Kenpo selects Eleksen to produce Kenpo Jacket for iPod
13 Dec '05
3 min read
Leading producer of apparel Kenpo Inc has selected Eleksen Ltd, a top developer and maker of smart fabrics for an extensive range of consumer products, to produce the Kenpo Jacket for iPod.
The jacket, recently released in stores including Macy's, Dillard's and CompUSA, is taking the '05 holiday season by storm.
Designed to keep wearers completely en vogue and in control of their iPod without fumbling with zippers, gloves or pockets, the coat utilizes a patented smart fabric touchpad technology which transforms sleeves into a 5-button electronic control panel.
The unique touch sensitive fabric, ElekTex, developed by Eleksen, creates an easily accessible interface between wearers and their iPods, allowing wearers to play, pause, skip tracks and adjust volume.
“After deciding to converge technology with fashion, we began to search for a cutting-edge designer that could provide the most innovative, ready-to-integrate smart fabric solution,” said Joel Bernstein, Vice President of Kenpo Inc
“Once meeting with Eleksen and seeing first-hand the amazing potential of the company's core technology, it was clear. They knew ElekTex would allow us to produce a one-of-a-kind jacket, combining iPod controls with fashion-forward styles. They are delighted that this integration has helped move our brand into major American retailers.”
ElekTex is a unique five-layer laminate of electrically conductive materials that transformsfabric into an electronic touchpad. The technology replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches which have limited the growth of the wearable electronics market.