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Titanium Milanese Loop Review: Precision Engineering Meets Luxury in Apple’s Ultimate Watch Band

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PROS:


  • Durable: Made from aerospace-grade titanium, the Milanese Loop is corrosion-resistant and built to handle tough environments.

  • Lightweight: The band remains lightweight despite being metal, reducing discomfort during extended wear.

  • Comfortable: The flexible mesh contours to the wrist, offering breathability and reducing irritation.

  • Custom Fit: Micro-adjustability down to 1mm ensures a perfect, snug fit for different wrist sizes and activities.

  • Sustainable: Constructed from 95% recycled titanium, aligning with Apple’s focus on environmentally responsible materials.

CONS:


  • Price: At $200, it's pricier compared to other Apple Watch bands.

  • Hair Pulling: The mesh design may cause slight pulling for users with wrist hair.

  • Indention Marks: A tighter fit can leave skin indentations after prolonged wear.

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
SUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

The Titanium Milanese Loop brings next-level engineering, rivaling Rolex's precision, durability, and seamless blend of luxury and functionality.
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When I first saw the Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at the Apple Glowtime event, it immediately grabbed my attention as an impressive leap forward in band design. Inspired by stainless steel mesh historically used by divers, this new Titanium Milanese Loop is made from woven, corrosion-resistant titanium wire. It’s flattened and polished to a stunning satin texture that balances ruggedness and elegance. The parachute-style buckle features dual side-release buttons that close with an audible click, giving a sense of security whether exploring the ocean depths or heading out for a night on the town.

Designer: Apple

This band perfectly complements the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s rugged design, offering lightweight durability while looking refined. Whether heading into a meeting, swimming in the pool, hiking, or deep diving, I know the Titanium Milanese Loop can handle it without sacrificing style or functionality.

Now available in a striking new black titanium finish, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 proves why it’s the go-to choice for serious athletes and adventurers. Featuring the brightest display ever on an Apple device, the Ultra 2’s LTPO2 OLED Always-on Retina display delivers up to 3000 nits of brightness, making it highly visible even in the harshest sunlight. In comparison, the Apple Watch Series 10 offers a display brightness of up to 2000 nits and a wide-angle OLED that increases brightness by up to 40% when viewed at an angle. The Ultra 2 delivers battery life, lasting up to 36 hours during regular use and 72 hours in low power mode, compared to 18 hours of standard usage on the Series 10. Combined with the new Titanium Milanese Loop, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 represents a seamless marriage of aesthetics and performance, capable of handling the most demanding terrains while looking sophisticated enough for any occasion.

Design, Custom Fit, and Next-Level Engineering Marvel

The Milanese Loop design has a long history rooted in traditional chainmail used by divers, but Apple has reimagined it with a modern touch. The Titanium Milanese Loop, crafted specifically for the Ultra, caught my eye from the moment I saw it at the Apple Glowtime event. Made from aerospace-grade titanium, the band is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, offering strength and comfort—a perfect match for the Ultra 2’s rugged yet refined style.

What impressed me most was Apple’s commitment to craftsmanship, as the band is created through a meticulous process of weaving, flattening, laser-welding, grinding, and finely polishing the titanium wire to form a precise, interlinking mesh that balances both strength and flexibility. This design drapes comfortably on the wrist while maintaining durability. I immediately appreciated the dual-button, parachute-style buckle, which made adjusting my wrist’s natural fluctuations throughout the day incredibly easy. Whether due to temperature changes or the ebb and flow of daily activity, I could quickly loosen or tighten the fit without needing to remove the watch. This level of adjustment, down to 1mm, truly made the band feel custom-made for my wrist.

Apple’s decision to use titanium wasn’t only about strength and practicality for everyday use. The dual-release buckle offers peace of mind, providing a secure fit during various activities without any concern about it coming undone. Whether in natural or black titanium, the band perfectly complements the Ultra 2’s new black titanium finish. Achieved through a custom blasting process and enhanced with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, this finish provides excellent scratch resistance, ensuring the watch and band look as good after months of wear as they did the first day I tried them.

The Titanium Milanese Loop combines aesthetics, ruggedness, and sustainability. Made from 95% recycled titanium, this band aligns with Apple’s focus on environmentally responsible materials. In my experience, it’s a stylish, practical, and durable accessory. This blend of qualities makes it a great long-term choice for anyone seeking a band that complements the Ultra 2’s versatility and style.

