Before the Internet, young people would turn to fashion magazines, their friends, or family members to get advice on clothing combinations or makeup techniques so they could present the best version of themselves to the world. But today, consumers are increasingly relying on technology to create fashion and makeup looks, with some even consulting AI before deciding on what to wear for the day. According to a Vogue Business report, TikTok videos of users prompting ChatGPT to build capsule wardrobes or suggest color palettes are starting to gain more views on the platform. These videos are redefining how people, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, shop and style themselves today.
Interestingly, a few films from the 90s and early 2000s have predicted how individuals will be using technology to step up their fashion and makeup looks. Some of these advancements have made the leap from the screen to real life, while others may take a while before they come into fruition. Here’s how movies predicted technology breakthroughs in beauty and fashion.
Outfit Planners and Styling Apps
Movies frequently portray the intersection of technology and fashion. If you think about some of the most noteworthy hacking scenes in cinema, for instance, you’ll notice that not only do the hackers possess superior computing skills, but they’re also often dressed to the nines. Think Trinity’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) sleek leather and latex outfits in ‘The Matrix,’ or Angelina Jolie’s character in ‘Hackers’ and her collection of edgy ensembles. Their clothing clearly signals their connection to a technologically advanced group, and while style may be deeply ingrained in their characters, it’s fun to think that they may have had a bit of fashion help from styling apps or software.
One of the most notable movies that showed how a character used a fashion app is ‘Clueless,’ the 1995 teen comedy starring Alicia Silverstone. In the opening scene of the film, Silverstone’s character, Cher, used a computer program to manage her closet and put together outfits from her existing wardrobe. Back then, teens could only dream about having access to the software to make getting ready easier, but today, there are lots of similar apps that can help you create fabulous looks with a few swipes and taps on your screen. There’s Whering, which has a ‘Clueless’ style wardrobe shuffle feature that can help you see what a certain piece of clothing will look like when paired with other pieces. There’s also the Cladwell app, which offers outfit suggestions and tips to build a capsule wardrobe.
In the future, it’s likely that you won’t even need an app or software to see how a certain outfit will look when it’s on you. Back in 2018, Amazon patented a smart, blended reality mirror that will overlay virtual outfits on your reflection, but there has been no update on its development as of this time. Meanwhile, some retailers have recently started using smart mirrors in their shops, so if you want to check out this technology, you can visit the H&M Times Square store in NYC, or the Adidas store on Oxford Street in London.
Instant Makeup Machines
It’s been nearly 30 years since ‘The Fifth Element’ wowed moviegoers with its dazzling special effects and fun and quirky storyline. To this day, a lot of people are still talking about main character Leeloo’s (Milla Jovovich) edgy haircut and bandage-style bodysuit. Fans are also intrigued about her instant makeup machine, wondering when it will be developed and available for purchase. In the film, Leeloo is seen holding a small black box with a Chanel logo near her face, and after lowering the box, it’s revealed that the object is actually a device that instantly and perfectly deposits eye makeup.
It is unknown whether Chanel is planning to build the device somewhere in the future. If it becomes part of our reality though, the gadget could completely change the way humans utilize cosmetics and skincare products. So far, the closest thing to Leeloo’s makeup gizmo that’s been unveiled to the public is the Nimble Device, which is a boxlike gadget that paints your nails for you. Simply insert your hand into the Nimble, and after a few minutes, you’ll have shiny, manicured, and fully dry nails so you’re ready to go.
If you’d rather have a tech-based makeup solution, consider YSL’s Rouge Sur Mesure, a connected device that can color match and create custom lipstick shades ranging from pale nudes to classic reds. If you ever wanted to have a lipstick that, say, matches the color of a particular rose variant, all you have to do is take a picture of the rose, then the gadget will blend pigments to create the exact same shade. Both the Nimble and YSL Rouge Sur Mesure are available in the market, with the former priced at nearly $700 and the latter at $350.
Tech-based beauty and fashion solutions that have only been previously seen in films are becoming a part of our world. It’s likely that we’ll see more of these in the coming years, so the next time you’re watching a movie, be on the lookout for technology advancements that could revolutionize your makeup and fashion routine in the future.
