27 Mar Designer Frames For Google Glass
New technology and fashion have not always seen eye to eye.
You only need to look at the recent slew of smartwatches (such as Samsung’s Gear and the Pebble smartwatch), and of course Google Glass, to see that functionality won out over design.
However, Google’s latest move in the realm of wearables suggests that perhaps functionality and a beautiful design can go hand in hand after all.
Google has just struck up a partnership with Luxottica, the world’s largest glasses manufacturer, that will see a line of Google Glasses designed with style and innovation.
Although Google Glass has had some success and positive reviews from developers, Google has struggled to get the wider market on board with the new technology.
This new collaboration appears to be Google’s latest attempt at making Google Glass more attractive to a broader audience.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Luxottica CEO, Andrea Guerra, in an article on Tuesday: “We believe that a strategic partnership with a leading player like Google is the ideal platform for developing a new way forward in our industry and answering the evolving needs of consumers on a global scale,” he said.
Luxottica’s biggest claims to fame are its house brands, Ray-Ban and Oakley, but they are also licensed to produce glasses from the like of Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Coach.
The only confirmed information at the present is that both Ray-Ban and Oakley will be involved in the partnership with Google. However, don’t expect to see any high tech Ray-Bans any time soon.
Google recently wrote on their blog saying, “you’re not going to see Glass on your favourite Oakleys or Ray-Bans tomorrow, but today marks the start of a new chapter in Glass’s design.”
Unfortunately for the lovers of designer labels, there has been no discussion as to whether the rest of the licensed Luxottica brands will have any involvement in the partnership.
While a promising step for wearables, it seems the dream of Dolce frames powered by Google Glass is still a little far off.