Fit and Comfort: Tailored for Performance

The Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is breathable and flexible, making it a great fit for all-day wear. Depending on your personal preferences, there are a couple of things to consider. While some users with wrist hair might experience slight pulling due to the mesh design, I haven’t had this issue myself.

As someone who prefers a snug fit, I tend to wear my watch a bit tighter to prevent it from moving around, a habit formed from years of wearing traditional mechanical watches. If you wear the Ultra 2 tightly, as I do, you’ll notice a slight indentation after a long day, but there’s no discomfort associated with it. It’s more about leaving a mark than feeling any pain. This tight fit keeps the watch in place, making it feel more secure during physical activities, whether hiking, diving, or running errands.

This band’s ability to adjust down to the millimeter makes it incredibly versatile for any wrist size. It’s great to know Apple offers an extra-long tail version for those needing additional length—whether to wear over a wetsuit or simply because of larger wrists.

For me, the combination of the Titanium Milanese Loop and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is all about striking the right balance between durability, comfort, and design. It’s the kind of band that seamlessly fits into my daily life, whether I’m out hiking, working in the yard, or tackling outdoor adventures. This band doesn’t just look good; it’s made to endure, and it pairs perfectly with the rugged nature of the Ultra 2. The thoughtful engineering and comfort of the Milanese Loop make it feel like it’s built to last, keeping up with the adventurous spirit that the Ultra 2 embodies.

Band Size and Fit

I went with the medium size for the Titanium Milanese Loop, which fits perfectly. The buckle centers squarely on the back of my wrist, which, for someone like me with a bit of OCD, brings a sense of balance that I appreciate. Wearing a watch every day is an intimate experience, and I pay close attention to how it sits—whether it’s a mechanical watch with a deployment buckle or a tang, every detail matters. The centered buckle feels right and adds to the comfort of wearing the Ultra 2 all day.

Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Titanium Milanese Loop

At the Apple event, I had the chance to try on the small size, but I could barely get the watch past my knuckle. Unless you have particularly thin wrists or plan on wearing this over a wetsuit, I’d recommend opting for the medium. It strikes the right balance for everyday wear, and it offers enough room for quick adjustments when needed.

Here are the official band size details:

  • Small: Fits wrists 130–160mm.
  • Medium: Fits wrists 155–185mm.
  • Large: Fits wrists 180–210mm.

With those ranges, the medium size should comfortably accommodate most wrist sizes. However, for anyone needing extra length—especially for wearing over bulkier gear like a wetsuit—the large size is the way to go. In my experience, getting the right fit goes a long way in maximizing the band’s comfort and aesthetics.

Value: A Long-Term Investment

Priced at $200 on its own or $100 more when bundled with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Titanium Milanese Loop might seem like a luxury option for an Apple Watch band. However, compared to titanium bracelets from brands like Rolex and Omega, which typically cost in the range of thousands of dollars, the value becomes clear. Apple has crafted a premium product that brings the high-end feel of titanium—usually reserved for much more expensive timepieces—into the world of wearable tech at a fraction of the price.

For someone like me who regularly upgrades their Apple Watch, the band’s value goes beyond the Ultra 2 itself. Apple’s consistent design language across its product line ensures this band will likely remain relevant with future watch models. Investing in this Titanium Milanese Loop means you’re getting a durable and stylish band that will serve you through multiple upgrades.

Another critical factor is the dual-lock system, which offers unbeatable security. Whether I’m out hiking, diving, or just going about my daily routine, I know the band is securely fastened, giving me peace of mind no matter what. Its durability, ease of use, and ability to adapt across future models make this band a smart investment for anyone who values functionality and design in their Apple Watch accessories.

Final Thoughts

The Titanium Milanese Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has quickly become one of my favorite bands. It offers that perfect mix of durability, premium design, and all-day comfort, whether in the field or just going through my daily routine. I’ve been wearing it for everything from outdoor activities to long workdays, and it never fails to deliver on comfort and style. I’ll continue to revisit this band in future articles as I spend more time with it. If you have any questions or thoughts about the band, feel free to drop me a note—I’d love to hear your feedback!

The post Titanium Milanese Loop Review: Precision Engineering Meets Luxury in Apple’s Ultimate Watch Band first appeared on Yanko Design.

