Microsoft designer, Rachel Bell, talks the ultimate Surface Pro Cover that every fashion concious individual needs to own.
In celebration of this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA), Microsoft has released a deluxe Alcantara Signature Edition Type Surface Pro 4 Cover, making it the ultimate fashion accessory for the fashion conscious. We caught up with the designer behind the beautiful Signature Type Cover, Rachel Bell, to learn about the covers inspirations, her design practices and what she's most excited to see at MBFWA.
Where did you find your inspirations for the beautiful Surface Pro 4 Signature Type Cover?
RB: I spend up to half of my time traveling the world looking for innovative materials and fabrics to incorporate into Microsoft technology. I find the places, people and experiences all hugely inspiring, but for the Signature Type Cover we definitely drew inspiration from the luxury of premium Italian materials and the Finnish minimalistic design aesthetic.
The cover is a lovely two-tone grey mélange. Why did you select this color?
RB: The two-toned color is unique to Alcantara, as a result of its combined sensory and technical qualities. We wanted a color that expressed sophistication with Finnish minimalistic design qualities, while fitting in with people's everyday lives. Like a favorite cashmere sweater, the grey color is familiar yet fashionable.
Technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with fashion, for example this year's Met Gala theme was all about exploring fashion in the tech-age. Why do you think it's important that fashion and technology intertwines in the future?
RB: Fashion is directly influencing the way that technology is designed, how people interact with it and carry it. Wearable technology can help provide new solutions for people, like researchers creating a dress that enables the deaf to be more aware of their surroundings. Visa versa, technology is also influencing the Fashion industry. For example, 3D printing is creating new ways to design, develop and create. This is inspiring a whole new industry through innovation and more intricate design techniques. The wide array of possibilities for the future is very exciting.
The Alcantara Material grows richer and darker over time. Why was this an important element to consider when designing the cover?
RB: Durability was paramount in designing this product. Much like a high-quality leather jacket that gets better looking over time, the intention was to create a type cover that not only looks great but becomes even more personal as it ages. Just like what you wear, it is a reflection of you.
It takes 5 weeks to create a single Alcantara cover, and the process means no two in the same. Why is individuality so important for this process?
RB: The way people accessorise their technology has become an expression of their personality. No two people are the same, even if they come from the same background. The quality, care and use of Alcantara material are just as unique as the person carrying the device.
What are your key considerations when designing a new Surface Pro cover?
RB: We wanted to build on the great foundation of Surface Pro 4 Type Cover, make it more luxurious, soft to the touch and expressive of those who use it. At the same time, we needed it to be durable to maintain its appearance while standing up to the daily rigors of life.
Why was supreme luxury a must when designing the cover?
RB: We already have great Surface Pro 4 Type Covers that our customers love. With this product we really wanted to show the influence of fashion on technology, to create a luxurious Type Cover that pairs with the beautiful design of the device. The use of Alcantara elevates the material experience even further.
Besides the cover, what other advancements does the cover contain?
RB: The Signature Type Cover is crafted from our latest generation of Surface Pro keyboards, giving you the perfect amount of travel in every keystroke, perfectly spaced keys for fast typing, and a large glass trackpad that feels wonderful to the touch.
Microsoft is the official device sponsor for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. What are you most excited about for this year's MBFWA?
RB: Each year I am always excited to see the new emerging talent. The Innovators Fashion Design Studio always uncovers a surprise, new thinking, and an approach to design that is both naïve and fresh.
Why must every fashion conscious individual own a Surface Pro 4 Signature Type Cover?
RB: Technology is becoming a fashion accessory in and of itself. As this happens, it is even more important for technology to be elegant and understated. We carry these devices around with us everyday, and pour our lives into them. No longer should technology be cold hard and impersonal. The Signature type cover has overcome that convention and become a beautiful, sophisticated and stylish product that I for one am proud to carry. I also adds to my day to day style.
Are there any more exclusive Surface Pro designs coming up?
RB: We are continually innovating to develop new premium and appealing products for our customers, but we don't have any announcements to share at this time.
If you could choose any celebrity to model the limited edition Alcantara Signature Type Cover, who would it be?
RB: Margot Robbie is a master of style, she never misses a step. Always hits the spot for every occasion, whether on the Red Carpet or strolling down the street. Her style is effortless and always put together. I would be proud to spot her sporting the Signature type cover.
To be ahead of the fashion pack and to purchase your very own Signature Edition Type Cover visit the Microsoft Website.
