WEB
Pop quiz: An intriguing stranger on the train smiles at you. As he presses through the crowd and disembarks, you notice a six-digit number and the address skim.com on his chic pullover. Do you (a) bemoan the misguided trendiness of the Web, or (b) memorize the number and head to www.skim.com?
If you chose (b), you're ready for wearable anonymous interactivity. Zurich-based skim.com's novel approach to postvirtual community involves clothing, a Web site, and a print magazine. All items - reversible jackets, magazine articles, bags that turn into backpacks - are encoded with skim numbers. Jot down the number and head to the Web site's "communication silo," where you can pop in one of the codes and send a message to the item's wearer (or designer). And should someone skim your fabulous gear on the train, you can read their message to you anonymously - whether to respond is your call.
While skim.com's unique concept immediately grabbed me, I was skeptical about the actual products. The Web site, though nicely designed and a breeze to navigate, oozes the sort of trendiness that often accompanies throwaway clothes and/or soulless content. But a sneak peek at the brick-sized international zine revealed a refreshing earnestness about communication and art.
As for the clothes, the gray microfiber skirt I requested proved to be a fairly fabulous piece: Well cut and very current, it's just understated enough. Its glossy pewter side with the large white skim logo near the waist reverses transparently to a subtler matte gray skirt displaying a small blue logo on a cute zipper pocket near the hem. Skim's attention to both whimsical and useful details will undoubtedly win over customers who are as much about fashion as communication.
Skim.com print magazine: $15; waist/chest bag: $79; clothes: various prices. Skim: www.skim.com.
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