Bodega creates “jacket” for Crocs’ All-Terrain Clog

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I am not the biggest fan of Crocs footwear for many design-related reasons, including its hole-y look. A lot of people find it comfortable to wear, hence its popularity but if you’re hiking or climbing in some weird weather conditions, it’s not the best choice. However, streetwear boutique Bodega is adding an accessory to the Crocs Classic Clog that can turn it into an off-road kind of footwear.

Designer: Bodega

The Bodega x Crocs “NICT-TECH” All-Terrain Clog 2.0 features a removable hood that you can outfit your Crocs with to protect it against the elements that can make its way through the holes. Basically it’s a jacket for your Crocs so you’ll be able to wear it even if it’s rainy, sandy, or whatever other weather condition makes it uncomfortable and unsafe to have a clog with holes.

The footwear comes in a woodland bark camo print while the detachable elements have a matching brown color. The “jacket” itself of course has a weatherproof outer layer. There is also a tiny ripstop bag attached to it where you can put some stuff, providing they’re small and can fit in it without making you feel uncomfortable.

Probably another thing that people find attractive with Crocs footwear is that a lot of things can be attached to it to turn it into something else aside from a hole-y clog. This latest outdoorsey one from Bodega will be available starting September 27 on their website and costs just around $90.

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Batmobile Crocs may be the coolest version of the footwear we’ve ever seen

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We’ve seen Shrek Crocs in the past (and tbh they’re hideously brilliant), but nothing really passes the vibe check as much as these Batmobile Crocs. Modeled to look like the iconic vehicle from the 1989 Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, these shoes come with all the bells and whistles, including a graphic on the front showcasing the hood, a set of fins near the ankle, wheel-shaped details around the heel, and the best part, actual windshields on the front! Yes, you’ve got headlights and taillights too, along with the jet engine intake on the frontal tip and an afterburner on the back. Sure, Crocs have a reputation of being considered a fashion faux pas, but this one pulls all the stops. Oh, did I also mention it comes with its own custom Batman Jibbitz charms that you can fasten into the holes on the top??

Designer: Crocs

Wear these shoes and you’re bound to get a few stares – some of awe and others of contempt. If you can look past the latter, the ‘Crocs Batman Batmobile Classic Clogs’ are quite the wearable memorabilia. Announced on the 45th anniversary of the Batman movie, these shoes perfectly capture the unique design of the Batmobile from all those years ago, and I assume it has to do with the clog’s inherent bulbous, curvy shape.

The design is absolutely filled with easter-eggs that make it look almost exactly like the 1989 Batmobile. The front of the clog mimics the 1989 Batmobile’s turbine intake, complete with mechanical lines and even the tiny signal lights from the car. You’ll find the Batmobile’s classic wings molded into the heel straps, adding a bit of flair to an otherwise laid-back piece of footwear. The side profile features carvings that resemble the Batmobile’s rear wheels and side air intakes. It’s clear the design team put thought into translating one of the most iconic vehicles in comic book history onto a clog.

Quite like the Batmobile itself, these shoes are built for everything. As Crocs are known for, they’re lightweight, flexible, and come equipped with their signature ventilation ports to keep your feet cool and dry. This is a crucial feature for anyone who’s spent time in Crocs—they can handle water, mud, or any unexpected elements, just as Batman handles Gotham’s criminal underworld. The pivoting heel straps are a practical addition, keeping the clogs secure on your feet whether you’re on a casual stroll or, hypothetically, chasing after a villain. The Crocs material also makes these shoes easy to clean, which is always a plus if you’re planning to wear them in all kinds of weather… and get this, all Crocs are also flame-retardant, which is definitely a plus too!

In true Crocs fashion, the Batman Batmobile Classic Clog comes with special Jibbitz charms. These small, rubber accessories allow you to personalize your pair with extra Batman-themed flair, further indulging your superhero fantasies. The Batman x Crocs Classic Clog “Batmobile” will be priced at just $69.99 when it launches later this September. A kids’ version will also be available for $54.99 upon release. The Jibbitz, sadly, cost extra.

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Fendi and MAD Architects collaborate on sci-fi shoes and Peekaboo bags

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It’s always interesting when two brands from two different disciplines team up to create something that is sure to be unique or at the very least, different. Fashion brand Fendi is no stranger to collaborations with other companies, designers, and even celebrities. Their latest partnership is with MAD Architects, specifically designer Ma Yansong and they’re bringing a futuristic look to your feet and your hands.

