Are smartphones the future of fashion? Chances are good that the answer is yes, but the obsessive focus on wearables (think Tory Burch for Fitbit or Tag Heuer's smarter Carrera) has overlooked the fact that phones have always been fashion accessories.
A great phone can be charming, flashy, classic, over done or tres chic and with the amount of time phones spend in our hands, they're certainly competing with more basic bling for attention.
Here are four options that will draw every eye in your direction when you whip out your smartphone:
Glitter & Gold
In some circles, the minimalist iPhone is a luxury in and of itself. But for those whose motto is “more is more” there is no end to the ways Apple's darling can be customized. BRIKK's Lux iPhone 6 Plus is coated in pure, hand polished 24k gold, rose gold or platinum plus extras like a full carat of diamonds, while Gresso's feature grade 5 titanium in limited edition runs of just 999 units. Goldgenie launched a surprisingly traditional 24k gold or platinum Apple Watch, but if nothing other than the real deal will do, the Apple Watch Edition offers just a bit of luxury flair.
Diamonds & Croc
England's VERTU is already world-famous for its handmade luxury phones but the Aster Diamonds Red Alligator most definitely takes the cake. The meticulous craftsmanship really shows in this model, which features a stunning 55 white diamonds on one side of its stainless steel case and gorgeous red alligator leather and the signature polished titanium plate on the other. Each phone is made entirely by hand and is, as a consequence, entirely unique. Red not your color? The Aster Diamonds Black Alligator brings the same level of incredible craftsmanship to the table with 33 black diamonds, 22 white diamonds and beautiful black alligator leather.
Razor Thin & Rare
For those who believe less is more, there are the incredibly sleek Oppo R5 and Vivo X5 Max. There's nothing flashy about these devices other than their makers' commitment to the superlative. The R5, at just 4.85 mm thick, has been called the thinnest smartphone in the world but that title ought to go to the X5 Max, which is actually more than .1 mm thinner. If you can score one of these modest yet exceptionally uncommon mobile devices you'll be one of a kind in a crowd. Both phones are remarkable for their rarity in the US, so expect to attract first attention and then intense envy.
The Best of the Best
Savelli's Emerald Insane makes 24k gold iPhones look like starter models. Natural rubber, high-tech ceramic and 18k white gold are embellished with 900 brilliant-cut diamonds and 75 baguette-cut emeralds set in Savelli's signature swirl. Phones in the Ruby line feature a similar dusting of brilliant-cut rubies. Or take it down a notch with luxury finishes like iguana leather in a bespoke phone created to be yours and yours alone.
When outfitted with the latest mobile technology such as lightning-fast processors from Snapdragon, luxury smartphones are clearly more than just something to keep tucked in our pockets.
How do you show your smart style?
