By 1887, the telegraph enabled an investor in most cities in the U.S. to send an order to New York and receive confirmation of the trade within 90 seconds.

WSJ: New Twist Is Added to an Age-Old Saga

Now, instead of receiving thick-carded invitations to runway shows in the mail, guests are invited via email and directed to bring a barcode printout of their seat confirmation to the show in order to be admitted.

FORBES: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Gets Technical

Unfortunately, the wire bonder episode reveals that these pledges amounted to little more than empty lip-service paid to appease momentarily the legitimate concerns of an important United States Senator in order to facilitate confirmation.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy