Personalised phone case is fashion influencers’ statement accessory now – move over, ‘it’ bags
- Chanel, Louis Vuitton and other labels have been selling luxury phone cases for years, but now specialist brands are offering personalised cases
- Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid are fans of Hong Kong phone case maker Casetify
There was a time – pre-social media and Apple Pay – when a mobile phone served the simple function of keeping one connected with work and family. Now that we rarely leave the house without it, it has become an essential part of our look, much like a handbag or pair of shoes.
“You’re looking at your phone all day every day and if you’re like me, you’re always clutching it in your hand as opposed to keeping it in a bag. It’s only natural that you want it look pretty or match your mood, or at the very least you make it your own or a reflection of your style,” says front-row fixture and influencer, Tina Leung.
A phone case isn’t just about function or usability. How it looks is equally important, which is why the fashion industry – always on the lookout for new categories to explore and capitalise on – has been quick to embrace the trend. So while luxury phone cases have always been available at established brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, now we’re seeing the rise of specialist brands that are dedicated to transforming the phone case into a personal style statement.
“The industry is reacting to this demand as many fashion brands have been offering phone cases for many seasons. Now it’s about creating an entry price piece of luxury that will induce hype and buzz through aspirational customers and on social media platforms,” says Tawny Leung, buying manager at Lane Crawford.