Models don Google Glass at New York Fashion Week

The runway at Diane von Furstenberg’s Spring/ Summer 2013 collection show at this year's New York Fashion Week (NYFW) saw a surprise entrant -- Google Glass. Models sashayed down the ramp in their best outfits donning the Glass at the event. Also seen at the event was Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

Google has been developing these augmented reality (AR) wraparound shades for a while now, and this appearance is a definite first. This electronic eyewear can snap photos, initiate video chats and display directions at the sound of a user's voice. Images depict that the bands on every headset were made to complement the shades of the outfit showcased by the models. Interestingly, reports also suggest that one model switched on the device's video-recording function and managed to capture her view of the runway. 

A model's view of the ramp

Project Glass is an intriguing concept. Google’s fascinating advertorial video for the prototypes was released recently. The idea that we could have mobile technology combined with AR in a lightweight, wearable module piqued the world’s curiosity.

Recently, there were reports of test results of the Project Glass prototypes. A few photos taken from the device made it to Project Glass’ Google+ page. While some may look a little too perfect, read, digitally cleaned up, others looked very real for a mobile-like camera. 

A model donning the Google Glass

Recently, a 720p video shot using Google Glass was released. While the video may not be altogether entertaining, the fact that it’s shot by someone jumping around on a trampoline shows us just how versatile the device is.

Also, there was a two and half minute video featured on the Google+ Page, shot from the perspective of someone wearing the glasses. The video depicted the wearer going about his day, walking through New York City, speaking commands to the glasses to perform activities such as taking a photo and posting it to Google+, getting block-by-block directions and weather conditions, and getting a pop-up alert when a friend is nearby.

Reports at the time indicated that "the Google posting is intended to show "what this technology could look like," the company said. Mock-up images of the glasses on the Google+ page depict a stamp-sized digital display that seems attached to a pair of glasses and sits at the top corner of one of the lenses."

Cover Image credit: Associated Press