This scarf filter was designed as an alternative to surgical masks to deal with smog and air pollution. Designed by Caroline van Renterghem, Wair is a wearable smog filter that is stylish as well as safe.
Inspired by a particularly daunting cycling commute in Paris, the designer combined fashion and function when she couldn't find a mask suited to her style. Wair cleverly hides an active air filtration device that charges via USB. The stylish accessory disguises a tiny turbine and a filter that can stop any micro-particles. The scarf filter is also connected to an app, which recommends the least polluted routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
The garment could be used to protect wearers on the subway and other modes of public transportation from germs as well.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Fashionable Air Filters
- Opportunity for fashion brands to create stylish accessories that incorporate air filtration technology.
- Connected Wearable Devices
- Potential for wearable devices that integrate with mobile apps to provide real-time data on air quality and recommend the least polluted routes.
- Micro-particle Filtration
- Innovation opportunities in developing high-performance filters that can effectively stop micro-particles and protect wearers from smog and air pollution.
Where This Applies
- Fashion and Apparel
- Fashion brands can tap into the growing demand for stylish and functional air-filtering accessories.
- Technology and Apps
- Development of connected wearable devices and mobile apps to provide real-time air quality data and route recommendations.
- Healthcare and Wellness
- Opportunities to create innovative solutions for protecting individuals from germs and air pollution, especially in crowded public spaces like subways.
