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oving forward technological- ly, but remain- ing true to its original purpose –– the paradox of a watch. In similar fash - ion to cell phones, watches are undergoing a tech- nological advancement aimed towards versatility and conve- nience. These smartwatches are able to provide a number of services including phone notifications, weather updates, navigational assistance, voice command and other mobile functions –– all from your wrist. Smartwatches were intro - duced in the early 2000's by tech giants like Samsung, IBM and Microsoft, but it wasn't until 2014 that the wrist revo- lution truly began. Many new smartwatches were released from various small compa- nies alongside the big players like LG, Samsung and Apple (now the market leader among smartwatches, accounting for half of all smartwatch sales, and more than three-quarters of smartwatch revenues). Smartwatches have been on the market for a few years now, and they have been met with positive reaction and criticism, for the most part. Now in its second series, Apple Watch 2 is the hybrid between an iPhone and a clas - sic watch that enables users to read emails, summon Siri, make and receive phone calls, and other various iPhone func- tions. The sleek, slender watch has a built-in GPS chip that can provide directions to a destina- tion, and also water resistant, so you can send and receive text messages in the shower. There's a custom sensor that consis - tently measures your heart rate during a workout, providing re- corded information like number of footsteps, miles, and beats per minute. With more than 71 combinations of customizations –– everything from the case material, color, size and type of band (sport, nylon, leather, and steel) –– Apple offers more room for personalization with their smartwatches compared to their iPhones. According to Jony Ivy, Apple's chief design officer, "I think Apple's contri - bution has always been at its most significant when it's trying to make personal products. And this watch is clearly the most personal product we've made." But aside from the technolog - ical advancements, smartwatch manufacturers are embarking on a new creative development: their aesthetic. As much as smartwatches are admired for their digital capabilities, many consumers have voiced concern regarding the physical appeal of these watches. Sometimes they appear too "tech" due to their digital dials/screens that can be reminiscent of sport watch - es; what you have appears to be a cross between a Livestrong band and a wrist pedometer. There is an apparent lack of panache and the elegance of classic watches. The stylistic function of a watch can fail to succeed if it creates a strong contrast between wardrobe and wrist. Imagine wearing your best suit or dress alongside a sportwatch, or your gym attire with a Rolex; there's a strange juxtaposition that can create a flaw in appearance. VUE ON FASHION V U E N J . C O M 81

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