Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Bits & Bytes | Apple Smartwatch, Jumia Taps African Diaspora, Tinker Tailor

Bits & Bytes is a weekly roundup of the most important news in the fast evolving fashion-tech space.
Apple Store on 5th Avenue in New York | Source: Apple
By
  • Lisa Wang

"Can Apple Crack the Smartwatch Code?" (The Wall Street Journal)
"Apple Inc. is ready to join Google Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. and a host of startups making smartwatches and, potentially, other wearable computing devices. But it isn't clear how much consumers want the devices. Those on the market so far haven't sold well, because most wearable devices only offer a limited set of features already found on a smartphone."

"Can Amazon's New Phone Make It as a Fashion Accessory?" (The New York Times)
"In all the hoo-ha around Amazon's entry into the smartphone market Wednesday with its Fire phone, complete with 3D screen and the ability to drive users to the Amazon marketplace, one pretty important issue has been overlooked: Will it work as a fashion accessory?"

"Internet Retailer Tapping Into Diaspora Dollars" (The Financial Times)
"For ecommerce startup Jumia, the African diaspora represents a potentially lucrative market and this month it launched a website through which UK-dwelling Nigerians can send consumer goods from watches to dishwashers directly to their family and friends back home."

"Angela Ahrendt's Touchy-Feely Arrival at Apple" (The Financial Times)
"It's not every day an Apple executive gets personal. That makes Angela Ahrendts' first public comments since starting at the company – posted on LinkedIn – of more than usual interest. It is a sign that she intends to keep her own style, whatever the pressures of running Apple's retail operations – and also that, under Tim Cook, Apple is evolving further beyond the Steve Jobs era." 

"A Start-Up Lets You Customize Designer Dresses" (The Cut)
"The site offers customers two options: They can design a dress with their choice of fabric and cut — or they can modify existing designs by labels like Vivienne Westwood, Roksanda Ilincic, and Marchesa. [CEO Aslaug] Magnúsdóttir talked to the Cut about convincing designers to let people customize their wares, and, along the way, making bridesmaids really, really happy."

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Technology
Analysis and advice on how technology is disrupting fashion and creating new opportunities.

Why Luxury Is Warming Up to Lab-Grown Diamonds

Brands including LVMH’s Fred, TAG Heuer and Prada, whose lab-grown diamond supplier Snow speaks for the first time, have all unveiled products with man-made stones as they look to technology for new creative possibilities.


The New Backlash Against Social Media, Explained

Social networks are being blamed for the worrying decline in young people’s mental health. Brands may not think about the matter much, but they’re part of the content stream that keeps them hooked.


How Coach Used Data to Make Its Tabby Bag a Hit

After the bag initially proved popular with Gen-Z consumers, the brand used a mix of hard numbers and qualitative data – including “shopalongs” with young customers – to make the most of its accessory’s viral moment.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024