Fitbit launches Versa accessories collection with PH5

This post was originally published on the Fitbit press site. It has been adapted from its original format.

Fitbit, the leading global wearables brand, today announced availability of the PH5 for Fitbit Versa Collection, which was developed as part of Fitbit’s collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), previewed this past spring. This new line of accessories created for Fitbit Versa, an immediate smartwatch favorite with more than 1 million devices shipped in its first six weeks since launch, offers consumers the chance to bring even more style to their wrist in a fresh and unexpected way. PH5 for Fitbit Versa combines an unconventional approach to knitwear with unique and playful styles, featuring six bands in a variety of bold styles and colors. The PH5 for Fitbit Versa Collection is available now at Fitbit.com, with two designs exclusively at Target (US only).

Sharing a desire to propel the seamless integration of fashion and technology forward, Fitbit and the CFDA joined forces to develop an initiative harnessing the power of today’s most up-and-coming creative minds. Five top emerging brands were invited to submit accessory designs to be considered for Versa, each showcasing a distinct, innovative approach to bringing the future of wearable fashion to market.

With a submission that captured the innovation and approachability of Fitbit Versa itself, New York-based brand, PH5, was selected to create an exclusive assortment of accessory bands for the smartwatch. Inspired by Versa’s lightweight, sleek design and advanced feature set, PH5 has created accessories that offer breathability and flexibility while emphasizing style. Each band pushes the boundaries of what knitwear can do, utilizing high-quality knitting techniques and materials, and leveraging the distinct architectural dimensions of the chosen textiles.

The PH5 for Fitbit Versa Collection styles include:

• Stripe Knit: Inspired by the colors and stripes from the logos of marathons founder Wei Lin has run, and the lines are to resemble track and field courts where many runners train.
• Metallic Knit: Constructed with a specialized knitting technique for a comfortable feel, complimented by a subtle metallic shimmer.
• Rib Knit: Created with raised stripes in cheerful colors for a multi-dimensional textural experience.

“I developed the accessories for Fitbit Versa to be fun and sporty, yet still be luxurious and convey an exclusive fashion statement,” said Wei Lin, founder of PH5. “As a seven-time Ironman triathlete, my own passion for fitness played a vital role in developing the accessories, giving me the opportunity to create a new fashion experience rooted in health and wellness. Fitbit Versa was an ideal device for us to design around, given the versatility of its shape and features, all of which inspire and empower a lifestyle that I truly believe in.”

Versa’s success since launch has demonstrated strong consumer demand for a well-designed health and fitness-focused smartwatch. Characterized by a universal appeal and an ability to express consumers’ personal style, Versa is the most optimal device to experiment with and take creativity to the next level through the collaboration with the CFDA and PH5.

“Working with PH5 on this project has been a lot of fun and I’m thrilled to see their Fitbit Versa Collection concepts come to life. Their truly innovative use of knit materials, playful colorways and overall designs are functional, sporty and sexy. We’re happy to create more fashion-forward choices for our global community of over 25 million active users, and yet another way for Versa to appeal to our customers who want to accessorize,” said Tim Rosa, Chief Marketing Officer at Fitbit. “As the first wearable brand to partner with a leading designer in 2014 with Tory Burch to create a collection of fashionable accessories for a fitness tracker, we’ve seen great success with this strategy that brings innovative, trend-right designs to challenge the way consumers think about wearables and offer stylish options.”

The PH5 for Fitbit Versa Collection is available beginning now at Fitbit.com and Target.

• The accessory bands ($39.95 each) will work with Fitbit Versa and Fitbit Versa Special Edition smartwatches, and are also sold separately at Fitbit.com and major retailers (for $199.95 and $229, respectively).
  • Stripe Knit styles will be available exclusively at Target.
  • Metallic Knit and Rib Knit styles will be available online at Fitbit.com.
    • Additional details about Designer Collaborations for Fitbit can be found at fitbit.com/designer-collections.

About Fitbit Versa

Fitbit Versa is your personalized daily health and fitness companion: a modern, full-featured and competitively priced smartwatch that helps empower you to take action, make the most of every moment, stay connected and reach your goals. A 24/7 health and wellness companion, Versa helps you reach your goals with a personalized on-device health dashboard, a new female health tracking feature and an advanced health and fitness experience – all with up to 4 days of battery life. Versa also helps you stay connected with advanced smart features like phone-free music, secure, wallet-free payments with Fitbit Versa Special Edition, notifications, and Android quick replies – along with more than 1,000 popular brand, developer and experimental Fitbit Labs apps, as well as customizable clock faces.