Dezeen Magazine

LABB by Layer x Noomoon

Benjamin Hubert designs self-gripping strap for Apple Watch

Benjamin Hubert has created an injection-moulded Apple Watch strap, which negates the need for buckles with its self-gripping fastening.

The LABB strap, short for loop-less and buckle-less band, was designed by Hubert's studio Layer for Swiss start-up company Noomoon. It is intended to be used with the Apple Watch Series Two that was released earlier this year.

LABB by Layer x Noomoon

Made from a supple rubber material named fluoroelastomer, the strap is patterned with a series of corresponding holes and protruding elements that grip together along the entire surface to join it together.

These fastening elements are designed to securely lock together while also being easy to detach and remove.

LABB by Layer x Noomoon

"When approached by Noomoon to design a strap for the new generation of smartwatches, we decided to focus on finding an innovative and fun fixing method," said Hubert.

"The result is the LABB, a stylistically new and functionally intelligent self-gripping strap that is inspired by the fast-moving lives we lead, yet surpasses trends to become timeless."

LABB by Layer x Noomoon

The injection-moulded strap is currently available in five mix-and-match colours – black, navy, olive, red and white.

It launched on Kickstarter earlier this month and has already exceeded its goal of 20,000 Swiss francs (£15,880) by 11,000 francs (£8,730).

LABB by Layer x Noomoon

The LABB strap has succeeded in its campaign despite flagging smartwatch sales, which fell by 32 per cent in the second quarter of 2016.

Hubert relaunched his company as Layer in September 2015. The studio has since created a charity collection box for Maggie's, a concept wearable that could track individual carbon footprints and a modular screen system made up of triangular hemp tiles.

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LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon
LABB by Layer x Noomoon