Fashion and technology, once considered separate worlds, first collided in the 1970s when the wristwatch evolved to include a calculator function.
Since then, wearable technology has only grown, expanding beyond fitness to enter the luxury fashion scene. Today, high-end companies are redefining tech-based fashion, propelled by consumer interest and widespread digital adoption. The global wearables industry is on track to hit an estimated $201.3 billion by 2033, and high-end brands are taking notice.
Luxury fashion is now embracing wearable tech, with designers introducing stylish accessories aimed at improving health and wellness or simplifying our connected lives. Below, we explore some of the most innovative and stylish luxury wearables on the market today.
Smartwatches
The Apple Watch Series 9 stands out as one of the most high-tech luxury wearables available. Powered by the S9 processor, this smartwatch boasts a brighter display, faster Siri interactions, and a more responsive user interface thanks to an improved ultra-wideband chip. The Series 9 also underscores Apple's commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly watch bands, reduced packaging, and recycled materials. This model is part of Apple's first-ever carbon-neutral collection, alongside the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch SE.
For those with a penchant for designer labels, Apple has since unveiled smartwatches designed in collaboration with luxury fashion house Hermès. This ongoing partnership, which began in 2015, brings a chic, nautical-inspired touch to the tech giant's watches, with wristbands in deep shades of blue and red. The bands are crafted from waterproof, textured knit materials in Hermès' ateliers. The Apple Watch Hermès is the perfect blend of high-end fashion and cutting-edge technology.
Hearing glasses
Hearing glasses represent a groundbreaking fusion of style and function. A collaboration between Nuance Hearing and EssilorLuxottica, a leading luxury eyewear company, these glasses offer a revolutionary approach to hearing aids. Designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing glasses combine vision correction with advanced hearing assistance.
Nuance Audio technology, integrated seamlessly into EssilorLuxottica's stylish frames, provides an open-ear solution that eliminates the discomfort typically associated with traditional in-ear hearing aids. Users can adjust their focus with directional sound, emphasizing conversations in front of them. Alternatively, the "360 mode" allows for a more immersive experience, amplifying sounds from all directions based on preset profiles. With this elegant combination of eyewear and hearing technology, users no longer have to choose between aesthetics and utility.
Smart rings
Oura, a Finnish health tech company, has revolutionized the world of smart rings with its Generation 3 wearable. Equipped with advanced sensors, the Oura smart ring tracks your heart rate, body temperature, sleep patterns, and even predicts your next period. It is water-resistant up to 330 feet, making it suitable for swimming or bathing. In March, Oura expanded its U.S. presence by partnering with Amazon, offering free delivery for Prime members alongside availability on Best Buy and Therabody’s platforms.
Oura’s appeal transcends health tracking—it's become a luxury statement piece. In 2022, Oura partnered with Gucci to launch a $950 smart ring featuring the Italian fashion house’s signature interlocking G motif, set in a 0.3-inch-wide black PVD titanium band with 18k gold braided trim. This collaboration showcases how luxury wearables can fuse health technology with high fashion, giving style-conscious consumers an elegant and functional accessory.
Whether you're tracking your fitness with a smartwatch, enhancing your hearing with stylish glasses, or monitoring your health with a chic smart ring, these devices are paving the way for the future of fashion and functionality. The luxury wearable market is booming, and there has never been a better time to embrace this innovative trend.
