Smart Sportswear

Friday, August 24, 2007

Italian luxury brand Zegna and British technological textile maker Eleksen Group plc. have teamed up to produce the Zegna Sport Bluetooth iJacket, which incorporates Eleksen’s ElekTex controls in a garment the two companies have dubbed “communication clothing.” The wearer will be able to use a cell phone, listen to music on an MP3 player and control both through controls embedded in the jacket’s sleeve. ElekTex is a slim electronic sensor made from fabric with thin, lightweight, breathable and waterproof touchpads. The Zegna iJacket has a Bluetooth interface and integrated microphone on the collar. If the wearer is listening to music on the MP3 player and receives a call, the volume will automatically lower and the control panel on the sleeve will switch to phone mode. The jackets will be retail priced beginning at $1,700 and will be available at Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques. Among Eleksen’s other products are ready-to-integrate solutions for garment, bags and accessories manufacturers. The company is based in Pinewood Studios, England, and in San Francisco.