The New York-based Parsons School of Design showcased functional and fashionable wearable technology at the 2016 South by Southwest Conferences & Festivals March 11-13 in Austin. Birce Ozkan, an alumna and faculty member at Parsons, said the opportunity to showcase at SXSW Interactive was unique, and she hoped to show attendees that wearable technology can look attractive.

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"It’s not all about Google watches or glasses," Ozkan said. "The technology can be integrated into different designs. Each of these has different functionalities."

Ozkan said many wearables on the market today could do a better job of being fashionable. The inability to customize something like Google Glass makes it difficult for fashion-conscious consumers to embrace many forms of wearable technology, she said.

"It would be great if the user can customize it so ... the wearer can feel more comfortable wearing it," she said. "We’re trying to showcase that it can be done in a very fashionable, desired way."