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.
The more the band is worn, the more it conforms to the contours of the wrist, for ultimate comfort.
While the nylon materials are made in the US, Apple has worked with a Japanese textile vendor to refine the yarn, precision and aesthetic of the weave, using a new system that takes references from traditional Japanese looms
Made from hundreds of threads, the nylon band features a four layer construction that is intricately woven, resulting in a beautiful multicoloured, textured look
For this latest launch, the Apple team was influenced by the textile wristbands that traditionally complement military watches
After stydying the technical side of textiles for maximum performance, the Apple team chose the new partner manufacturer for its ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with the most up-to-date weaving technology
Each wristband is precision woven and features different colour compositions on the top and bottom of the band, as well as an accent shade on the edge
Apple Watch straps are as carefully considered as the watch itself. The existing range of straps includes stainless steel, leather and fluoroelastomer, made interchangeable with elegant buckles and sophisticated closures
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
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