Apple has recently released a new product that has caused quite a stir in the tech and fashion world. The limited edition iPhone Pocket is a cloth sling designed to hold your phone, with prices starting at $149.95 for the short size and going up to $229.95 for the long, crossbody size. This new product comes hot on the heels of Apple’s controversial $19 polishing cloth, showing that the tech giant is delving into the world of high-end fashion accessories.
At first glance, the iPhone Pocket may seem like a frivolous purchase, but it actually has roots in the fashion world. Inspired by the concept of “a piece of cloth,” the design of the iPhone Pocket is simple yet elegant, with just one piece of fabric making up the entire sling. This minimalist approach to design is reminiscent of Issey Miyake, the Japanese label behind the iPhone Pocket, known for its innovative and tech-forward fashion concepts.
Issey Miyake, a revered designer who passed away in 2022, was a pioneer of the “APOC” concept, which focused on reducing waste and showcasing innovative design. The iPhone Pocket carries on this tradition, featuring a ribbed mesh structure that subtly reveals the contents of the sling, allowing users to peek at their iPhone display while on the go.
The collaboration between Issey Miyake and Apple may seem unexpected, but it actually has roots in a longstanding relationship between Miyake and Steve Jobs. Jobs, known for his creativity and iconic black mockneck shirt, enlisted Miyake to design a uniform for Apple employees in the 90s. Although Miyake was not directly involved in the design of the iPhone Pocket, the collaboration between the two brands feels like a natural progression of their shared aesthetic values.
The iPhone Pocket comes in both short and long sizes, with the long size building on the trend of crossbody phone accessories. In the short size, which offers a wider range of colors and a lower price point, Apple seems to be tapping into the trend of accessories for accessories. This trend can be seen in the popularity of items like Labubu, a designer art toy that became a craze among collectors.
With the rise of Tap to Pay technology and minimalist lifestyles, the iPhone Pocket offers a convenient way to carry your phone without the need for a traditional wallet or bag. Brands like Free People, Baggu, and Lululemon have also embraced the trend of miniature bags and keychains, making the iPhone Pocket a stylish addition to the accessory market.
While it remains to be seen if the iPhone Pocket will become the next must-have holiday gift, its unique design and collaboration with Issey Miyake make it a standout accessory in the world of tech and fashion. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a fashion lover, the iPhone Pocket offers a stylish and practical way to carry your phone in style.
