Will You Spend $1,000 on a Smart Bracelet?

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Intel and Opening Ceremony revealed their new wearable collaboration yesterday at the latter's NYFW play —a fashion show in disguise, if you will— where MICA ("My Intelligent Connected Accessory") debuted. But one reporter from Barron's observed that the bracelet, designed by Opening Ceremony with a chip from Intel, made little impact at the event.

Despite all the fanfare, Opening Ceremony devoted very little time to discussing its piece of wearable tech at the fashion show, focusing more on trends like cut sleeves than on its new connected accessory, which was relegated to a photo and some brief mentions in the clothing line's informational booklet, as well as a quick mention during the actual show. In fact, the MICA bracelet seemed to clash with the overall trend for the collection, which was a harkening back to the summer of 1991, "before the Internet," as Opening Ceremony noted in its promotional materials.

It's a curious approach to market the much talked about arm candy that's encrusted with semi-precious stones, wrapped in snakeskin, and features text and calender notifications. With an estimated $1,000 price tag, the companies may need to tweak their sales strategy.

Criticisms of the show aside, the wristlet is impressive on its style merits. Will this be your first foray into wearables? Decide for yourself when MICA lands in Opening Ceremony and Barneys stores later this fall.
· Intel Reveals Little of 'MICA' Smart Bracelet at NY Fashion Show [Barron's]
· Intel [Official Site]
· Opening Ceremony [Official Site]
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