Interview with Muchaneta Kapfunde Ceo & Founder of FashNerd.com about Artificial Intelligence, Wearables, Travel and Security. Italian Version published on Travel For Business magazine #3
2. In these years we’ve seen a highly usage of technology in ours everyday objects. Even in the fashion area:
smart watches, fit trackers, accessories, bags, clothing, footwear. What is the state of art the Fashion
Wearables and which are the most innovatives or interesting products that we’ll see on the next fashion-
catwalks and shops?
As far back as 1998, the combination of fashion and technology
has proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Designers
and makers are driving to not only challenge traditional design
methods but also change the direction of the fashion industry.
Still in its infancy, wearables are impacting the fashion
mainstream, young designers are applying tech solutions to
their creative thinking, and retail stores are transforming their
stores using the latest tech available. It is this expansion of
advancements in technology that isinspiring the integration of
technology into our apparel. Visionary startup brands, like
Oura, Moodmetric, Bellabeat and Blinqwearables are daring to
challenge conventional ways. In doing so, they are bringing
about a new generation of convenience from consumers who
demand more out of technology.
When it comes to the future of the merger of fashion with
technology, it is very possible that you could be wearing shoes
that harvest kinetic energy or jacket that can charge your
phone in the not too distant future.
FashNerd editor Muchaneta wearing the original OŪRA ring
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3. Artificial intelligence products always link to the net able to interact with man and with the enviroment.
In the next 2 years which smart products, wearables or accessories (e.g. suitcases) will change our
travelling way ?
I think that AI will power wearables and revive the “stagnant
wearables market”. This is good news, because we are
definitely ready for the next step in the wearables evolution.
When it comes to travel, it is undergoing an AI transformation
that has grabbed hold of the industry. The core motivation
behind the use of AI in the travel industry is to drive higher
conversion rate and give consumers a personalised experience.
The smart product that gets me excited is the smart suitcase. I
like the idea of having a travel companion that can look after
my needs. For this I turn to Bluesmart which is all about
travelling with a smarter innovative companion. The sleek bag
boasts revolutionary features that include digital lock, battery
charger and location tracking. Another perk is the ability to
control your suitcase from an app, allowing you to receive
smart alerts and track all you travel data so you can get
insights about your travel habits. My favourite feature is the
built-in scale, which lets you know ahead of time whether
your bag meets the airline cabin requirements.
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4. The Fashion Internet of Thing is fascinating and usefull (e.g. Health care) but needs the sharing of most of
our personal data via wearables devices. The recent Facebook & Cambridge Analytica scoop highlighted the
existance of serious black holes. How Companies, Organizations and Fashion System Institutes are
developing this topic? Do you see any danger for personal rights?
When it comes to personal data via wearable devices, security
cannot be an afterthought, consumers need peace of mind
beforethey can invest in technology.
This is mainly because consumers should not have to wait for
a catastrophe to happen before required measures are taken to
lock IoT security down with strict guidelines.
Security and privacy should not become the sacrificial lamb in
the wearable tech
ThinkingofaSWOTAnalysisforFashionWearables&ArtificialIngelligence,whichtopicswillyouputinthisrecticle?
Many people are excited about wearable technology will soon be equipped with “emotion Artificial
Intelligence”. If you look at the SWOT analysis for Fashion Wearables & Artificial Intelligence, you
can draw from it that it is a space currently facing opportunities and challenges, but the advantages
definitely outweigh the disadvantages.
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5. Here in Italy the fashion area is formed by small and micro companies featuring traditions, handcrafting
and a long generational change. From your specialized observatory which are the 3 aspects of Fashion
Technology you would suggest to put in charges on a medium-term Company Strategic Roadmap.
There is no denying that the development of new advanced
technology products in various industries has been having a
majorimpact on society and various businesses.
Many established companies and startups are recognising the
adoption of technology asa major factor when it comes to their
success.
Technology needs to be part of a company’s business strategy
so they can continually improve especially when it comes to
research, have a competitive edge, and the work on the
developmental activities of a new product.
Women in Tech: Isabelle Ohnemus, Leanne Luce, Tania Boler and
Giusy Cannone
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Thanks !
6. This interview appeared for the first time on Travel For Business Magazine #3
in Italian language (09.05.2018).
for more informations visit
www.muchaneta.com
www.fashnerd.com
www.travelforbusiness.it
Muchaneta has strong knowledge of the merger of fashion and technology.
Focusing on the evolution of smart fabrics, she has given talks at events like
#FashionTech Berlin, Munich Fabric Start and Look Forward.
Her extensive experience and accomplishments within the fashion industry led
to FashNerd.com. Launched in 2015, the digital magazine focuses on fashion and
lifestyle from a technology standpoint.
Considered to be one of the leading influencers speaking and writing about the
merger of fashion with technology and wearable technology, Muchaneta has
been featured in the Huffington Post, Deutchlandradio Kultur, Munique (SS18),
Wareable, Launchmetrics Blog, Electric Runway podcast, Irish Tech News,
Fashion Fusion, Fashion Africa Now, with notable mentions in, Elle.com,
Glossy.co and TechCrunch.
RINALDO
STEFANUTTO
Consultant & Travel For Business
author. I help SMBs designing,
developing and implementing
market strategies.
Coaching and teaching for
enhancing the internal resources.
A B O U T M E