of ethical fashion, aside from how clothes are made, is also the sustainability of the clothing item itself. This means that the item should be long lasting so you don’t need to constantly change or update the pieces, therefore making you consume less. Vollebak is one such brand that prides itself in long lasting and “future-proof” fashion, coming up with pieces that are not just sustainably made but can last you years or maybe even forever. Their newest item is called the Planet Earth Hat V2 and it is headwear for all seasons, literally.

Designer: Vollebak

The hat is aptly named as it is able to be one with the planet when it comes to sustainable clothing as well as protect you from all the harsh elements you may encounter when traveling or going on adventures. The design is based on the boonie hat that military personnel wear but it has been enhanced with materials that can fit you whether you’re going to the jungle, desert, mountain, beach, trail, or maybe even just walking around the city. It is water repellent, fire resistant, quick drying, and is able to give you UPF 30+ UV-A, and UV-B protection.

It is made from 47% Kanecaron, a Japanese modacrylic fiber that is able to withstand fire and is also self-extinguishing. It is then woven with ultra thin carbon fibre filaments so that it gets an advanced ripstop to make the hat stronger. It also comes with a sunshield to protect your neck but in case you don’t need it, you can remove it easily and then re-attach it when needed as it uses military grade Velcro. There are also 36 vents built in and a soft, breathable mesh inside the lining so you get at least a bit of cooling feeling when in hot and humid weather.

The Planet Earth hat is probably not something you’ll need for every day use, unless you trek through deserts and other places with extreme weather regularly. But it is something that you should definitely have, especially if you believe in Vollebak’s philosophy and you’ve also tried out some of their other pieces of futuristic and future-proof clothing like jackets, pants, belts, and other hats. If you want something that will last you maybe forever and you have almost $400 to spare, then you can check it out.

The post Vollebak’s newest hat can protect you from all elements forever first appeared on Yanko Design.

In a deviation from the vibrant pinks that took center stage in 2023, Etsy, the online marketplace known for its unique and handcrafted items, has declared ‘Berry’ as its Color of the Year for 2024. Described as a color deeper than pink yet softer than red, Berry embodies a mature and romantic shade that resonates with the overarching theme of celebrating romance and a more sophisticated approach to life.

Designer: Etsy

The announcement of Berry as Etsy’s Color of the Year comes on the heels of the Barbie pink craze, since the release of the movie, that dominated 2023. While the bright and bold pink hues were widely embraced and loved, the shift towards Berry reflects changing consumer preferences. Etsy reports a 58% drop in searches for hot pink decor items, signaling a desire for a more nuanced and versatile color palette.

Berry’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a grown-up version of the popular pink trend. The color seamlessly blends rich reds and soothing blue tones, creating a deep yet soft hue that exudes elegance and romance. This sophisticated pop of color makes Berry a versatile choice, suitable for year-round use and integration into various aspects of life, including home decor and personal fashion.

Etsy anticipates that Berry will become a staple favorite, finding its way into a lot of handmade items showcased on the platform. From home decorations to fashion accessories, the color’s adaptability allows it to serve as the perfect backdrop for both subtle and statement pieces. This versatility ensures that Berry can effortlessly elevate any space or wardrobe with a touch of romance.

Etsy’s Color of the Year announcement aligns with a broader trend for 2024, celebrating the romanticization of life. The website encourages users to embrace this new romantic era by transforming their spaces into self-care sanctuaries or incorporating ballet-inspired flats and soft silky fabrics into their wardrobes. Berry becomes the symbol of this romantic shift, inviting individuals to infuse a sense of sophistication and depth into their lives.

As Etsy officially ushers in the romantic era of 2024 with the introduction of Berry as the Color of the Year, the marketplace’s global community of sellers and buyers is expected to embrace this charming hue. The transition from hot pink to Berry reflects evolving tastes and preferences, offering a fresh alternative that captures the essence of romance without compromising on maturity and versatility. Whether incorporated into home decor or personal fashion, Berry is set to leave its mark on the world of handmade and unique creations throughout the year.

The post Etsy Announces ‘Berry’ As The 2024 Colour Of The Year Promoting A Romantic Shift From Pink To Maturity first appeared on Yanko Design.