USA : Koyono introduces 'Made for iPod' jacket

Apparel retailer Koyono has revealed new outerwear designs for spring 2006 that will include integrated controls for Apple iPods. These four new lightweight designs will be available for sale between now and May 1, 2006.

Koyono has chosen ElekTex by Eleksen as the smart fabric interface for enabling these embedded controls. It controls are a revolutionary and reliable way to seamlessly integrate technology and fashion.

Koyono is taking a fresh, bold approach to fashion for spring and summer, which will allow people to balance work, travel and entertainment with maximum comfort and ease.

The first design will be available is BlackCoat Work, a lightweight jacket made from water resistant stretch cotton. This 'Made for iPod' jacket is scheduled to debut in March 2006 and will be priced at $179. The other designs include coats named Sport and Minimal, and a surprise garment innovation for summer. The price range for the line is from $149 to $1,000.

Jay Yoo said, "We think the Eleksen fabric control technology opens up a vast array of possibilities for how we can effortlessly integrate with our technology. We are looking at how we can use this innovation in all our designs. We consider ElekTex smart fabrics to be the next zipper."

Apple also announced that there are more than 700 products bearing the Made for iPod logo on the market or in development, assuring customers that an electronic accessory has been designed specifically to connect to iPod and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

ElekTex is a unique five-layer laminate of electrically conductive materials that transforms fabric into an electronic touchpad. The technology replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches, which limited the growth of the wearable electronics market.

ElekTex, which is lightweight, flexible, durable and washable, is revolutionizing design across the consumer electronics and wearables sectors.

Koyono is a purveyor of apparel and accessories that balance style, performance, and utility, making life on-the-go stylish easy and fun. It has operations in Ohio, Michigan, Washington and North Carolina and was founded in 2001.

Fibre2fashion.com