• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.246-253
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• 2009

Technology and fashion are not as distant from each other as it might first seem. Early wearables were functional but awkward to wear and to look at. Today wearables are rapidly rising to meet the fashion world on its own terms by producing garments that are both stylish and comfortable. Personalization of wearables allows for new modes of self-expression, which is an essential factor in making fashion items that appeal to the public. Embedded technologies in the garment and the functionalities integrated into the electronic textiles influence the ‘wearability', comfort and the aesthetic of a fashionable wearable. Considering these factors is an essential part of the design process when creating user-centered fashionable wearables. Designers have to have a comprehensive understanding of the purpose, the user, the interaction, and in commercial applications, the right price point. An appealing design in combination with an intuitive interface will make for a successful fashionable wearable.