There's alpha stage, then beta, then finally gold. But what happens when you have none of that? What if you don't even have a device that works?

Put on a fashion show!

Welcome to the Brave New Unwired World, where 20 twentysomething or teensomething models strap on the latest designs for what we may soon see as the next wave of wearable wireless communications.

Concepts... amazing.
Designs... sleek
Anything working... limited.

Every item is intended to be a wireless device. But since most of them currently have as much functionality as a Fisher Price toy, they're wireless in the same way a rock is wireless.

Contrary to the computer show, that's the format of a fashion show-- to showcase designs of the imagination. And the imagination cannot be constrained by petty little things like being able to work. That's what was so odd. Attendees at computer shows like to see things working. Prototypes at trade shows are usually scoffed at. But here's a parade of prototypes... at a computer show. What happened? Why isn't anyone questioning why nothing works? Oh wait... attractive women. [(Female) Editor's Note: And men.] Ah ha.

People go to trade shows to see cool new stuff. And this fashion show was definitely new and definitely cool. Talk to any representative at any other booth and they'll tell you that what they've got is the hot new thing. Rarely is that the case. To get noticed, you need to venture down the road rarely taken. And in this case, it's technology and fashion. Look at the attendees at Internet World, and you'll come to the same conclusion as I did. Fashion is definitely uncharted territory.

Who's responsible for all these designs? Charmed Technologies, that's who. Touted as a spin-off from the MIT Media Lab, the company was co-founded by a former Czechoslovakian spy, Katrina Barillova. I got a chance to interview her. Her tall and striking good looks made up for her automated responses to my questions. But off camera, Katrina uttered one rhetorical question that rang true: "Doesn't it makes technology sexy?" Yep, and that's exactly what the convention goers could use-- a little sex appeal. Because currently, I'm not getting that vibe from Mr. Ink Stained Shirt.