Designer: Ma Yansong

This collaboration for shoes and bags that would look at home in a sci-fi movie (or maybe even the near future) is designed by the Beijing-born Ma Yansong and Fendi’s own Silvia Venturini Fendi and is able to “combine new technoligies with an Eastern affinity for natural forms.” Three colors of the ergonomic Lycra running shoes and two new versions of the iconic Peekabook bag are part of this collection which is a must have for Fendi collectors, or at least those who can afford it.

The Fendi MAD sneakers are slip-on footwear that have elastic laces and come with extra-light sole features that make it ideal for running or walking (and modeled by short-track speed skater Lin Xiaojun). There are three different versions that in black, white, or gray and with injected details in either metallic silver, yellow, or dark blue. They all have padded Lycra® to add to the comfortable feel.

The Peekaboo ISeeYou bags are identifiable with the Fendi brand and this time they feature the curving, wave-like panels and the glossy coloured aluminum underneath it that give it a futuristic look. The black colorway is medium sized and has black leather and dark blue aluminum while the gray small version has grey leather and yellow aluminum. Of course as this is Fendi, expect the prices to be steep.

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EcoFlow’s Solar-panel Power Hat Hands-on at IFA 2024: Meet the world’s first ‘wearable’ device charger!

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Yamaha, a piano company, also makes motorcycles. Bose, an audio company, happens to also make suspension seats for truck drivers. And EcoFlow, a company known for its portable power stations, decided to enter the fashion market. However, it isn’t that much of a curveball, to be honest – because the product in question still somewhat fits into EcoFlow’s product portfolio. Meet the Power Hat, a sun-hat with a slight difference – the sun-blocking rim comes equipped with solar panels that don’t just cut the glare, they capture it and turn it into electrical power. Spotted at IFA 2024, the Power Hat is a weird accessory, but I guarantee it’s the kind of accessory that will turn heads and have people asking you where you got it from.

Designer: EcoFlow

What’s the Deal with the EcoFlow Power Hat?

At first glance, the Power Hat looks like your average wide-brimmed sun hat, the kind you’d see on a hiker or beach-goer. But hidden in plain sight is a flexible solar panel sewn right into the brim. This panel absorbs sunlight, converting it into usable power that charges your devices via a USB-C port tucked discreetly in the inner band. It’s designed for people who spend time outdoors—think hikers, campers, or anyone else who finds themselves without an outlet when they need a quick charge.

EcoFlow’s core mission has always been to make clean energy accessible, and the Power Hat is a clear extension of that. It’s a simple but clever solution: harness the sun to keep your phone alive. You won’t be powering your laptop or an entire campsite with it, but for smaller devices like smartphones and GPS units, it’s a handy backup.

A Walking Charger, Literally

So how does it work? The flexible solar panel captures sunlight as you go about your day, and the energy flows through to the USB-C port inside the hat’s band. You plug in, stash your device in a backpack or pocket, and let the sun do the rest. There’s no app, no settings, just solar power straight to your phone.

It’s a far cry from the clunky solar backpacks of the past—here, you get style and function wrapped in one. However, specifics on the exact charging speed remain vague. From what we saw at IFA, it’s more of an “emergency boost” than a full power-up. If you’re thinking of using it to charge a dead phone from 0% to 100%, you’ll want to manage your expectations. But if your battery’s at 20% and you need a bit more juice to get through a hike or festival, the Power Hat should do the trick.

A Hat That’s Actually A Wearable

Fashion and function don’t always play nice, especially when tech is involved. But EcoFlow seems to have struck a balance here. The hat is designed to be worn for long periods without feeling like you’ve got a mini solar farm on your head. Early reviews from IFA attendees suggest that it’s surprisingly comfortable, even with the embedded solar panel. The wide brim offers decent sun protection while giving the solar panel enough surface area to be effective.

While it’s not exactly runway-ready, the Power Hat doesn’t scream “tech gadget,” which is a win in itself. You’re not sacrificing aesthetics for utility, and it looks like a regular sun hat—until you plug in your phone, of course.

Where Does It Fit?

