Who would’ve thought that forty years after the creation of the reflective vest, we’d be sporting the fashionable wear of We-Flashy? What started as a project for a Wearable Technology class has quickly become a business venture for Alex Vessels and Mindy Tchieu, two graduate students of NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. We-Flashy mixes every day wear with the safety of the same reflective material you see on those stylish vests. The best news about these products is you’ll never look like a crossing guard while going about your “nightly” business. Thanks to Alex and Mindy, those of us who worry about safety while keeping our fashion dignity intact no longer have to give up one for the other.
Another great thing about We-Flashy products is that they’re not made by simply taking reflective tape and sticking it on shirts. As great as the grunge look may be, it certainly isn’t for everybody. We-Flashy’s shirts are actually made with the real deal industrial-grade material and Alex and Mindy have used some great designs like the classic houndstooth as well as some of their own such as the “unicorn pattern”, “cube-pattern”, and “safari”. The shirts can come in both front and back reflective, just front, or just back reflective, depending on the design.
Now, if you do take a look at We-Flashy’s products, you may find yourself a bit in shock by the prices. While Alex and Mindy have pointed out that the reflective material is extremely expensive, we also have to take into consideration that We-Flashy is a brand new business starting from scratch. I just like to hope that as We-Flashy gets more popular, things will get easier for them and the prices of their products will go down.
Until then, Alex and Mindy have realized this obstacle of cost and decided to start funding for their business on kickstarter.com, a website that allows people to pledge money to new ideas so that the creators can have an easier time getting their idea going. Beginners at the business field, it seems Alex and Mindy know what they’re doing.
So what about those of us who really don’t need products like We-Flashy? Maybe you don’t bike and run at night or maybe you’re just not out at night all that much. There are certainly some things about We-Flashy wear that make it flexible and functional for every day use. While the reflective material reflects bright lights, it’s not very noticeable indoors making it wearable for any time, any day, indoors and outdoors. We-Flashy is also planning to create some new products like hats, scarves, skirts, shoes, and bags.
While We-Flashy may not be for every lifestyle out there, it definitely provides fashion for people who are looking for a versatile and safe way to be seen at night.