With wearable devices such as the Apple Watch, released in April, gaining attention, the wearable technology at SXstyle offered a glimpse into the future. It seems that the next generation of wearables will be so integrated into fashion that it's virtually invisible to the naked eye. The evolution of wearable technology extends beyond devices to fabric materials. ■ "Smart Fabrics" Will Transform the Future of Digital and Fashion Smart fabrics are textile materials that can sense and respond to environmental changes and stimuli. These are fabrics woven with electrically conductive fiber threads or coated with high-molecular polymers equipped with chips or smart functions. Smart fabrics, which can respond to environmental changes and external stimuli, have been developed in the military and medical fields, where they can be used to camouflage fabrics according to their surroundings or to treat wounds on injured soldiers. However, artists and designers are beginning to use them in creative applications. Clothing like a "second skin" is being created, adapting to the surrounding environment and the wearer's personal condition.

Wearable Experiments is a design consulting agency specializing in the integration of hardware, software, and apparel design. The agency specializes in research, development, and prototyping of circuit boards, haptic feedback technology, GPS, and washable electronics. In collaboration with snowboarding brand Oakley, the agency developed a concept model of a flying snowboard jacket. The model is designed to reduce impact and allow snowboarders to jump more lightly. In other words, it is an attempt to use technology to meet the needs of snowboarders, who engage in a demanding sport in harsh environments.

Brooklyn-based Manufacture NY is a fashion-focused co-working space that acts as a hub connecting the different fields of fashion and technology. Manufacture NY operates a fashion incubator and co-working space for fashion designers and apparel companies, providing support in the production process of new apps, hardware, textiles, fashion brands, and more. CTO Amanda Parkes is building a new space for development that combines the sensitivity and creativity required in fashion with technology.

In the United States and the United Kingdom, specialized research institutes, agencies, and coworking spaces specializing in supporting the development of smart fabrics, wearable devices, and smart fabrics are beginning to emerge. By acting as a bridge between fashion and technology, these organizations are encouraging creators to actively incorporate smart fabrics into their own creative work.

Francis Bitonti is a fashion designer who uses computer-aided design techniques to create 3D printed products. His cutting-edge digitally designed dresses became famous when style icon Dita von Teese wore them to the opening of the ACE Hotel in New York in 2013.

■ For Smart Fabrics to Become a Fashion Standard

Smart fabrics require not only the technical aspects of incorporating electrical elements into fabrics, but also the consideration of how to maintain comfort and fashion. On the technological side, there are a wide range of approaches, including not only the development of electrically conductive fibers, but also shape-memory alloys, thermochromic paints that change color with temperature, and washable batteries and chips.

In order for smart fabrics to have the quality and design to be considered fashionable, I hope to see the emergence of many projects in which people skilled in the field of technology team up with fashion designers, apparel companies, and textile companies.

While I was proofreading this article on the last Saturday of May, I received some exciting news about smart fabrics. Google and Levi's are collaborating to develop smart jeans. What's more, the textile development leader is Japanese, and the denim factory is also Japanese, which is great news.

Next time, The advent of 3D printing will bring customization to the masses.