The Power Hat sits somewhere between a practical gadget and a novelty, depending on how you look at it. On one hand, it’s a genuinely useful tool for specific situations. If you’re out in the sun for hours, why not make use of that solar energy? On the other hand, it’s not exactly a game-changer for most people. Solar power banks or portable chargers probably still offer more versatility, especially for those who need serious charging power. But if you’re all about compact, multi-purpose gear, the Power Hat could find a place in your kit. With its $79 price tag, it’s definitely expensive for a hat, but can you really put a price on being energy-independent and sustainable? Moreover, the idea of a hat charging your phone, tablet, or earbuds definitely seems worth $79.

Final Thoughts

EcoFlow’s Power Hat is a quirky, eco-friendly addition to the wearable tech landscape. It combines the practical with the unexpected—a sun hat that helps charge your phone. While we still have questions about its real-world performance, it’s an intriguing product that could appeal to outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys tech with a touch of flair.

Who knows? Maybe the Power Hat will start a trend. Hats aren’t just for blocking the sun anymore—they’re for charging your phone while you hike, hit the beach, or attend that all-day music festival. Just don’t forget to bring a backup charger… in case it rains.

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LG flaunts its stretchable displays on the catwalk

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LG's stretchable displays that we first saw at CES 2023 have made a new public appearance at a fashion show, the company announced. The tech — which LG now calls Stretchable — appeared as part of clothing and bag concepts at 2025 Seoul Fashion Week.

The displays were added to the front of garments, sleeves and clutch bags designed by Korean designers Youn-Hee Park and Chung-Chung Lee. "We have been able to design future fashion concepts with new materials that have never existed before," Park said. 

Stretchable displays can be pulled, bent and twisted, so they go a step farther than the bending and twisting displays used in foldable smartphones. To make them more supple, LG built the substrate material from a silicon similar to that used in contact lenses, with microLEDs smaller than 40-micrometers for the light source. LG notes they can be stretched from 12 to 14 inches or about 20 percent. 

Flexible wearable tech has been a much researched feature for fashion and even things like invisibility cloaks. South Korea's government created a national project to test their commercial potential for new types of wearable tech across multiple industries. The main challenge has been to make it more like fabric instead of stiff plastic, but LG seems to have at least partially cracked the problem.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/lg-flaunts-its-stretchable-displays-on-the-catwalk-140053981.html?src=rss

Mosaic-like stools are made from the soles of discarded rubber shoes

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The fashion industry is known for its striking designs, lavish materials, and sometimes mind-blowing forms, but it also has a dirty little secret when it comes to sustainability. Many of those materials, processes, and even ingredients have a tendency to harm the environment, especially mass-produced pieces of clothing, accessories, and footwear. Even something that sounds so innocent like the rubber soles of shoes can have a long-term negative impact on the planet’s health, especially when they’re thrown away without much thought. Although it’s not enough to make this discarded material disappear, these distinctive artistic stools help reduce their numbers while providing furniture that makes an impact in more ways than one.

Designer: BENTU Design

According to figures, 20 billion pairs of shoes are produced each year, and nearly all of those end up in landfills sooner or later. Footwear is usually made with half a dozen synthetic materials, with outsoles using plenty of rubber that takes more than a hundred years to decompose. Burning them, on the other hand, releases toxic gases, which is usually what happens in garbage disposal sites. Even though the process still uses water and energy, recycling these materials is still a significantly better way to deal with all the waste.

WU is a line of stools that does exactly that, giving new life to shoe soles that result in an even more interesting design. 90% of each stool’s raw materials are made from recycled rubber shoe materials, about 15kg of material that is equivalent to 60 rubber soles. It’s a small number compared to the amount of shoes being thrown away, but even just 10 of these stools mean 600 shoes are kept away from landfills.

The resulting design is quite intriguing as well. The raw materials are classified according to color to have a more uniform appearance, but the uniqueness still comes out in tiny bits of colors and microtextures. If some recycled plastics create a terrazzo effect, the recycled rubber soles result in finer and smaller pieces that have a grainy appearance as if painted with oils or mixed in with concrete.

The shape of the WU stool is also unusual, with a hexagon seat and a three-pointed base. This makes it easy to combine the stools into a larger form like a bench, though the connection will be superficial and perhaps a bit unstable. When placed together, these stools paint a rather eye-catching picture, almost literally, as if somebody took reality and applied a mosaic filter on it. Either way, no one will be the wiser that these were probably made from the pair of shoes they threw away years ago.