In celebration of this year's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA), Microsoft has released a deluxe Alcantara Signature Edition Type Cover for Surface Pro's, making it the ultimate fashion accessory for the fashion conscious. We caught up with the designer behind the beautiful Signature Type Cover, Rachel Bell, to learn about the covers inspirations, her design practices and what she's most excited to see at MBFWA.
Where did you find your inspirations for the beautiful Surface Pro 4 Signature Type Cover?
RB: I spend up to half of my time traveling the world looking for innovative materials and fabrics to incorporate into Microsoft technology. I find the places, people and experiences all hugely inspiring, but for the Signature Type Cover we definitely drew inspiration from the luxury of premium Italian materials and the Finnish minimalistic design aesthetic.
The cover is a lovely two-tone grey mélange. Why did you select this color?
RB: The two-toned color is unique to Alcantara, as a result of its combined sensory and technical qualities. We wanted a color that expressed sophistication with Finnish minimalistic design qualities, while fitting in with people's everyday lives. Like a favorite cashmere sweater, the grey color is familiar yet fashionable.
Technology is becoming increasingly intertwined with fashion, for example this year's Met Gala theme was all about exploring fashion in the tech-age. Why do you think it's important that fashion and technology intertwines in the future?
RB: Fashion is directly influencing the way that technology is designed, how people interact with it and carry it. Wearable technology can help provide new solutions for people, like researchers creating a dress that enables the deaf to be more aware of their surroundings. Visa versa, technology is also influencing the Fashion industry. For example, 3D printing is creating new ways to design, develop and create. This is inspiring a whole new industry through innovation and more intricate design techniques. The wide array of possibilities for the future is very exciting.
The Alcantara Material grows richer and darker over time. Why was this an important element to consider when designing the cover?
RB: Durability was paramount in designing this product. Much like a high-quality leather jacket that gets better looking over time, the intention was to create a type cover that not only looks great but becomes even more personal as it ages. Just like what you wear, it is a reflection of you.
It takes 5 weeks to create a single Alcantara cover, and the process means no two in the same. Why is individuality so important for this process?
RB: The way people accessorise their technology has become an expression of their personality. No two people are the same, even if they come from the same background. The quality, care and use of Alcantara material are just as unique as the person carrying the device.
What are your key considerations when designing a new Surface Pro cover?
RB: We wanted to build on the great foundation of Surface Pro 4 Type Cover, make it more luxurious, soft to the touch and expressive of those who use it. At the same time, we needed it to be durable to maintain its appearance while standing up to the daily rigors of life.
Why was supreme luxury a must when designing the cover?
RB: We already have great Surface Pro 4 Type Covers that our customers love. With this product we really wanted to show the influence of fashion on technology, to create a luxurious Type Cover that pairs with the beautiful design of the device. The use of Alcantara elevates the material experience even further.
Besides the cover, what other advancements does the cover contain?
RB: The Signature Type Cover is crafted from our latest generation of Surface Pro keyboards, giving you the perfect amount of travel in every keystroke, perfectly spaced keys for fast typing, and a large glass trackpad that feels wonderful to the touch.
Microsoft is the official device sponsor for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia. What are you most excited about for this year's MBFWA?
RB: Each year I am always excited to see the new emerging talent. The Innovators Fashion Design Studio always uncovers a surprise, new thinking, and an approach to design that is both naïve and fresh.
Why must every fashion conscious individual own a Surface Pro 4 Signature Type
Cover?
RB: Technology is becoming a fashion accessory in and of itself. As this happens, it is even more important for technology to be elegant and understated. We carry these devices around with us everyday, and pour our lives into them. No longer should technology be cold hard and impersonal. The Signature type cover has overcome that convention and become a beautiful, sophisticated and stylish product that I for one am proud to carry. I also adds to my day to day style.
Are there any more exclusive Surface Pro designs coming up?
RB: We are continually innovating to develop new premium and appealing products for our customers, but we don't have any announcements to share at this time.
If you could choose any celebrity to model the limited edition Alcantara Signature
Type Cover, who would it be?
RB: Margot Robbie is a master of style, she never misses a step. Always hits the spot for every occasion, whether on the Red Carpet or strolling down the street. Her style is effortless and always put together. I would be proud to spot her sporting the Signature type cover.
To be ahead of the fashion pack and to purchase your very own limited edition Signature Edition Type Cover visit the Microsoft Website.
