Swarovski reveals wearable technology line

The union of the fashion and technology worlds looks set to continue, with Swarovski revealing its wearable Activity Tracking Crystal at CES.

The piece will function as a pedometer, a sleep tracker and calorie counter, reports Fashion Times, with the user able to sync it with a smartphone app.

The wrap bracelet is part of a larger, nine-piece collection created along with Misfit Wearables Shine with the Activity Tracking Crystal acting as the line's feature.

Joan Ng, Swarovski's senior vice president of product marketing for Asia, told WWD: "What's available is too focused on function and not sexy. Our consumer also wants some glitter."

The bracelet will be sold without the crystal for $69, but to buy the full wearable will set consumers back $249 for the tracking crystal, Swarovski Vio crystal pendant and silicone sport band. A reversible pendant can also be purchased for $149.

Speaking earlier in 2014, Claire Duke-Wooley, Beecham fashion technology analyst, spoke about the importance of a union between the fashion and technology industries for wearable technology to take-off, saying:

"There is a real difference between making technology wearable versus making technology products that are desirable and genuinely engage with consumers through good design practice. The market is still wide open for trail blazing products that deliver desire, image and perceived value."

Wearable technology has been cited as a market set for huge growth over the next few years, with CCS Insight's global forecast published in August predicting sales would rise from 9.7 million in 2013 to 135 million by 2018.

All products from Swarovski are now on pre-sale, and will be available from various retailers in the US, Hong Kong and China in the spring.