Mobile Fashion : An Increasing Trend
Posted: January 17th, 2008, by Yunho Chung
When looking at the evolution of mobile phones it is striking to see the technological development, but it is also quite interesting to note the adoption of fashion in the industry. Not only are the devices we use developing more functions, but companies are now spending more and more time an money investing in creating the most stylish designs and sometimes getting fashion giants to support the effort.
Korea, as in many cases, is a front-runner given that mobiles are so advanced, and mobile culture is so embedded in modern Korean society that phones are now a symbol of status. Korean giant LG teamed up with Prada last year to unveil a luxury phone, as well as with designers Paul Smith and Lee Sangbong.
Other companies have had similar partnerships such as Samsung with Adidas and Armani on different projects, and Motorola with Dolce and Gabana. What these companies have done is not by mere chance but by correctly reading the market. In Korea for example, it is said that the replacement cycle for mobiles in certain segments is of 6 months, which is now aligned with fashion cycles, and shows the growing importance of the luxury mobile phone market, and the influence of fashion in general in the industry.