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Nike’s Secret Design Archive to be made visible to the public for the first time at the Vitra Design Museum

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Early Mechanical Shox Prototype (1981) from the Department of Nike Archives

Nestled in an unassuming building, Nike’s top-secret design archive, known as the Department of Nike Archives (DNA), houses a treasure trove of over 200,000 rare artifacts. From never-before-seen sneaker prototypes to the original Nike “swoosh” sketch, the DNA is a sneaker lover’s paradise. Recently, the DNA opened its doors to curators for the first time, leading to the creation of the groundbreaking exhibition, “Nike: Form Follows Motion.” For the first time, Nike has opened its doors to a select group of curators who have scoured these holdings to create an exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the brand’s history and design philosophy.

Set to run from September 21, 2024, to May 2025, the exhibition is the first of its kind dedicated solely to Nike. It traces the company’s journey from its founding in 1964 to its current position as the largest apparel company in the world. Curated by Glenn Adamson, who also co-edited a book to accompany the exhibition, the show seeks to explore Nike’s unique approach to design. According to Adamson, Nike’s design thinking is intensely creative and complex, rivaling that of any other company in the industry. The exhibition is structured into four chronological sections, each representing a significant phase in Nike’s evolution.

“Nike: Form Follows Motion” is divided into four chronological sections: “Track,” “Air,” “Sensation,” and “Relation.” The first section, “Track,” offers a look at Nike’s early years when jogging was a niche activity. This period is marked by the brand’s first product innovations, including the release of the waffle-soled trainer in the early 1970s. The next section, “Air,” covers Nike’s expansion into sports advertising, bolstered by high-profile partnerships with athletes like Michael Jordan. The “Sensation” section focuses on Nike’s extensive sports research programs, highlighting the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance wear. Finally, the “Relation” section reflects on Nike’s history of collaborations with external designers, showcasing the brand’s willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies.

To create this exhibition, Adamson made several trips to the DNA, where he had access to materials that had never been publicly displayed. The archive itself is unremarkable from the outside, but inside, it’s a veritable wonderland for sneaker enthusiasts. The space is filled with moving shelves, each stacked with shoeboxes containing some of Nike’s most significant designs. Among the highlights are prototypes of the Air Force One that never made it to market and the original stock of the Air Max shoe, known for its revolutionary see-through soles designed by aeronautical engineer Frank Rudy.

Sketch of Air Max, Tinker Hatfield (1986)

The exhibition also features deadstock shoes and prototypes that have remained hidden in the DNA until now. These include early mechanical prototypes of the Shox line, which featured external shock mounts designed to improve athletic performance. Adamson describes one such prototype as a “Frankenstein object,” a bizarre yet fascinating piece of Nike’s design history that had to be included in the exhibition (image at the beginning).

In addition to these historical artifacts, the exhibition also offers a keen insight into Nike’s current design practices. One of the most impressive innovation centers is the Nike Sport Research Lab (NSRL) in Beaverton, Oregon. The 85,000-square-foot facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including hundreds of cameras and dozens of force plates that track athletes’ movements. The insights gathered from this research are used to develop new products like the Vapormax running shoe, which is one of Nike’s most studied shoes to date.

Nike: Form Follows Motion comes at a crucial time for the company. In recent years, Nike has faced challenges, including supply chain issues and increased competition from other running shoe brands like Hoka and Brooks. Despite these obstacles, Nike remains committed to innovation. The company recently launched an AI platform called Blackbox to aid in the design of new products. According to CEO John Donahoe, Nike is poised to make a comeback with bold, new releases that will once again set the standard in the industry.

via Fast Company

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Fashion Meets Sustainability With Rain-Harvesting Hats That Tackle Anticipated Freshwater Scarcity

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It’s no news that climate change continues to reshape our environment, innovative solutions that blend practicality with provocation are more necessary than ever. Designer Mijoda Dajomi’s latest project, Daughters of Rain, steps boldly into this space, merging fashion with environmental consciousness to address one of the most pressing issues of our time: freshwater scarcity.

Designer: Mijoda Dajomi

As her graduate project at the London College of Fashion, Dajomi crafted a collection of rain-harvesting hats that are not only visually striking but also functionally innovative. The headwear, designed to capture and store rainwater, serves as a speculative response to a future where water becomes an increasingly scarce resource. In this imagined 2085, the simple act of rain falling from the sky transforms into a moment of communal reverence, a chance to collect every precious drop.

