When Smartphones Become Stylephones

The cell phone (or mobile phone, depending on which side of the Atlantic you live) has become a the ultimate fashion accessory in many ways, despite its clunky history.
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The cell phone (or mobile phone, depending on which side of the Atlantic you live) has become a the ultimate fashion accessory in many ways, despite its clunky history. Fashion enthusiasts are replacing their tired looking mobile phone with one that boasts a number of fancy features and taps into speedy wireless networks.

But many crave something else -- a mobile that matches their stylish tastes. With high profile names including David Beckham being reported as fans and runway models showcasing cutting edge mobile phones and accessories, there looks to be a market ready to snap one of these phones up.

In fact, the mobile phone industry is making advances in the fashion industry especially since the most expensive iPhone 6 went on sale.

The question to be answered is: Is there a market for the £2.3 million iPhone? Encrusted with a multitude of tiny diamonds encased in a 24 carat gold case the phone has an impressive name to match its price tag; the Goldgenie.

Diamonds last a lifetime; mobiles are expected to last the length of its contract unless of course you too are a lucky owner of this diamond encrusted mobile phone.

Luxury is often seen as a "want" rather than a "need." Every single one of us has a weakness where we will spend beyond our means for something luxurious that we want knowing that we are buying something that not many other people can afford to buy. Yes you can buy a mobile for £10 that has exactly the same functionality as a £10K phone -- but to the owner, this is not the point. You only have to take a step inside the British Museum to see that there are a number of everyday items that are regarded as status symbols. A classic example is a watch. Do you really need a Rolex when you can buy a watch for a hundredth of the price to tell you the time?

If you own a mobile phone you are likely to agree that your mobile is seen as an extension to you. The ability to customize the mobile with hanging charms, sleek and stylish cases, wallpapers and ringtones highlights further it can say a lot about who you are as an individual and how you are represented in society.

For as long as consumers are willing to pay, the technology and fashion sectors will continue to merge into one and are showing no signs of slowing down. Those people who want to follow a celebrity lifestyle are much more likely to crave these forms of customization.

Coming up with the ultimate "wow" mobile phone is easier said than done. Mobile phone that looks good also double up as digital cameras, mobile phone, navigation systems and even TV's. The designers are confronted with a number of barriers; keeping the device small and attractive while cramming in useful features such as a long battery life, an easy to read but large display and other things. It can take years for a luxury mobile phone to go to market which is another reason why they are so highly desired. Consider the standard iPhone for example, marketing and promotion on this can start a year before the release of the product which gets everyone talking about it and wanting it before its official release.

Would you spend thousands on a mobile phone to improve your stance and credibility in society?

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