Apple has teamed up with the renowned Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE to introduce a new accessory called the "iPhone Pocket," a 3D-knitted, pleated case that fuses fashion with function. This collaboration exemplifies a blend of Apple’s minimalist design philosophy with ISSEY MIYAKE’s expertise in textile craftsmanship. Scheduled for release on 14 November, the iPhone Pocket will be available at select Apple Stores globally, including prominent locations such as Apple Orchard Road in Singapore, Apple Ginza in Tokyo, Apple SoHo in New York City, and Apple Regent Street in London.
The iPhone Pocket is crafted in Japan and showcases a ribbed open-knit design that flexibly adapts to fit any model of iPhone along with small daily items. Its semi-transparent texture allows users to subtly glimpse the contents inside and even view their phone screen without the need to remove the device from the case. The accessory is versatile in use: it can be handheld, attached to a bag, or worn across the body, catering to diverse stylistic preferences and functional needs.
Available in two strap styles, short and long, the iPhone Pocket offers a vibrant selection of colours. The short strap version comes in eight colours, including lemon, mandarin, purple, pink, peacock, sapphire, cinnamon, and black. The long strap is available in sapphire, cinnamon, and black. The pricing reflects the premium nature of this accessory, retailing at SG$219 for the short strap and SG$329 for the long strap in Singapore, with equivalent prices in other markets such as the UK (£139.95 for the short strap and £219.95 for the long strap).
This launch represents a deeper creative synergy between ISSEY MIYAKE’s research-driven design approach and Apple’s product design ethos. Apple’s Vice President of Industrial Design, Molly Anderson, highlighted that both companies share a philosophy prioritising craftsmanship, simplicity, and delight. She emphasised that the colour range was thoughtfully curated to complement all iPhone models, inviting users to mix and match their accessories to reflect personal style. Yoshiyuki Miyamae, design director at MIYAKE DESIGN STUDIO, underscored the concept of "the joy of wearing iPhone in your own way," pointing out that the design deliberately leaves room for personal interpretation, consistent with ISSEY MIYAKE’s hallmark aesthetics.
The iPhone Pocket also situates itself within a broader trend of brands seeking creative partnerships that fuse storytelling, design, and cultural resonance. Recent collaborations in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, such as Malaysian footwear brand Christy Ng’s nostalgic collection with Mamee Monster, and Toblerone-inspired couture at Philippine Fashion Week, illustrate how these alliances create emotional connections and cultural moments through craft and imagination.
Overall, Apple’s partnership with ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket exemplifies a distinctive intersection of technology and fashion, enhancing the wearable experience of mobile devices while embracing aesthetic innovation.
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Source: Noah Wire Services