Kenpo is set to unveil it’s new Kenpo Jacket for iPod collection made out of Eleksen Group’s ElekTex smart fabric technology. The collection consists of Spring and Active Wear jackets and uses Elektex technology integrated into the sleeves to act as iPod control pads. With these control pads, a user can turn on/off, play, pause, perform track changes, and volume changes with the iPod.

The Kenpo Jacket for iPod will be offered at major retailers including JC Penny, and Hammacher Schlemmer for a suggested retail price of between $99 to $199.

The Kenpo Jacket is compatible with the following iPods:

  • iPod Video
  • iPod nano
  • iPod with dock connector
  • iPod with click wheel
  • iPod color and photo
  • iPod mini

[Check it out via iLounge]

August 28, 2006 09:00 AM US Eastern Timezone

The ElekTex-Powered Kenpo Jacket for iPod(R) Spring 2007 Collection to Debut at MAGIC

MAGIC 2006

WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 28, 2006–The Spring 2007 Kenpo Jacket for iPod(R) collection, powered by ElekTex(R), is set to be unveiled at the upcoming MAGIC show August 28-31 at booth 20914. Eleksen Group plc (AIM:ELG.L), creator of ElekTex, continues to partner with Kenpo to produce the iPod-ready jacket that encapsulates fashion, technology and design.

Kenpo’s new additions to the outerwear line include Spring and Active Wear jackets. Each jacket uses Eleksen’s smart fabric technology that has been integrated into the sleeves as iPod control pads. ElekTex allows wearers complete control over many functions of the iPod, including On/Off, play, pause, track changes and volume.

“Kenpo’s release of a new range of clothing and its growing adoption by some of America’s largest retailers reinforces our belief that wearable electronics is beginning to hit the mainstream,” said Robin Shephard, CEO of Eleksen. “These new Kenpo designs illustrate that ElekTex is as compelling a solution for lighter weight garments as it is for heavier winter wear.”

The Kenpo Jacket for iPod contains a 5-button switch sensor in the sleeve that requires no batteries and supports most iPod models, allowing for quick and easy access to tunes.

“The overwhelming success of our first Kenpo Jacket for iPod line resulted in the development of an even more unique and sleek collection for the 2007 season,” said Joel Bernstein, Executive Vice President, Kenpo, Inc. “Working with Eleksen has allowed us to develop an accessible interface between wearers and their iPods and we are consistently delighted with the results.”

The Kenpo Jacket for iPod, available at leading department stores and online, is offered in JC Penney, Carson / Bon-Ton, Dr. Jays, Belk, Liverpool, Hammacher Schlemmer and other leading retailers worldwide and has a suggested retail price of $99 - $199 depending on style and make of the jacket. The jacket is machine washable, requires no batteries and is completely self-powered. Pricing and availability varies by market. Visit http://www.kenpofashion.com for additional details.

For more information about Eleksen offerings, please visit www.eleksen.com.

About Kenpo

Kenpo, Inc., headquartered in the fashion district of Los Angeles, California, is a leading manufacturer and distributor of apparel for the general consumer market. Led by a management team of industry veterans, Kenpo’s experienced designers specialize in conceptualizing and bringing to life cutting edge outerwear, denim and fleece styles for the everyday consumer. Leveraging its global capabilities, Kenpo delivers outstanding service and quality to its clients.

About Eleksen

Eleksen Group plc is the world leader in touch sensitive interactive textiles for electronics interface design. The company’s core technology, ElekTex, is a unique electro-conductive fabric touch pad optimized for the creation of flexible, durable and rugged fabric touch screen interfaces. ElekTex is used in applications ranging from wearable electronic controls for consumer electronics and industrial wear to lightweight, low-power touch interfaces for CE accessories, telematics, military, transportation and space suits. It replaces the hard touch pads, flexi-circuits and polymer switches which have limited the growth of the wearable electronics markets. Eleksen licenses ElekTex and reference design to manufacturers for use in custom electronics design and also markets a range of ready-to-integrate solutions for garment, bags and accessories manufacturers. Eleksen is headquartered in Pinewood Studios near London, England and in Waltham, Massachusetts near Boston.

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