Tech tapestry: Apple unveils woven nylon straps for the Apple Watch
An Apple launch is always an exciting affair, and today's big reveal is no exception. Among its new offerings, the tech giant is launching a new line of woven wristbands – and Wallpaper* has the inside track.
Complementing and further expanding its Apple Watch range, the launch marks the company’s first ever foray into woven products, which were developed by the in-house design team in close collaboration with a specialist Japanese manufacturer.
The current Watch family includes fluoroelastomer bands for the sport range, and stainless steel in both woven mesh and link bracelet versions, as well as a wide variety of leather options which also includes the Wallpaper* Life Enhancer of the Year award-winner, the Apple Watch Hermès 'Double Tour', available in four shades and developed in collaboration with the French maison.
For this latest launch, the Apple team was influenced by the textile wristbands that traditionally complement military watches. They studied the technical side of textiles for maximum performance, and chose the new partner manufacturer for its ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with the most up-to-date weaving technology.
A process-based product, the band is the result of a four-layer weave, using different types of nylon yarn produced in the USA. The weft and the warp of the weave (the two weaving directions) were studied in detail and were instrumental in creating the blended colours. The seven shades on offer include pink, scuba blue, royal blue, a gold weave combined with both red and blue, and pearl and black. Each wristband is woven to precision and features different colour compositions on the top and bottom of the band, as well as an accent shade on the edge. The loop holding the band in place was achieved with a three-dimensional weave and features three colours to fit in with each side of the band.
As part of their research into design and manufacturing processes, the team also devised techniques such as debossing and laser cutting, applied to the finished product to ensure its durability. To top it all off, the material and composition were developed to ensure that more the band is worn, the more it adapts to the contours of the wrist, enhancing the wearer’s experience.
Customers will be able to purchase an Apple Watch Sport with the best Apple watch bands, meaning they can mix and match if they already own an Apple Watch.
In true Apple style, the new family of wristbands carries on the tradition of a product that seamlessly merges aesthetics, technology and comfort.
INFORMATION
Apple Watch Sport with woven nylon band: 38mm, from $299 and 42mm, from $349
Woven nylon band, sold separately, $49. Available in pink, scuba blue, royal blue, gold/red, gold/royal blue, pearl and black
Imagery courtesy Apple
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
The coolest design-led coffee shops in Seoul
Seoul counts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world – cut straight to our six must-visit spots
By Robert Schneider Published
-
Apple and Hermès reveal how their ultra-connected design could help us unplug
By Tony Chambers Last updated
-
Jony Ive goes behind the screen of the new Apple Watch with Tony Chambers
By Elly Parsons Published
-
Ahead of the iPhone X release, we take a look at Apple’s latest suite of products
By Nick Compton Last updated
-
Apple Watch Hermès collection impresses loyal clients of both brands
Picky Nicky (quality maniac-at-large) reviews the Apple Watch Hermès collection
By Nick Vinson - Art Direction Published
-
Road-testing the Apple Watch at Salone del Mobile 2015
By Nick Compton Published