6 Fashion-Tech Collaborations That You Need to Plug Into
From designer flip phones to couture headphones, 2024 has seen a retro resurgence in technology; celebrating nostalgia while keeping us fashionably connected.
Fashion’s infatuation with technology isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship that we’ve seen arise across fashion decades. In partnership, technology brings functionality while fashion adds style and credibility. Fashion and technology have always evolved together, influencing how we experience both the clothes we wear and the devices we use. Mirroring a collective sentiment of yearning, nostalgia and finding comfort in simpler, offline times, this year, we’ve seen a resurgence in retro technology products. Retro tech, like flip phones and wired headphones, allows us to balance analog charm with modern functionality — and the fashion industry, once again, is plugging in to this trend.
From Chanel‘s “Première Sound” watch and headphone piece to Sandy Liang and Android‘s “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6,” continue reading to check out some of our favorite, retro fashion-tech collaborations from this year.
Chanel “Première Sound” Watch and Headphones
Chanel launched the $14,700 USD “Premiere Sound” watch and headphone piece this summer. This luxury accessory combines a matte black audio cable with an 18K gold-coated steel chain, adorned with black leather accents and clip-on earbuds. The audio cable includes controls for volume, play and even phone calls. Chanel’s ambassador, Lily-Rose Depp brought the look to life, pairing it effortlessly with a classic Chanel necklace in the campaign.
Sandy Liang x Android “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6”
In the Android and Sandy Liang collaboration, the designer’s signature girly aesthetic met cutting-edge technology in the “Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6.” At first glance, the phone case could easily be mistaken for a pretty powder compact, but the flash of Samsung branding revealed its true identity. With pastel hues and playful childhood-inspired details like hearts, stars and the Android bot, this phone became the ultimate nostalgic gadget for those who love a touch of feminine whimsy.
HMD x Barbie “Barbie Flip Phone”
HMD and Mattel’s Barbie teamed up to create the “Barbie Flip Phone,” a fun, off-grid device launched to ride the Barbie wave after Greta Gerwig‘s 2023 film. The phone comes in two nostalgic designs: a pink swirl inspired by the 1992 “Totally Hair Barbie” and a “Vintage Shooting Heart” case. It’s more than just stylish, it also features Barbie-themed wallpapers, app icons and mindful tools like “Digital Balance Tips” and “BarbieMeditation.” With a cheerful “Hi Barbie” greeting and playful sound effects, every notification feels like a scene from a classic Barbie movie.
Samsung x Louis Abel “Galaxy Flip 6” Accessory
Flip phones are often seen as fun and nostalgic, but can they be sleek and stylish, too? Samsung and Swedish jewelry brand, Louis Abel prove they can, with their collaborative accessory designed for the “Galaxy Flip 6.” This limited-edition piece is inspired by the Korean concept of “Inyeon,” which honors invisible connections. The design includes two elegant, interlocking silver rings that symbolize lasting bonds. These rings can be attached to the phone’s edge, offering the option to clip it onto your belt or trouser buckle like a carabiner for a more casual look. Alternatively, the rings can serve as minimalist jewelry, adding a refined touch to your phone.
HIDDEN x AIAIAI
The Instagram account-turned-brand, HIDDEN, teamed up with Danish audio brand, AIAIAI, for a limited-edition collaboration that marries sleek design with premium audio. This exclusive collection includes the “TMA-2 Move” wireless headphones, “Tracks” headphones and the “UNIT-4” wireless studio monitor — all featuring HIDDEN’s signature logo with AIAIAI’s classic green and white accents. Marking HIDDEN’s first music collaboration, the partnership connects its style-savvy community with AIAIAI’s audio expertise. This capsule collection showcases both brands’ dedication to empowering artists, celebrating creativity and offering top-tier products that blend style with superior sound.
Celine x Master & Dynamic Headphones
At the start of 2024, Celine and renowned audio brand, Master & Dynamic teamed up to deliver a headphone collaboration — and it was pure ear candy. Unveiled as part of designer, Hedi Slimane‘s Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear collection for Celine, “La Collection de la Bibliothèque Nationale,” these headphones offer bluetooth, seamless pairing and an impressive 30-hour battery life. Available in three colorways — monochrome black, black and silver and tan and silver, each pair features a sleek, lightweight design crafted from anodized aluminum. The headband and removable ear pads are made from luxurious lambskin leather, stamped with Celine’s classic Triomphe logo.
If you’re interested in reading more about technology, check out our interview with Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst on collaboration in the AI era.
