Collaborations are so commonplace, given the prevalence of diffusion collections, that we’re often skeptical of the longevity. That is – unless it’s a groundbreaking cooperative four-way.

Intel Corporation, Barneys New York, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Opening Ceremony plan on hitting a home run with a newly announced strategic collaboration to explore and bring to market a stylish smart bracelet concept. The partnership, announced yesterday at CES, aims to increase dialogue between the fashion and technology industries – from design and development to distribution and merchandising.

“The collaborations we announced today are indicative of Intel’s collective and conscious approach to the wearable market,” said Ayse Ildeniz, Vice President, Business Development and Strategy of Intel’s New Devices Group. “Through these initiatives we will combine Intel’s leading technologies with Opening Ceremony’s design prowess, Barneys New York’s track record to identify the next consumer trends, and CFDA’s commitment to advance innovation within the fashion industry. Our shared vision is to accelerate wearable technology innovation and create products that both enhance peoples’ lives and are desirable to wear.”

“Humberto and I have always allowed our curiosity to take us to uncharted waters. Since our early travels and shopping sprees in Asia, we've been keen on discovery,” said Carol Lim, co-owner of Opening Ceremony. “This is an incredibly exciting and unique opportunity with Intel to bring our design vision to a wearable accessory that collides with Intel's state of the art innovation with fashion. We are diving in to embark on a journey with Intel and can’t wait to see where it will take us. Intel is a company that has powered our lives in countless ways and now we get to be a part of shaping the 21st century with them.”

Based on the success of this project, Intel and the CFDA plan to create a community for technology developers and fashion designers to network, match-make, cultivate, and exchange ideas on the power of power of technology and its influence on fashion.

Unlike wearables currently sold online or at big-box retailers, we love how the brands have thoughtfully merged and seen the opportunity to highlight customer experience, visual presentation, and merchandising within a luxury retail store.

We have to be honest: it feels really good to have this trend come to fruition by four undeniable powerhouses.