The collection encapsulates the duality of fashion and function. Crafted from waxed cotton, a fabric donated by luxury brand Barbour, and further treated with organic beeswax. This hat is designed to be both stylish and sustainable. Its leather-like appearance and sturdy construction allow it to capture up to 5 liters of rainwater while being worn. Dajomi’s choice of materials ensures that the hat not only repels water but also effectively collects and retains it without leaks.

However, Dajomi’s Daughters of Rain is not yet a product line; it remains a powerful commentary on the environmental challenges we face. Dajomi explained that while her hats are designed to function as rainwater harvesting tools, the primary purpose of her work is to provoke thought, raise awareness, and spark conversation about our relationship with water and the environment. This ethos is woven into the very fabric of the collection, which draws inspiration from the attire of lay sisters – women dedicated to charity and social causes. Just as these sisters united in their mission, the Daughters of Rain are imagined as a future collective that serves their communities by managing and distributing the vital resources of rainwater.

This project serves as a testament to the power of fashion as a medium for social and environmental change. Fashion, as one of the oldest forms of human expression, has always had the potential to influence thought and behavior. By leveraging this potential, the designer aims to make a statement that transcends traditional environmental activism. As a designer deeply passionate about the environment, nature, and headwear design, Dajomi stated that her goal is to blend creativity with environmental consciousness. Her project is intended to make an environmental statement, using the language of fashion to raise public awareness about critical ecological issues.

The world is saturated with news reports and environmental campaigns, but it’s initiatives like Daughters of Rain that stand out—unexpected, visually arresting, and deeply thought-provoking. By challenging us to envision a future where fashion is both a tool for survival and a symbol of environmental stewardship, Mijoda Dajomi’s work reminds us of the power of creativity in shaping our collective future. As we grapple with the realities of climate change, projects like this serve as a poignant reminder that the choices we make today will determine the world we inhabit tomorrow.

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Samsung Galaxy Ring-inspired luxury pajamas are the fashion statements no one expected

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Smart rings offer an opportunity to free our wrists from bulky and sometimes gaudy smartwatches, becoming more fashionable alternatives to wearable tech. A ring itself can be considered a fashion item, part of one’s jewelry, but smart rings like the Samsung Galaxy Ring opt for more discreet and minimalist designs. The idea is for these devices to get out of your way and do their jobs in the background while you wear your more luxurious bracelets and watches on your wrist. That’s not stopping the tech giant from trying to build bridges with the fashion industry, and that has given birth to one of the oddest mashups between these two worlds: smart ring-inspired luxury sleepwear.

Designer: Samsung

It’s not the first time that the tech industry has tried to make its presence and products known in the fashion world. From “accessories” like the foldable Honor V Purse to the oddities like Microsoft’s annual ugly sweaters, there are numerous examples of phones and gadgets trying to look chic, one way or another. Smartwatches themselves are supposed to be fashionable, which is why luxury brands once tried to break into that nascent market.

This collaboration between Samsung and famed luxury fashion designer LaQuan Smith, however, is both unusual yet also thankfully not as in-your-face as previous works. This piece of fashion doesn’t flaunt the Galaxy Ring in any form, but it also makes it less evident how the two are related. At New York Fashion Week next month, LaQuan Smith will showcase his Spring/Summer ’25 Collection, including the Lucid Dream line of luxury sleepwear inspired by Samsung’s latest luxurious-looking wearable.

It’s admittedly difficult to immediately discern the connection between these two very unrelated things, and the explanation is also a bit of a stretch. In a nutshell, the fashionable two-piece pajamas can be used not only in bed but also during the day, transitioning from sleepwear to daywear without having to take anything off. This, according to Samsung, echoes the Galaxy Ring’s 24/7 usability, never taking it off unless to charge it after a few days.

Of course, LaQuan Smith himself wears a Galaxy Ring all day, or so the press release states, which includes during his sleeping hours. Sleep, according to the designer, is a critical factor not just in his wellness but also in his creativity, where many of his waking designs were inspired by dreams in his sleep. Whether that will immediately make you think of Galaxy Ring-inspired pajamas is left to your imagination, but those who want a piece of this limited edition fashion item will have to wait after the event to see when and where Samsung will sell them.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring-inspired luxury pajamas are the fashion statements no one expected first appeared on Yanko Design.