We hope you were a fan of Nike’s Color Rush monochromatic uniforms during last year’s NFL season, because they’re back in a big way. According to ESPN, all 32 teams will wear them during Thursday Night Football, but unlike last season, they will be colorblind-friendly. In matchups where teams’ colors would be almost indistinguishable to colorblind fans, one team will wear all white—for instance, instead of the Buffalo Bills wearing red and the New York Jets wearing green, like they did last year, the Bills will still wear red, but the Jets will be in white. Additionally, if a team’s primary color is the same as it’s opponent, one of the teams in the matchup will wear white instead.
*
Looking for a way to stretch your wings? So is Under Armour. While the company has proven itself a major player in athletic wear, the brand is venturing into uncharted territory: a high-end clothing line debuting at New York Fashion Week, The Wall Street Journal reported. The collection, called Under Armour Sportswear, is targeted toward “ambitious millennials,” who must have a little more cash to spend—a trench coat costs $1,500. The clothes are distinct from athletic wear, but borrow inspiration from the company’s wheelhouse with aspects like zippers that are glued rather than stitched and buttons with rubber finishes.
*
Rome wasn’t built in a day—and neither was Amazon’s foray into fashion. We’ve discussed before the online giant’s current (and potential future) stance in the fashion world, but Business of Fashion has gone in-depth to determine just what the company is doing—and how it will affect those in the fashion industry, for better or worse. From “showrooming” products to fostering customer relationships, it covers the company’s tactics, but raises a good point. There’s a difference between apparel and fashion. Can Amazon bridge the gap?
*
How much do you love sneakers? Designer Alexander Wang has never kept quiet on his love. He’s even created an entire collection—think dresses, tops and handbags—around the staple footwear. But now, he’s taking things to a collaborative level. According to The Seattle Times, Wang has partnered with Adidas Originals for an 84-piece collection of unisex apparel—think pants, tops and shoes—that aims to make the Adidas look be fresh, but familiar. The line debuted at the end of Wang’s show at New York Fashion Week.
*
Are robots taking over the world? Well, not yet. But, the start-up Sewbo did just create a robotically sewn T-shirt, Design News reported. Prior to this, robotic arms had been unsuccessful in handling soft, flexible fabrics. Sewbo’s solution? It temporarily stiffens the fabrics with polyvinyl alcohol, so that the robotic arm can pick up the fabrics as if they were sheet metal, and an ultrasonic welder temporarily bonds the edges of the fabric. After the garment has been sewn, the process is reversed (and the fabric is no longer stiff). So far, the process has been successful on cotton/poly blends, denim, lace and some upholstery fabrics.
