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Top models, wearing Internet-enabled apparel from Charmed Technology, sashayed down a fashion runway at Spring Internet World.

Update:
Charmed Technology Unveils the
CharmIt™ On-body Computer Kit

Brave New Unwired World Fashion Dazzles Spring Internet World

by Bob Moore
Editor, SLFP.com

LOS ANGELES, (SLFP.com), April 18, 2000 - In the very near future, most products will be connected to the Internet, including wearable devices that will communicate with other products and allow users to collect information.

Katrina Barillova, - a former secret intelligence agent, model and co-founder of Charmed Technology, wears the Charmed Eyesite and Charmed Necklace.

'Brave New Unwired World,' a fashion technology showcase from Charmed Technology™ at Spring Internet World, April 4 - 7, offered an exciting glimpse of these small wireless devices. The company's innovative wireless mobile technology is a spin-off from MIT Media Lab. "Our goal is to bring less expensive wireless Internet to the millions of people who are not yet connected because of expensive infrastructure requirements," said Alex Lightman, Co-founder and CEO of Charmed Technology. "We plan to completely revolutionize the way people interact with each other."

Charmed Technology unveiled over forty devices, worn by top fashion models who sashayed down a runaway to blaring music and flashing lights. The new products included everyday objects such as eyeglasses, necklaces, lapel pins, earrings, night vision goggles, a finger scanner, wrist scanner, wearable cancer diagnosis and a hands-free food inspection device. The wireless objects were beautifully camouflaged into sleek, futuristic clothes.

Following one of the shows, Katrina Barillova, a former secret intelligence agent, model and co-founder of Charmed Technology, spoke with SLFP about her experience with Charmed Technology.

"I was always fascinated by the devices that I had used in my previous work in security and investigation," said Katrina. "I had an advantage over other people because I had access to information instantaneously. I was able to pull up any kind of information on who I had met before, remembered their names and their background."

The technology was pervasive, she added. "It was part of your clothes, your accessories and was nicely hidden as part of your appearance. I think that's the point when people will start adapting to technology."

Katrina, who was born and raised in Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), acknowledged that she is a big sci-fi fan. At a very early age, she became interested in sciences and technology. In part, her curiosity was kindled by the radio and science kits that her father, an electronics teacher, would bring home from school. At age 14, she began rigorous psychological and physical training in investigations and intelligence for the Czechoslovakian government. When the Czech republic underwent major political upheaval, Barillova gave up her secret agent life at the age of 18 to pursue her dream of living in the United States.

High-tech Fashion Show

Barillova endured many disappointments and a series of odd jobs before landing a position as an executive protection specialist and undercover agent. While on assignment at a Hollywood party, she met future Charmed Technology partner Alex Lightman, a 1983 graduate of MIT.

Today, as Vice President of Events at Charmed Technology, she oversees production of the company's international wireless technology fashion shows and forging strategic relationships with sponsors. To date, that includes producing, choreographing and directing over 300 shows worldwide sponsored by companies such as Penton Media/Internet World, Red Herring, MIT's Media Lab and the University of Rochester Center for Future Health.

Barillova predicts that this wireless technology will be available within one to two years and people will start looking for clothing not just because it looks good, but also because of functionality. "Today, everybody has a microwave and a cellular phone. In the future, everybody will want to have an onbody network or computer on them at all times so they can work anywhere at anytime."

One of the unique products that will be manufactured by Charmed Technology is the Charmed Badge, an electronic business card that be upload and transmit user information through infrared technology.

Small, Internet-connected devices such as name badges, necklaces, earrings, night vision goggles and communicators are worn by high fashion models for the 'Brave New Unwired World' showcase at Spring Internet World 2000 in Los Angeles.

From swimwear to mod to evening gowns, high tech computer devices from Charmed Technology could revolutionize the style and functionality of clothing.

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