Drones, wearables, and an aerialist on a bicycle. Welcome to Silicon Valley's first-ever fashion week, where products walk down the runway while the audience watches in awe.
Hosted in San Francisco by Betabrand, a clothing store that specializes in crowdfunding its designs, Silicon Valley Fashion Week? [1] is definitely a questionable concept — something the company understood from the start. Journalists, PR professionals, techies, and fashion aficionados showed up for the three-night event; nearly everyone was surprised and enamored by the looks from local and international designers.
The first night's show was dedicated to new technology around transportation. The models presented different products, such as Tespack backpacks, which are powered by solar panels, as well as SOVO's light-up vest, made for cyclists. And just when the audience thought the show was over, out came the drones, modeling clothing from Betabrand. There was no snickering but rather gasping at how astounding and cool it was to see.
The second night centered on wearable tech, with many designs literally lighting up the runway and showing how 3D printing can redefine jewelry and other accessories. The drones came out again in full force, as you can see in a clip below. (For even more videos from the show, check out our Vine page [2].)
Whether or not you're into fashion or tech, you'll definitely want to see our photos from the first two nights. Some are pretty unbelievable.
During Wednesday's show, Mikaela Holmes [3] stunned the audience with incredible illuminating designs.
This full-on suit was something almost out of The Avengers.
The lights went down to make her designs stand out.
Check out this whiteboard dress from designer Natalie Walsh [4].
Sensoree [5] took the stage with its eye-catching wearable designs.
The models walked on and off the runway with this pose.
Tiare Ribeaux might've stolen the show with its captivating clothing and headwear.
A model walked down the runway with an ethereal feel.
Tiare Ribeaux held nothing back with both its designs and models.
One last runway walk for this set of models.
Heidi Lee [6]'s 3D-printed headwear definitely stood out.
Hello, ampersand hat.
The full looks.
But the design that really shocked everyone was a mask with many faces.
Sunglasses aren't just for the daytime anymore with Tenaya Hurst [7]'s light-up glasses.
The light-up glasses were also accompanied by interesting headwear.
The outfits complemented the glasses.
Some pieces gravitated toward a scientific inspiration, like Payam [8]'s "zero-gravity" jumpsuits.
Apparently, if you went upside down in this jumpsuit, nothing would fall out of your pockets.
Threeform [9] introduced custom-made, 3D-printed costumes and jewelry.
Each design was fitted to the model's specifications.
This full-on body armor was custom made and looked badass.
Pixels appeared everywhere and in different designs from Al Linke [10].
No one could believe Elektronista [11]'s clutch that can charge and hold both an iPhone and iPad.
Nothing really reminded you that this was a Silicon Valley fashion week like Jenn Mann [12]'s crazy-cool space helmet.
A fiber optics dress walked down the runway several times, since it was glamorous.
This wearable is one for both safety and glam — a disco ball helmet.
Not all the models were part of the show — some were just accompanying items like Serge [13]'s geometric objects.
Serge's pieces were inspired by Burning Man.
More wearable jewelry came to the runway with Dileksezen [14]'s designs.
A drone walked down wearing Betabrand clothing [15].
Wednesday's keynote speaker was a "supermodel from the year 2050." The walking robot is a real product called Beam [16] from Suitable Technologies.
Mustafa Khan, a tech entrepreneur, hosted the event.
On the first night of the show, Misfit's wearables [17] made an appearance, complete with Swarovski crystals.
Torch [18] showed off its helmets with built-in headlights.
While another model showed off a water bladder from FutureTechWear [19].
Boosted Boards [20] took the stage and showed off some tricks.
SOVO [21]'s electric light-up gear illuminated the stage through the darkness.
Sensilk's sports bra [22] connects to your smartphone and tracks your heart rate.
The founder of Zackees [23], Zach Vorhies, took the stage in a jacket for biking at night.
An aerialist performed her magic on a hanging bike.
And she stunned everyone with what she can do!
At the beginning of Silicon Valley Fashion Week?, we saw that the town is typically known for: hoodies and more hoodies.
Chris Lindland, founder of Betabrand, spoke on what this fashion week is all about during day one of the show. "Maybe the idea is that we'll change the way the rest of the world thinks about dressing themselves," he said.