The power and risks of high-tech fashion

New York

NEW to the city last year, Billie Whitehouse was struck by the inevitability of small-scale disaster on the streets of New York. Everywhere, it seemed, people walked with noses pointed into their smartphones. Like herself, these pilgrims were seeking directions. But they were liable to step blindly off sidewalks, to walk up the backs of people ahead of them, or to not notice that shop doors swing open.

A designer from Sydney, Ms Whitehouse, 27, said they were also missing a thrilling world. "It seemed like there was a possibility to create something in navigation clothing," Ms Whitehouse said.