California Apparel News

Wearable technology has largely been the domain of tech geeks—and, to a smaller degree, fashion companies such as Juicy Couture, which brought sparking iPod cases to stores.

The idea of computers and other technology becoming a functional part of clothing has taken some time to evolve, but in the age of iPhones, consumers are gradually warming up to the idea.

Executives at New York–based QIO Systems hope to energize the area with some new products, lower prices and a revamped distribution model. QIO is a spinoff of United Kingdom–based company Eleksen PLC’s previous effort to integrate mobile devices and other electronics into performance sports apparel and casual outerwear.

Eleksen was known for developing a fabric-based touchpad, which was built into garments, enabling users to control power supplies, audio and other controls by touching an area of a garment. The company aligned with companies such as Los Angeles–based Kenpo and Denver-based Spyder Sports, which incorporated the touchpad into $2,000 ski jackets.

Eleksen’s momentum was stalled last year when it was acquired by U.K. rival Peratech Ltd. The company has since licensed all Eleksen technology to QIO, led by former Eleksen executive John Collins and now based in New York.

Collins, QIO’s president, has already sold the products to resources such as Cole Haan, KILLA, Zoo York, iQuantum, Celio, Beaucre and Bailo to give the wearable-technology market some new life.

Under QIO, he has launched a new division called PANiQ, which revamps the former Eleksen distribution model and gives consumers a chance to purchase the controller devices themselves, rather than buy an entire finished product. This allows them to transfer the technology from garment to garment.

The product line includes controllers for Apple’s iPod and iPhone, Bluetooth cell phones, walkie talkies, and AM/FM radios.

The company is still sub-licensing the technology to manufacturers and retailers, bringing buy-in costs down to as low as $5.

The PANiQ line is made interactive through the integration of a smart-fabric touchpad.

“These have a different look and feel than the Eleksen accessory electronics,” Collins explained. “We made it to be a modular solution. The problem in the past is that we never got the idea to move [the technology] from one garment to the other.”

Collins said the challenge will come through having to educate retailers about the products. The upside, Collins said, is that the products play into the keyactive-sports demographic, where most of the users are in their teens to their 30s.

“It’s a natural fit for activewear and sportswear,” he said. “There’s also quite a bit of interest in the fashion area.”

In addition, the company is targeting the mobile workforce, including shipping companies. Collins envisions FedEx, UPS and warehouse workers being able to talk into their shirt sleeves to relay messages. The company debuted the new line at the recent Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City.

“We are excited,” he said. “We are working hard, and are optimistic we have the right model now.” He added that it will take some patience; it will be at least three to five years before wearable technology makes an impact in mainstream retail channels, he said, although stores such as Macy’s are already exploring the area. For more information, visit www.paniqzone.com.